Welcome to Bled
Bled is a town in Slovenia, on the east side of Lake Bled.
What to see:
Lake Bled. Formed after the recession of the Bohinj glacier at the end of the Ice Age. As much as 2120m long and 1380m wide. Maximum depth is 30.6m. With no natural tributaries, it is fed by a few springs
Bled Castle, (follow the paths marked Grad for a 15 minute steep climb). 8AM-7PM, until 5PM in winter. A picturesque white and red castle enclosed by a Romanesque wall with parapets, ramparts, and towers. The current incarnation of the castle dates from the 17th century and was restored in the 1950s. The upper courtyard includes a 16th century chapel decorated with frescoes from 1700 and includes a painting of Henry II conferring Bled to Bishop Albuin. There is a small museum with an exhibition on the castle's history and the usual array of medieval pomp, pageantry and weaponry. However, the items do not include descriptions in any language. The castle terrace offers great views of the lake and island below. There is also a small wine center run by Andre, the monk. There, for the price of a champagne bottle (€15) Andre will teach you how to perform Sabrage, or Sabree, the art of cutting the top of the bottle off with a blade. You can also bottle, label, and wax stamp your own wine right in the cellar with Andre. The wooden steps near the wine cellar lead to small shop that sells various herbs and oils. Go in here for the smell. Adults €7, students €6.
Bled Island, (By rowboat or pletna - see above). Excavations on the island have revealed the remains of a pre-Romanesque Chapel and a large Slavic cemetary dating to 9 AD
Church of the Assumption. 8AM-dusk. The present baroque church dates from 1698. Well preserved frescoes depict scenes from the life of Virgin Mary. Ring the wishing bell, which was installed in the original Gothic church in 1534. The Provost's house and the smaller building behind the church were used as guesthouses. According to local tradition, a husband who can carry his newly married bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage, and ringing the bell in the church will fulfill one of your wishes. €3
Iglica Waterfall, (4km southwest of Bled, in the caves of Iglica, near the village of Bohinjska Bela). 18m high, but very narrow waterfall over a vertical wall of Permian limestone. Popular for rock climbing. If you go up the stairs you have a beautiful view over the whole area.
Babji Zob (Hag's Tooth) Caves, (4km southwest of Bled, near the village of Bohinjska Bela). 300m cave system includes rare helictites (calcium deposits) and a tooth-shaped pillar atop a 1128m peak. Very different than other caves in Slovenia. Three-hour tours take place Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the summer. Meet at Bohinjska Bela 34.
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