Bled, A Destination That Will Surprise You
Once upon a time there was a blue lake, with swans
, ducks and gondolas with tourists, who live in perfect harmony. In the lake water the green sea reflects, while the mountain seems to be cut off by the white clouds, incredibly soothing. As in any story, the lake has a castle with red and pointing towers. And in the center, there is an island from which a bell tower rises. This is not a fairy tale; and neither a processed photo. Once upon a time there was Bled, a real holiday destination in shades of green and blue.Like any man, curious to know where he is going to go next, I searched for information, and especially for photos of this tourist destination in Slovenia. The first impression: "it's too good to be true". Once I got here, however, I understood from the first few hours that the pictures I've seen were not embellished. A little later, I was to figure out where the tourist slogan ("Imago paradise") of this mountain resort comes from.
You will experience the paradise or the fairytale-like landscape as soon as you get out for a walk, to get familiar with the place. It is said that the air in Bled and the hot springs have healing effects. I do not know if it so, but in the week I've spent there, despite a very busy schedule, I felt more relaxed and lighter than after any long and restful sleep.
A fairytale lake, with an island where your desires are fulfilled
The glacial Lake Bled is the main attraction of the resort. Formed from the Bohinj glacier, the lake is now part of the Triglav National Park, together with the whole resort. To protect it from pollution, you can not move through it with means of transport other than the ones equipped with paddles or electric motor.
To go all around it, you have to walk a distance of 6km. It took us about 4 hours, but the experience was worth it. On the way you will find traditional gondolas, "Pletna", which became a symbol of Bled. Another type of boats that can take a walk on the lake with is the Swan boat. One hour will cost 12 euros.
You can stop in a souvenir shop or in one of the few terraces which exist around the lake. The smell of wood, the lake's bustle, whose light changes from one moment to another, the silence and the air itself are alluring and deeply relaxing.
From the early morning hours until late in the evening you can hear the church bell located on the island. Once you visit the island, you will find out why the bell is heard so often. The Church of Assumption is attractive for tourists not only because of architectural elements, but also for the bell. They say you must make a wish and to pull the bell three times for your wish to be carried to heaven. Another legend connected with the church is one with the stairs. Traditionally, it is said that the groom has to carry the bride in his arms, climbing the 99 steps leading to the church. In exchange for this effort, they will be happy in love.
If you want to visit the island, you need to take a gondola. I will cost you about 12 euros for the entire trip. The admission to the island costs 3 euros per person and in this price the admission to the exhibition is included as well.
The castle in Bled is another attraction on the lake that should not be missed. The Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia. It was first mentioned in a document in 1011. You can visit the museum and you have the possibility of dining in the castle's restaurant. One of the most important values held by the castle is a 500 years old printing press. From the castle's terrace you will have a view which you will find difficult to give up.
Slovenians understand how to protect the nature in Bled
In a simple walk through the resort it's difficult not to observe the perfect cleanliness, the people's high degree of civilization and also their hospitality.
Near the lake, you will always find ducks and swans, which live a peaceful life, undisturbed by the tourists. While you're making a panoramic picture, such a duck may appear out of the blue. It will jump from the water directly on the sidewalk, it will seek a place in the grass, somewhere close, and it will go to sleep, totally unaffected by the fact that you're around. Even near the terraces overlooking the lake, these birds walk freely, a sign of the fact that they do not feel threatened.
Bled is a member of the Alpine Pearls, a tourist association whose main purpose is to promote tourism with minimal impact on the environment (sustainable tourism). The tourist destinations that are part of this organization must be accessible by train, so that tourists to be encouraged to use less polluting means of transport than using their private cars. The destinations in question have at least minimum ecological standards and offer activities and programs that include protecting the environment.
If in the '90s, the main tourists that came here were the ones from UK, after the sterling's devaluation most people that spend their holidays in Bled come from Italy. The other tourists are Germans, Irish, Austrians, etc. "In late 2009, the number of registered nights that were spent in Bled decreased by 5%", said Eve Stravs Podlogar, director of the Slovenian Tourist Board in Bled.
