Bled Slovenia. Lake Bled, Slovenia - how to get there, photos and attractions. When is the best time to go

Useful information for tourists about Bled in Slovenia - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Bled is a ski and balneological resort on the shores of the lake of the same name. It is located on the territory of the Triglav National Reserve and is surrounded on all sides by mountains and forests, so it has its own special microclimate: all summer the weather is sunny and warm and the water in the lake warms up well, and in winter and autumn it rarely rains and fogs. Lake Bled is located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level, its depth reaches 31 meters, and its length is about 2 km. The lake warms up to 24 degrees in summer and freezes only in the most frosty winter.

Bled is a truly year-round resort. Cycling is very popular here: even special bicycle excursions with an instructor are organized for tourists. There are 14 tennis clubs in Bled and its suburbs, and each club has a school where international-class masters teach.

In addition, horseback riding is extremely popular: between Bled and Lesci there is a hippodrome where you can either rent horses or work out at a riding school.

Golf is also popular, and the Bled Golf Club is considered one of the oldest and best not only in Slovenia, but also in Europe. You can play here from March to the end of November. During the playing season, several international tournaments are held here.

Parachuting is one of the extreme sports.

In addition, of course, a lot of water sports: swimming and diving - the swimming season on the lake opens from mid-June and lasts until the end of September.

Lake Bled is an ideal place for sports rowing. Competitions in this sport, regattas are regularly held. Rafting and canoeing are also popular with tourists.

Fishing is also one of the traditional water sports (among the 19 types of fish that are found in the lake, only 3 species are allowed!), you can also fish on the Sava Bohinjska River.

Two main attractions have become a symbol of Bled: the castle of the 13th century towering over the lake and the island in the middle of the lake with the chapel of the Assumption located on it. A beautiful legend is associated with this chapel - if you stand under its bell and make a wish, it will certainly come true.

The castle now houses the local history museum and the museum of feudal culture, as well as a national restaurant. From the observation deck of the castle offers stunning views of the surroundings of the lake and the Alps.

In Bled, it is also worth seeing the parish church of St. Martin, the Church of St. Mark in Vrba, the former residence of Tito - Hotel Vila, the Pokljuka and Vingara gorges.

In Bled you can buy excellent Slovenian wines.

The Bled resort in winter is a place of active winter recreation. The ski season lasts from late December to early March. The nearest ski track Strazha is located 150 meters from the city center. Guests of the resort can also use the nearest ski centers: Kobla, Vogel, Franjska Gora, Krvavec, which are located 18-30 km from Bled.

Ski area: 506 - 634 m.
The length of the ski slopes is 1 km.
The length of the cross-country trails is 15 km.
Number of lifts - 2 (1 chairlift, 1 drag lift)

Additional service: illuminated slopes, night skiing, ski school, snow cannons.

Surrounded by mountains and forests, the alpine lake of glacial origin Bled is located in the north-west of Slovenia, at an altitude of 475 m above sea level. Lake Bled stretches for more than two kilometers in length; the width of the lake is 1380 m. The maximum depth is just over 30 meters.

In the center of the lake there is a small natural island Blejski otok; it can be reached by wooden boats, which can be rented at boat stations and at the pier, near the Park Hotel. The ancient Bled Castle rises above the lake, from which panoramic views of the Alps open. The castle houses a historical museum, as well as a restaurant serving national cuisine.

On Lake Bled, at the foot of the Julian Alps, there is a resort of the same name with a special subalpine microclimate, thanks to which the swimming season on Lake Bled is the longest among the Alpine lakes - and lasts from July to early September. The most comfortable temperatures for swimming are set at the end of July and remain until the end of August; during this period the water warms up to +25°C. The mountains protect the area from cold northern winds - and dry sunny weather is observed on the lake throughout the summer.

Bled is a fashionable and prestigious alpine resort, rich in thermal springs, the water from which flows into the thermal pools of hotels located by the lake.

