Still in Slovenia, I left the beautiful city of Ljubljana in a rental car and headed for the resort town of Bled and the shores of Lake Bled. Driving into this town I felt like I had just entered a Hollywood set. The scenery was so beautiful It was hard to believe it was even a real place. Bled’s showpiece is its gorgeous lakes and mountains. It’s a paradise for bikers, hikers, campers, families, and the perfect getaway to just relax and recharge.
The first thing I saw as I entered the town was the stunning Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the city. In the distance stood the beautiful Church of the Assumption, located on Bled Island in the middle of the lake. The only way to get to this church is by boat. You can rent a rowboat, a paddleboard, kayak or you can take a “pletna,” which has been compared to a Venetian gondola. By tradition, the “pletnars” (boat rowers) have handed down the ownership of the boats within their families for centuries.
Once on the island, it’s 99 steps leading up to the chapel and Bell tower. The continuing legend is that if you carry your bride up these 99 steps, you will live a long and happy life together. There is also a tradition of walking up to the top of the bell tower and ringing the bell for good luck. After waiting an hour, no one offered to carry me up the steps and I did not ring the bell, so not sure where my future luck stands.
I decided on a quick day trip to nearby Pokljuka, a pristine plateau surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. This is another paradise for hikers and nature lovers with numerous trails offering breathtaking views of the Julian Alps. After a relatively easy four-mile hike, I stopped for lunch at a restaurant in the middle of these mountains and feasted on roast suckling pig that had been cooked under a metal dome for hours. It was delicious.
I was told a visit to Lake Bohinj was a must, especially to escape the crowds in Bled. Lake Bohinj is in the Triglav National Park and features a huge lake surrounded by mountains. It reminded me very much of California’s Mammoth Lakes. Visitors can rent a rowboat to explore the crystal-clear waters or hike along the scenic trails around the lake.
The joke was on me because expecting to experience a tranquil afternoon, it was anything but. It was very crowded with bikers in the road, people walking and crossing streets without looking, and cars parked every which way along the lake. I did a quick drive through and couldn’t wait to make my way out.
I can imagine how in the off-season it would be a very beautiful and tranquil place to hang out, but do not go in the summer. I feel the same about Lake Bled. There are too many tourists in the summer to fully enjoy the experience. I suggest Spring, Fall, or even winter when snow covers the mountains.
Onto Part 2!
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