Holiday in Lake Bled

About Lake Bled

Lake Bled is the epitome of romance: a tiny island with a white Baroque church sits in the middle of an emerald-green lake, flanked by a medieval castle on a 130-meter-high cliff and the snow-capped Julian Alps in the background. It is a scene so perfectly composed that it almost seems unreal — and yet it is very real and just a few hours' drive from Munich. The tradition of Pletna boats — handcrafted, flat-bottomed gondolas rowed by standing rowers to the island — dates back to the 12th century. Upon arriving at the island, one climbs 99 stone steps to the Church of the Assumption, whose wish bell is said to grant any wish if rung three times. Whether it works is debatable — but the atmosphere on the quiet island, surrounded by smooth water and mountains, is indeed magical. Bled Castle, built in the 11th century and thus the oldest castle in Slovenia, offers a classic postcard view of the lake and island from its rocky throne. Inside, there is a museum, a printing workshop with a historical Gutenberg press, and a wine cellar where you can bottle your own wine and label it personally. The lake itself is warm enough for swimming in summer (up to 26°C) and is surrounded by a 6-kilometer-long promenade, which is one of the most beautiful walking paths in Slovenia. The Vintgar Gorge, just 4 kilometers to the north, leads over wooden walkways and bridges along a roaring gorge to a 13-meter-high waterfall — a perfect half-day trip. And the famous Cremeschnitte (Kremšnita) enjoyed at the Grand Hotel Toplice, right on the lakeshore, is the sweet conclusion to a perfect day.