Beaches

Bled has two beaches. Entrance to the equipped beach, which is located opposite the Park Hotel, is paid, and to the unequipped one, located opposite the Vila Bled Hotel, is free. Hotels do not have their own beaches; the exception is the luxurious Grand Hotel Toplice, which includes a small equipped beach.

It is important to consider that during the summer months the resort is very popular - and the beaches are quite crowded.

Accommodation

There are about a dozen and a half hotels and boarding houses of various categories along the lake, where you can stay comfortably. In total, there are four 3 * hotels on the coast, six 4 * one five-star hotel. It is best to choose a hotel with a view of the lake, which will allow you to enjoy the scenery without leaving your room.

Entertainment

Bled is a resort for those who prefer silence, solitude and a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle. Despite this, the resort can be engaged in active sports. In particular, on the shores of Lake Bled there are mountain bike rentals, and a short distance from the coast there is a golf center and a farm where you can ride horses, as well as tennis courts. In addition, Bled has restaurants, an entertainment center and a concert hall, which turn into a venue for festivals during the summer months.

How to get there

Ljubljana Airport is located just 34 kilometers from Bled - and you can get to the resort in 25 minutes by taxi. From the center of Ljubljana, the most convenient way to get there is by bus or taxi, which are located at the railway station. Ljubljana and Bled are also connected by suburban traffic, however, it must be borne in mind that the nearest station to the resort is Lesce-Bled, located at a distance of four kilometers.

The most detailed description with photos, main attractions, how to get there and location on the map.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is a real Slovenian fairy tale, located in a valley surrounded by the spurs of the Alps. The lake with the purest water, in which the mountains are reflected, is included in the list of the best alpine resorts. Bled attracts many tourists throughout the year who love the charm of mountains and nature, peace and tranquility, active recreation and fresh air.

Useful information for tourists about Lake Bled

1. The height above sea level is 500 meters, the rocks of the castle are 604 meters.
2. The number of inhabitants of the city of the same name is more than 5,000 people.
3. The maximum water temperature is 26 0 С.
4. The area of ​​the lake is 144 hectares, with a length of 2120 meters and a width of 1380 meters.
5. There are thermal springs of mineral waters with a constant temperature of 23 degrees.
6. Bled enjoys a mild healthy subalpine climate with the longest swimming season of any Alpine resort. The average temperature in July is 18.7 0 С, in January -1.2 0 С.
7. The maximum depth of the lake is 30.6 meters.
8. Distance from Ljubljana Airport - 35 km.
9. The number of rooms is more than 2000 rooms. There are inexpensive hostels, campsites, pensions and apartments.

How to get to Bled?

It is also possible to come to Lake Bled from Italy (Trieste), Croatia (Zagreb), Austria (Graz). It is better to take a ticket to Ljubljana. Then by bus to the city of Bled. The distance from the capital of Slovenia is 50 km.

Map - sights and interesting places of Lake Bled

natural attractions

One of the visiting cards of Lake Bled. There are several steep observation decks that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

• Ojstrica - 20 minutes walk, height 611 meters, great view of the campsite and the surroundings of the lake.
• Osojnica is one of the favorite spots for photographers, so grab your camera and get ready for some amazing views. Walk - 45 minutes along a fairly steep forest path leading to the small Osojnica (685 m) and another 20 minutes to the top of the big Osojnica (756m). The climb will reward you with the best view of Lake Bled and its surroundings.

a beautiful mountain gorge with emerald water, waterfalls, pools and rapids, located 4 km west of Lake Bled. One of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.

Bled Island- the most recognizable symbol of the lake, the island of the same name. Here is the Orthodox Church of the Assumption.

Rest among the stunning alpine nature in the heart of forests, meadows and pastures.

Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia, one of the oldest in Europe. Here you can enjoy stunning views of pure and untouched alpine nature.

