Bled: lake, island & castle

Lake Bled

From whichever point you leave, you can make the trail around the lake which is 6km long and 30m deep on its deepest point. On sunny days you can see the Karavanke mountains. Around the lake you can see many people in their kayaks. You can also swim inside the lake as many people do. Close to the Bled-Jezero railway station several piers are located where some people jump and swim. Near the town Bled, on the other side of the lake, there is bathing area where you pay an entrance fee where they offer changing rooms, playground for children, toilets and a bar.

Lake and the island. Source: http://flexitreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Bled-Lake-Slovenia-I.jpg

The Bled island

The church of the Assumption is located on the island and represents the most recognizable symbol of the place. 99 steps lead to it. People that lived in the area during the 1st millenium were Pagans and they were praying to goddess of love Živa (meaning life in english). Afterwards they converted to christians and built a chapel to honor St. Mary. In 15th century, they built the Gothic church with the bell tower.

The legend says that once upon a time the widow lived in the castle. Her husband was killed and she decided to make a bell by melting her golden property. However, the bell never came to the church as it sank in a storm along with the crew on the way there. After the incident, she decided to become a nun. The pope hear about it and he decied to place a new bell in the church. If you ring a bell three times and make a wish, it will come true.

Bled castle

The castle is elevated on the cliff but the view from the viewpoint up there is really worth the climb. Inside you can visit the museum which among other things offers you an inside view of manual printing the traditional way. The entrance fee is 8€ (for students 6€). During the summer, numerous events take place on the courtyard, such as people dressed like during the middle-ages playing songs on traditional instruments.

Bled castle. Source: http://kamnaizlet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blejski-grad.jpg

Way to the island

The pletna boat is traditional way to reach the island. Those boats are made of wood and can be found across the lake. For larger groups it's better to make a reservation but you can also buy your ticket in places where the boats are anchored and when the boat is full, the boat leaves to the island. 20 people can go on one of them. Their origin is in the 16th century and the ownership still runs in the same family. The oarsman is standing and rowing at the back of pletna. The price per person is 12€ for a round trip. If you are traveller on a budget you can also rent your own boat for less and row to the island by yourself.

Pletna boat. Source: http://sup-slovenia-discovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/lake-bled-pletna-boat-standuppaddling.jpg

Other to-do things

You can visit the town Bled and try the typical dessert Blejska kremšnita. Not far from the place there are several hiking trails you can take. There is also adrenaline park for those who wish to experience something that runs blood down their stream. You can rent sup and try your balance on the lake. Straža hill that rises from the banks of the lake offers a slide in small yellow wagons.

How to get there

From Ljubljana you can take the bus which is the cheapest option. Bus station is located in the center of the town Bled and also very close to the lake.

Personally though, I prefer to take the train as you can see some really nice views of the mountains and the river Soča with tpical emerald color on the way. But beware as there are two stations with the name Bled. First one goes directly to Bled-Lesce but it's 4km from the lake itself. It is walkable distance but it is better to take another option. That is to go first to the station Jesenice and there transfer to another train that goes to Nova Gorica. Then you exit at the station Bled-Jezero which is near the lake and you just have to go down the stairs to reach it. If you are planning to return at late hours, check the train departures first as there are many trains leaving only on particular days.

Railway station. Source: http://finestayslovenia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bled-jezero-railway-station.jpg