Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
access to the region. Hike up to Bled Castle for intoxicating vistas. Make a wish and ring
the bell at the island church. Wander or bike the dreamy path around the lake. Sit on a dock,
dip your feet in the water, and feed some of the lake's resident swans. Then dive into some
of Bled's famous cakes while you take in the view of Triglav, Slovenia's favorite mountain
beyond a handful of pubs—giving hikers and other holiday makers a chance to recharge.
Bled is also a great jumping-off point for a car trip through the Julian Alps (see next
chapter), and a wide variety of other worthwhile side-trips are right at its doorstep. These
include the less developed lake named Bohinj, even deeper in the mountains; a spectac-
ular (yet easy) hike in the nearby mountain gorge of Vintgar; the pleasant Old Town of
Radovljica, with its fascinating little beekeeping museum; and the ironworking town of
Kropa, boasting a museum that attracts the kind of people who wonder how things work.
Bled and its neighboring mountains deserve at least two days. With one day, spend it in and
around Bled (or, to rush things, spend the morning in Bled and the afternoon day-tripping).
With a second day and a car, drive through the Julian Alps using the self-guided tour in the
next chapter. The circular route takes you up and over the stunning Vrši
č
Pass, then down
the scenic and historic So
č
a River Valley. Without a car, skip the second day, or spend it do-
ing nearby day trips: Bus or bike to Radovljica and its bee museum, hike to Vintgar Gorge,
or visit Lake Bohinj (all described under “Near Lake Bled,” at the end of this chapter).
The town of Bled is on the east end of 1.5-mile-long Lake Bled. The lakefront is lined with
cafés and resort hotels. A 3.5-mile path meanders around the lake. As no motorized boats
are allowed, Lake Bled is particularly peaceful.