Cultural sights of Lake Bled

Symbol of Lake Bled, Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, the church was built on an old Slavic sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Ziva. The sanctuary was destroyed during clashes between pagans and Christians. In the 11th century, a Romanesque chapel was built here, in the 15th century the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style, and in the early 16th century, after a strong earthquake, in the Baroque style.

The current form of the church dates from the 17th century, when it was rebuilt after another earthquake. In the architecture of the church, a 56-meter bell tower stands out, which was built in the 15th century. It has 3 bells. To climb up you need to overcome 99 steps.

beautiful neo-Gothic temple located in the city of Bled. Built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of an old Gothic church. The well-known Slovenian architect Pleknik had a hand in its creation. Inside the church is decorated with frescoes.

A beautiful old castle, located on a picturesque sheer cliff above the lake. The history of the castle dates back to the beginning of the 11th century. Basically, it was a defensive structure with towers and powerful fortifications, ditches filled with water and a drawbridge. The most interesting of all the surviving buildings is certainly the Gothic chapel. During the warm period, the castle is the scene of various cultural events dedicated to the Middle Ages. Now the castle is a museum picturesque architecture, which exhibits interesting expositions representing the historical development of Bled and its culture. The cost of visiting the castle is 5 euros.

Symbols of Lake Bled

A little about the most famous symbols of Lake Bled

A wooden boat with a flat bottom, a pointed prow and a stern for passengers. This is a traditional means of transportation on the lake, which can only be found here. Highly recommended to take a tour of the lake on this boat.

cream cake is a famous local dessert.

Coachman Fijaker- Romantic trips in a traditional carriage with a coachman.

Location: Slovenia
Square: 188.5 km²
Maximum depth: 30.6 m
Coordinates: 46°21"50.3"N 14°05"39.0"E

Almost all tourists who come to Slovenia try to visit the picturesque glacial Lake Bled, which is considered the most beautiful natural landmark of this country. People come here to see the oldest Slovenian castle and a small temple on the island, admire the absolutely clear water and relax in a popular balneological resort.

General view of Lake Bled

Geographic features and climate

Slovenian Lake is located at the foot of the Julian Alps, on the territory of the Triglav National Park. It has dimensions of 2.12 by 1.38 km and a depth of just over 30 m. The natural reservoir was formed in a tectonic depression, thanks to the Great Bohinj Glacier.

Mountains reliably protect it from cold northern winds. Due to the mild subalpine climate, dry sunny weather reigns here in summer. The water in the lake warms up to +24°…+25°С, and both locals and tourists enjoy swimming in it. It is noteworthy that the swimming season on Bled lasts longer than on other alpine lakes. It starts in July and ends in September. In winter, the lake freezes, but frosts in these places are not severe.

Bled lies at an altitude of 501 m above sea level. Not far from it rises the highest mountain in Slovenia, Triglav (2864 m). The silhouette of this peak can be seen on the coat of arms and flag of the country. Due to the excellent climatic conditions and luxurious nature, the mountain reservoir is often called the “Paradise under Triglav”.

Lake Bled with the Alps in the background

Balneological resort

The small town of Bled is located on the shore of the lake, surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. It attracts travelers with thermal springs and ancient buildings. Since 1856, Bled has been known as a popular European resort, and thanks to this, the Slovenian lake has become one of the most visited lakes in the world. People come here for silence, solitude and a relaxing holiday.

The thermal springs of Bled are considered truly healing. They contain a large number of trace elements that help normalize metabolism and get rid of a number of chronic diseases. Many comfortable 3-5 * hotels have been built around the lake, and there are several excellent beaches. Water from thermal springs flows into hotel pools, and several popular spa complexes have been created here.

Opposite the hotel "Park" there is a paid beach, and everyone is allowed to enter the beach area near "Vila Bled" freely. Apart from the Grand Hotel Toplice, other hotels do not have their own beach areas. Those who prefer to spend their holidays in a tent go to the western shore of the lake, where the territory of the tourist camp is located.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on an island in the middle of the lake

Things to do on the lake

People go to the resort town of Bled not only for the sake of healing with thermal waters. During the tourist season, a lot of holidays, sports competitions and festivals are held on the shores of the lake. Theater and musical groups from Slovenia come to Bled to perform. Artisans put up for sale their handicrafts, and artists - paintings and drawings with views of Bled and the spurs of the Julian Alps.

