Picturesque Lake Bled

In the northwest corner of Slovenia, the city of Bled has one of the most picturesque, postcard-worthy lakes in Europe, complete with its own tiny island (the only island in the entire country)! Like many cities founded in the Middle Ages, Bled has a castle dating to the 11th century that towers above the city on an imposing cliff. According to some, this is the oldest castle in Slovenia, and one of the most popular tourist attractions. Doubly fortified walls surround two courtyards (an upper and lower) providing beautiful views of the lake, the city, and the countryside.

Scenic view of Lake Bled and the island from the lower courtyard of the castle.

City of Bled from the Castle wall. The Austrian border is about 60 miles to the north.

Additional outer fortifications were added to the castle in the 16th century after an earthquake damaged much of the buildings.

View of the lower courtyard and the Romanesque-style tower that was part of the original castle design.

View of the upper courtyard with its small chapel (left) and museum rooms with exhibits of castle history and various armaments.

After walking around the castle for a while, we boarded a small boat (gondola) to row out to the island. Motors are not allowed on Lake Bled, because apparently it is easily polluted. Lack of good water turnover from the few streams flowing in and out coupled with the lack of wind that could cycle water from the bottom to the top surface could make the lake water stagnant. Like some other glacial lakes formed in mountainous areas, Lake Bled is protected from wind by the surrounding mountain ranges.

At a distance, we could appreciate how difficult it must have been to build the castle on that sheer cliff. With its surroundings of high mountains (the Julian alps) and beautiful blue-green lake water, the Bled castle looks like a setting for a fantasy movie.

The flat-bottomed Pletna boat design dates back to the 12th century; each hand-crafted boat is powered by the muscles of the oarsman as he rows with his two,16-foot oars from a standing position in the rear of the boat.

The tiny wooded island has several buildings on it, including a church and a free-standing 170 foot bell tower, which sadly has NO view from its top because of the wire mesh over the windows.

Only 99 steps up to the central courtyard where the church and bell tower are located. If a couple wishes to get married in the church, the groom must carry the bride up the step and into the church in order to ensure a long and happy life together.

In addition to the beautiful and ornate interior, the church has a wishing bell. But wishes are only granted to those who can ring the bell three times with a single pull, and who truly believe in God. (Photo from Fine Stay Slovenia)