Nominated as one of the seven new wonders of the world, Lake Bled is a lake in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia. Located 55 km from the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, it lies in a picturesque landscape surrounded by mountains and forests.
The small island of Bled is situated right in the middle, and it is known for being the only island in Slovenia. You can get there on a traditional wooden boat known as “pletna,” operated by standing rowers, or “pletnars.”
The island is most famous for its 17th century church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, which is full of Gothic frescoes and rich Baroque decor. Legend has it that if you listen to the church bell and ring it yourself, it will make all your wishes come true.
On the north shore of the lake lies the Medieval Bled Castle, standing on a cliff towering over the lake. Its elevated location makes for a stunning viewing ground of the entire lake, its island, and the surrounding forests and mountain peaks.
The castle itself hosts an impressive museum collection, as well as a restaurant, and the scenery around it makes it a beloved wedding venue for many.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to try the famous dessert Bled Cream Cake, called “kremšnita.” It is an original Slovenian cream pastry, which is made to this day following the unchanged 60-year-old recipe.
Not far from Lake Bled there is a 1.6 km-long Vintgar gorge, where the river Radovna carves its way through the vertical rocks of the Hom and Boršt hills. Attracting hundreds of nature lovers with its wooden bridges and viewing galleries strewn across waterfalls, pools, and cascades, it is truly an impressive sight to see.