At the end of July, the Slovenian resort hosts a celebration with colorful fireworks. And in August, an international music festival is held here, where you can listen to performances by folk groups and classical music concerts. In addition, major rowing competitions are held on the lake from time to time.

There is a 6 km long trail around Bled, along which tourists travel on foot, on bicycles and on horseback. For vacationers, the resort has modern tennis courts, an indoor artificial ice rink, and a popular golf center has been created 2 km from Bled. The favorite entertainment of tourists is horse-drawn light carriages - fiacres. Therefore, from early morning until late evening, the measured clatter of hooves is heard through the streets of the resort town and on the banks of the reservoir.

From left to right: Bled Castle and St. Martin's Church with the Alps in the background

In winter, Lake Bled becomes a natural skating rink. Deep snow cover and mild climate make its surroundings a great place for fans of skiing and snowboarding. Not far from the lake there is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Its tracks are designed for both beginners and experienced snowboarders and skiers. The winter season in Bled starts with the Christmas holidays and lasts until the beginning of March.

Many travelers go to the mountain lake not only for the sake of natural and architectural sights. Bled is a true gourmet paradise. Coffee houses and restaurants of the resort town offer delicious cakes "Kremna rezina" to vacationers. Masterpieces of culinary art are baked from delicate puff pastry and richly decorated with whipped vanilla cream. We are not talking about any "rubber"! Translated from Slovenian, the favorite delicacy of locals and tourists means "cream slices".

Church of Saint Martin

Fishing enthusiasts also do not leave Bled unattended. Fishing is allowed on the lake in certain places, although for this you need to purchase a special license.

Traditional boats "pletna"

Tourists are very fond of riding on the mirror-like surface of Bled in wooden “pletna” boats that look like Venetian gondolas. It is curious that "wattles" have been made since the end of the 16th century and this type of boat is found only on Lake Bled. They have a flat bottom, a pointed nose and a bright canopy that protects passengers from rain and sun. The rowing profession is highly respected by the locals and is passed down from generation to generation.

Wooden boats are waiting for tourists at the southeastern shore of the lake. The "wattle" can accommodate up to 12 people. Having collected passengers, the boatman rows standing up, using two long oars, and carries tourists to the island of Blejski otok. The boat trip lasts from an hour to an hour and a half and gives all its participants a lot of pleasure.

Wooden boat "pletna"

Castle on the rock

The old fortification on a rocky cliff is considered one of the main decorations of Lake Bled. It hangs over the water itself and is effectively reflected in the mirror waters of the mountain lake. The climb to the castle is not very easy, but the views from above impress even sophisticated travelers. From the castle, in all its splendor, the forested shores of Lake Bled and the peaks of the Julian Alps open.

The fortifications on the rock were erected at the beginning of the 11th century and completed in the Middle Ages. Today, the old buildings have been restored and are used by the historical museum. In the wine cellar, where everyone is allowed, visitors are allowed to pour wine from a barrel into a bottle and cork it themselves, and on a press machine in an old printing house, guests of the castle can print a small souvenir for themselves.

An excellent restaurant serving national cuisine operates in old buildings. The food there is very tasty, but the prices for dishes are quite high. The ancient castle looks very impressive at night, when skillfully made lights are turned on on its walls and towers.

bled castle

Island on the lake

On a small island, located right in the middle of a mountain lake, rises the old Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Boats bring tourists to the pier, from where they can climb the picturesque stone stairs to the temple. Today there is a museum of ecclesiastical art here, and travelers are allowed to enter it for a fee of 3 € (2017).

