Lake Bled (Slovenia): reviews of tourists, photo

Today we will consider one of the most beautiful sights of Slovenia. This country is famous for its wonderful nature and historical monuments. Lake Bled (Slovenia) combines beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions. It is a presentable spa resort where you can improve your health in thermal springs. What do tourists say about the rest on Lake Bled? Is it worth to trust a beautiful photo, representing a blue-green surface in the middle of wonderful mountains? Read about this in our article.

Lake Bled: directions

This natural reservoir is located in the north-west of Slovenia, in the region of Kraina. From the capital of the country Ljubljana it is separated only forty-five kilometers. And the international airport Brnik is even closer - only 32 km. On the shores of Lake Bled is a homonymous town with a population of five thousand inhabitants. Getting to this resort is not a problem. Nearby are the railway line and the motorway leading from Ljubljana to Villach. Tourists are advised to get to the lake by train. The Jezero Bled railway station stands almost on the shore. The road is very beautiful, leading along the picturesque Socha River. Lake Bled (Slovenia) has a border location. Only eight kilometers to the north - and you are already in Austria. And if you follow the west, after 40 km you will be met by sunny Italy. And this pleasant neighborhood should be taken advantage of - the holders of the Schengen visa recommend. From the town of Bled, the roads lead to the mountains: to Triglav National Park, to another natural sight of Slovenia - the Bohinj lake (20 minutes drive), to the ski resort Kranjska Gora.

Geography and climate

The reservoir is of glacial origin. It is located at an altitude of five hundred meters above sea level, in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Once, in the period of global cooling, the glacier slipped from the slopes and squeezed with its mass a depression, which was then filled with thawed water. So Lake Bled was formed. Now the pond eats cold mountain rivers and hot springs, beating in its depth. Sometimes these thermal keys are reserved for the pools of coastal hotels. In winter, the lake freezes only in very severe frosts, which do not happen every year. In summer the water warms up to + 20-24 ° C. The bathing season here opens in June and ends in early September. But this does not mean that the rest of the time the life at the resort freezes. After a short lull, ski holidays begin on Lake Bled (Slovenia). The resort has a unique microclimate with a lot of sunny days. The lake itself is not very large. Its length is just over two kilometers and its width is one and a half. But the pond is deep enough. The maximum parameters are 30 meters. In the middle of the lake there is an island Blejski otok.

Where to stay

The resort began to develop in the late nineteenth century, when the town and Lake Bled (in German Veldeser See) were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Therefore, do not be surprised at the presence here of a large number of ancient villas and hotels. The lion's share of hotels have on their signboard three or four stars. But enough in the resort and budget hostels, and luxury "fives." The private sector offers a wide range of accommodation, from modest apartments to villas. Most of the hotels are located on the east coast. In the west of Lake Bled there is only a campsite, the conditions in which the reviews are praised. If you are a lover of solitude, choose the southern part of the pond. There are only a few hotels located in the distance from each other. Tourists note that the virgin nature - crystal waterfalls, deep gorges, mountains and the Pokljuka plateau - are combined with a high-quality European service. And, as all the reviews say, a vacation on Lake Bled will cost you several times cheaper than on Garda or Lago Maggiore in neighboring Italy.

Summer resort

Most tourists come to the town of Bled in the warm season for swimming and sunbathing. But only one hotel on the lake has its own beach. It is a luxury spa hotel "Grand Toplice". In the town of Bled there are two beaches. One of them is well equipped, but paid. It is located opposite the Park Hotel. On the second beach - at the hotel «Villa Bled» - free entrance. True, there is no reason to expect there for some luxurious conditions. In addition to beach holidays, "summer" tourists can swim to the island on traditional boats "wattle". They look like Venetian gondolas - with a canopy from the sun. On the island is the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. If three times to hit the bell at this chapel and make a wish, then it is sure (at least so say the tourists) will come true. In summer, you can rent mountain bikes or go hiking. Tourist locomotive travels all the lake Bled. Photos made from such a train will be counted in gigabytes.

Winter resort

From the end of December to March, Bled is reviving again. In winter, it is transformed into one of the largest ski resorts in Slovenia. Although, as the reviews say, the aces there will seem boring. Trails are most suitable for beginners and those cautious skiers who avoid extreme. But the nearest route with two lifts (saddle and rope) is located just a hundred and fifty meters from the center of the town. Its length is 820 meters, and the difference in altitude is 135 meters (from 635 to 500). A free bus runs around the resort, delivering skiers from all the hotels to the lower station of the ski lift. Tourists who came to Lake Bled in the winter can purchase a ski pass, which allows to ride not only on the routes of this resort, but also the whole area of Kranjska Gora, which also includes Vogel and Kobla. The distance of twenty kilometers to higher mountains will help overcome the ski bass. The price of the ticket includes not only the passes to the ski lifts, but also the use of a skating rink in the Palace of Sport, and a visit to Bled Castle. The ski slopes are equipped with snow cannons and lighting in the evening.

Required to view

The main cultural attraction that glorified Lake Bled (Slovenia), reviews called the castle of the same name. It was built on top of a 130-meter steep cliff directly above the water surface. In written sources, the castle (originally called Feldes) was first mentioned in 1004. Then the Emperor Henry II granted this stronghold to Bishop Brixen Albuin. After the Battle of Dry Kruty (1278), the castle, together with the entire province of Kraina, moved to Rudolf I from the Habsburg dynasty. As part of Austria-Hungary, the region remained until the end of the First World War. Only for a short while, from 1809 to 1816, the castle entered the Napoleonic Illyrian provinces. When Krajina became part of Yugoslavia, Bled turned into a summer royal residence of the Karageorghieviches. Socialist leader Josip Broz Tito also highly appreciated the beauty of the castle. The museum, this medieval fortress, repeatedly rebuilt and expanded by subsequent owners, has already become an independent Slovenia. The reviews are highly recommended to visit this castle. You will not regret the spent eight euros. In the castle there are two courtyards, which are located one above the other and are connected by a ladder. Downstairs are farm buildings, and at the top - living quarters and a chapel of the XVI century. The lock surrounds the moat, through which the bridge is tossed.

Be sure to try

No less popular than the medieval citadel and the church on the island, uses a local cake "silicon rubber". This ridiculous name translates as a "cut piece of souffle". The local delicacy is a puff pastry with a layer of custard. When you come to rest on Lake Bled, be sure to try this cake. The most delicious is served in the coffee shop of the Park Hotel.

Relaxation

The lake's glade is not plowed by puffing boats and noisy motor boats or water scooters. Here take care of the environment. Lake Bled reviews are called "amazingly clean," "crystal," "pristine." However, it annually holds international competitions in rowing. There are so many fish in the waters of the lake that it fearlessly wipes off the bodies of those who bathe. The beaches are dotted with tennis courts and golf courses. For people far from sports, a concert hall, a casino and an entertainment center are built.