However, the approximately 15 travel agencies in the region continue to invite tourists to discover the natural richness of the area through organized excursions. Moreover, the resort is extremely tender in holiday activities. The natural beauty of the place makes even the most sedentary tourist to gather his courage and to use his energy in a healthy way. It may be cycling, golf, paragliding, horse riding, rafting, canoeing, swimming, tennis, simple walks or hiking in the mountains. And for a truly special experience, there are also the balloon rides.
In the summer, from the Straza Hill you can practice tobogganing, a fun sport for both adults and children. Those who slide on the ice for fun during the winter will surely be delighted by the little cars that carry them with haste on the track of 520meters. The difference in altitude is 131meters. The fun costs 7, and respectively 4 euros per person.
Those passionate about shopping, however, may be somewhat disappointed. Bled is not the kind of city with malls and other centers like this. In fact, Bled is one of the few municipalities that don't have a commercial center. But you will find small shops here, both in the center of the resort and in more remote areas, like those around the lake. The shops are generally oriented towards tourists. But you will find a wide range of products, from decorative objects, to books or wines. A cup with the castle's image will cost you 6 euros, a magnet for the refrigerator, 3 euros, a book of traditional Slovenian recipes, about 25 euros.
And if you want a particular product, look for the stalls around the lake. Here I met a Slovenian artist that came to Bled to sell his creations of hand-painted glass. The prices vary: an average vase is 15 euros, a set of six glasses, 13 euros, a small container, 5 euros etc. "Slovenia has a very strong glass industry. These products are made here in Slovenia and they have motifs specific to this country like, for example, the carnation. The vases are made from solid and heavy glass, and this way they can be used as normal containers for flowers, but also for candles. Because of their height you can also put them outdoors and the candle inside is protected from the wind. That vase is made in 24-48h", he explained.
How a holiday in Bled will cost you
If you want to spend a holiday in this mountain resort, you can choose either of the two seasons of the year. The summer and the winter are equally impressive due to the natural landscapes and the way the Slovenians understood to protect their environment. The high season covers three months, June, July and August.
The easiest way to get to Bled is by coming from Ljubljana. The Joze Pucnik International Airport is located near the capital, very close to the village of Brnik. From the airport to Bled you will make about 45 minutes. From Ljubljana to Bled driving on the road takes about an hour. It must be said that there are no direct flights to Ljubljana. You will find tickets with stop-over in cities like Munich or Vienna. The good news is that the second flight, to Ljubljana, takes very little. From Munich, for example, the flight doesn't take more than 45-50 minutes.
In Bled, the accommodation offer is pretty diversified. You will find 3, 4 and 5 stars hotels, lodges, villas, private rooms, hostels, offers in tourist farms and camping areas. For a 3 stars hotel the average price is 80 euros per night for a double room. For the 4 stars category, the amount reaches 120-189 per night.
Those traveling with children can find hotels that offer various facilities, from family rooms to animation programs. The prices are also for families.
The hotels offer special packages from time to time, which include a certain number of nights and various other services or facilities. For example, a package of seven nights in a superior double room costs 359 euros per person, according to the Astoria Hotel. The offer includes accommodation with breakfast, a welcome drink, a dinner at the Bled Castle restaurant, various discounts for pool and massage and other facilities.
Regarding the prices for meals, in Bled you will find many terraces and restaurants with tasty food. The appetizers can be quite expensive. A seafood salad, a plate with cheese or one with various kinds of sausages can cost between 7.5 and 9 euros. In some cases, however, the dish is for two persons, so the choice may be advantageous. You can eat a hot soup, with 2.5 - 4 euros. The average prices for the main courses are between 9 and 12 euros. For example, a Ljubljana style turkey or pork costs 9.5 euros. If you choose a garnish of potatoes (fried, boiled, etc), the price is 2.5 euros and 40 cents more for a salad mix. A beer will cost you 2 - 2.5 euros.
Bled is a fairytale place, but in the same time it's a reality. Romantic for lovers, green for the environmentalists, sportive for active people, relaxing and healing for the elderly, the mountain resort is a holiday destination which always has something alluring for those who visit it.
Bled, A Destination That Will Surprise You
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