The first chapel on the island appeared during the time of the Bishops of Brixen. In the 12th century, a basilica was erected in the middle of Lake Bled, and after it, a Gothic temple. The church, built in the Baroque style, has survived to this day. When archaeologists worked on the island, they discovered 124 burials of the 9th-11th centuries near the temple.

Sometimes, tired of the noisy metropolis, polluted air and hot asphalt, you really want to find a place for a family vacation away from the city, in a quiet and cozy corner of untouched nature, where you can breathe fresh air and get rid of worries.

Bled resort is one of the few places in Europe where communication with nature is a special pleasure, and modern tourist infrastructure unobtrusively fits into the landscape and does not disturb harmony.

The resort seemed so calm to you that it was even boring? Do not rush to conclusions. Our article will tell you why holidays with children in Bled are spent by lovers of skiing, and those who cannot imagine a vacation without excursions, and connoisseurs of complete relaxation.

Bled on the map of Slovenia

The city of Bled is a small resort in the northwestern part of Slovenia, near the border with Austria and Italy, at the foot of the Julian Alps and on the coast of Lake Bled.

It is part of the Gorensky region (the administrative center is the city of Kran). The distance from Bled to Ljubljana is 54 km, to Jesenice - 17 km, to Kranj - 26 km, to Klagenfurt (Austria) - 83 km.

The region where Bled is located is rich in natural beauty. Among them is Lake Bled, incredibly beautiful, with transparent water of a fantastic turquoise color and with its own zest, thanks to which it cannot be confused with any other: in the center of the reservoir there is a miniature island with the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

You can sit on the beach for hours and enjoy the magical scenery and the soothing ringing of bells coming from the island.

Vacation with children

Why is Bled so loved? First of all - for its versatility. It has everything you need for a good and pleasant stay: mountains with a lake that just beg to be seen in the lens, thermal springs, infrastructure that satisfies the tastes of even the most demanding tourists, attractions that will not let you get bored.

Although many consider this resort to be a romantic place for couples, holidays in Bled with children are no less successful. Why not? Quiet, calm, beautiful and, most importantly, healthy.

Here you can often see mothers with prams or babies who have only recently taken their first steps, but are already going on long journeys with their parents.

And the older the child, the more options for spending time: walking around the lake, riding a traditional wooden boat - “wattle”, cycling, swimming in the lake, visiting the rope park, as well as various excursions will make family vacation rich and interesting.

Of course, you should not come to Bled with children of senior school age, for whom rest is primarily noisy groups of friends, discos and fun.

True, teenagers can be seduced by skiing, mountain climbing or an excursion to Ljubljana: if your child likes these activities, then he will not be bored.

And yet the main thing that people come to Bled for is harmony and tranquility. Here it is possible to relax with the child so that all problems disappear from the head.

Nature plays a role in this, but hotels are also worthy of praise: comfort and care are provided to you. The resort has specialized family hotels, where it is especially good to relax with a baby.

About, what else is Bled good for children you will learn in the following sections.

When is the best time to go

You can try to divide the tourist season in Bled into thematic races: winter is the time for skiing, spring is for romantic trips, summer is for a beach holiday, and autumn is for treatment at thermal springs.

The division, of course, is arbitrary, because people come here in search of romance all year round, and they swim in the lake even in winter - in February, the resort hosts the World Winter Swimming Championship.

When is the best time to go to Bled? When choosing a vacation date, focus primarily on the age of your children.

With kids, it is best to go to the resort in late spring, summer or early autumn. This is a good time for walks, picnics in nature and other outdoor activities.

Opening of the beach season in Bled occurs in mid-June, when the water in the lake has time to warm up.

With older children, it is interesting to come to Bled in winter, when the ski slopes are open. The best time for skiing is from the end of December to the middle of March.

However, preschool children will also like the resort in winter: in Bled every year they organize a “Winter Fairy Tale” with a Christmas market, an exhibition of nativity scenes and an entertainment program for children and adults.

When planning your trip, be sure to check the calendar of events in Bled. For example, in March there is a carnival, in April - a rowing regatta, in June - the days of medieval culture and a night race around the lake, and in July the city day is celebrated.

Weather and climate

The mild climate of Bled is a merit of the Julian Alps and the Karawanke range, which protect the city from the cool northern winds.

True, because of the mountains, rain clouds linger over the resort, and in the warm season it rains periodically. To the delight of tourists, the sun shines over Bled much more often.

Usually, for holidays with a child in Bled choose summer when you can swim in the lake. Sunbathing on the beach is most pleasant in July-August, when the air warms up to + 20-28 ° C. The nights are very cold: with the advent of darkness, the temperature drops to + 8-12 ° C.

In September, summer heat alternates with cooling down to + 10-17 ° C. It rains less often than in summer, but the sky frowns every now and then. In October, the average daily temperature is +12°C, in November it is about +6°C. In late autumn, night frosts down to -3-6°C are possible.

Winter holidays in Bled are usually devoted to skiing. What will please the weather? In December-February, daytime temperatures range from -2°C to +6°C, and at night it gets colder to -3-10°C.

The resort itself is rarely covered with snow., but in the mountains, heavy snowfalls create good coverage on the slopes.

At the beginning of spring, the weather hardly changes, except that at the end of March the temperature rises to + 10-12 ° C. But in April it can warm up to + 13-17 ° C at the resort (although it still freezes at night).

May and June are good times to visit Bled with a baby. The temperature is kept within + 16-24 ° C, the heat does not pester, and after rains it is especially easy to breathe.

What season can be called the time for the best vacation in Bled with children? Perhaps it is easier to say that the trip should not be planned for the second half of autumn and the middle of spring. Traveling to another time promises to be enjoyable.

Lake water temperature

How can you relax on the shores of Lake Bled and not swim in its clear water? If you are going on vacation in May, you will have to wait a bit with swimming: the water temperature barely reaches + 16-17 ° C.

During June, the temperature of the lake manages to rise to + 20-23 ° C, although sometimes the water remains as cold as in May.

But in July-August, the water temperature in Bled reaches + 24-25 ° C - this is enough for children to feel comfortable while swimming.

In September, the water in the lake still maintains a temperature of + 20-23 ° C, but in October it is already very cold to swim.

Nutrition

It is unnecessary to talk about the fact that you can eat deliciously in Bled - of course, the resort has restaurants of traditional and European cuisine.

But one local cake with the funny name "flint rubber" or "cream schnit" is worth mentioning. Do not be afraid, it has nothing to do with rubber, and its name is translated very simply - “a cut off piece of cream”.

You can order a cake at any pastry shop or cafe in Bled, but, as the locals say, the most delicious is served in the Park Hotel cafe.

Hugely popular with adults and children, this local delicacy consists of two sheets of puff pastry stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth soufflé and custard.

Its popularity can only be compared with the Italian "tiramisu" or the Austrian "sachertorten", so be sure to try this dessert during your holiday in Bled.

Transport

Do you need public transport in Bled - a town that can be bypassed in an hour at a leisurely pace? Tourists who love peace and comfort successfully do without trips.

Well, fidgets will rather need intercity buses that go to Ljubljana and other cities. A ticket to Ljubljana costs about 8 euros, tickets for children 4-10 years old will cost about 4.7 euros, for children under 4 years old - 1.50 euros. The bus schedule is at the bus station.

Hop-On Hop-Off buses help you get around Bled. They run in July-August and connect Bled with the surrounding towns and villages. A full-day ticket costs about 8 euros, children under 10 travel free.

Winter transport in Bled - ski buses that take tourists to Vogel, Kranjska Gora and other ski resorts. To ride the ski bus for free, you need to have a valid ski pass.

Bicycles are more commonly used to get around Bled than cars. There are several bike rentals in the city center. True, there are no special bike paths in Bled.

The Bled tourist site has phone numbers for taxis and car rental companies.