Official Name

Bled. The German name of the town is Veldes. The full name of the famous lake itself is Blejsko Jezero (jezero=lake).

Location

	Bled

Bled and the lake are tucked away in the north-west corner of Slovenia, some 60 km away from the capital →Ljubljana. The closest border crossing to Austria at Jesenice is around 20 km away to the north; the Italian border crossing at Fusine is more than 40 km away. The average altitude of Bled is 500 m above sea level.

The settings couldn't be better - to the north, the large Karawanken (Karavanke) range marks the border to Austria, to the west the Julian Alps with the 2,864 metres high Triglav in the middle dominates the scenery. Mt Triglav also marks the centre point of Triglav National Park. The lake and the town do not belong to the national park. The town and the lake lie between two small rivers feeding the river Sava, a tributary of the Danube, near Bled.

Population

Around 5,500 inhabitants. The town can accommodate up to 4,000 visitors. In summer, visitors usually outnumber the locals.

Orientation

The small city of Bled lies at the eastern shore of the lake and is rather hilly, so it's not possible to see everything at once. The bus station faces the long main road Prešernova Cesta and is quite central. From there, it takes less than 5 minutes to walk to the lake. The town is a nice and green, fashionable resort with an appropriate atmosphere. However, don't expect any architectural jewels in town. The only exception is the fantastic castle towering high above the lake not far from the town. The tourist information can be found inside Hotel Park not far from the lakeshore.

There's no central train station. One of the two stations lies east of Bled, is called Lesce-Bled and is more than 4 km away. Another, but less important station is located on the top of a hill near the western lakeshore. The station is called Blejsko Jezero Stanzio. From there, it's around 3 km to the town.

	Lake Bled and the beautiful surroundings

History

In the year 2004, Bled celebrated its 1000th anniversary. But the area around the lake was inhabited long before the dawn of recorded history. This doesn't come as a surprise, since the naturally protected area is a perfect place to settle. In the year 1004, the German emperor Heinrich II gave the area around Bled to the bishop of Brixen (a small town in the Italian part of South Tyrol) as a present (that's what I call I nice gift!). Soon after that, the emperor gave away the castle, too. Apart from short interruptions, Bled belonged to the clergymen of Brixen until the 19th century.

Bled has always been popular with pilgrims heading for the church on the tiny island (see below). Since 1850, less clerical visitors discovered the favourable climate, the minreal springs and the beautiful landscape of Bled. Among them was the Swiss doctor Arnold Rikli, who started making use of Bled's quality as a health resort. Ever since, the place was a famous resort no matter who ruled the country. The Serbian royal family as well as Tito had their summer residences in Bled. It was not before 1960 that Bled was granted the right to call itself a town. The popularity of the town has not waned at all - especially during the summer months the town becomes very crowded with tourists.

Getting there / transportation

The above mentioned train station Lesce-Bled is one of the stations along the international railroad from Munich (!) to İstanbul resp. Athens (!!!). This means that it's easily accessible by train. But as already mentioned above, the train station is more than 4 km away from the centre. Shuttle buses run between the station and the town. For more details on how to get to Slovenia and the capital Ljubljana see →Travel information Slovenia. From Ljubljana to Bled it takes almost one hour by train, but only five trains a day stop in Lesce Bled.

It's much better to go by bus. The bus needs slightly more than one hour from Ljubljana, but it stops right in the centre of Bled. There are several dozen buses each day - at least during the summer months. The fare for a single ticket is around € 5.

Indeed, Bled is a veritable place to be. There's almost everything you need for a perfect landscape: Snow-covered mountains, a crystal clear lake, a tiny islet with a small church on it, a remarkably warm climate and a fairytale castle on a more than 100 metres high rock towering above the lake. Have I forgotten something? Yes, and more or less warm mineral springs. It is little wonder that Bled is a highly popular place.

	Bled Castle and the Karavanke range

The lake itself is rather small - the water surface is 144 hectares only. It stretches around 2,100 metres from east to west and less than 1,400 metres from north to south. The maximum depth is 30 metres only. Natural mineral springs with an average water temperature of 23° feed the lake. The mineral water can also be used to cure infirmities. Not only thanks to the springs, the water is unusually warm making it possible to splash around even in autumn - a rarity in the Alps. This phenomenon is also possible because of the massive mountain range in the north, preventing cold winds from falling in. Hence, it's quite warm in the summer and comparatively moderate in winter.

	Bled island and church

The town itself is not particularly interesting and quite calm - except for the hordes of tourists. The cultural highlight is the Blejski Grad (Bled Castle) west of the centre. The castle occupies a more than 100 m high rock towering above the lake. The castle was used as the residence of the Bishops of Brixen. As already mentioned above, the bishops owned the town as well as the castle for around 800 years. Today, the castle houses an interesting historic museum, a nice, old chapel and a restaurant. Admission fee is € 2. However, the most interesting thing about the castle is the splendid view over the lake.

In the centre of the western half of the lake, there's the tiny Blejski Otok (Bled Island). The mystical island is not very large, leaving only enough space for a church and a few trees. The church was probably first built during the 8th or 9th century. The present Baroque church is much younger. The belfry dates back to the year 1534. Devica Marija cerkev (St Maria Church) has always been a very popular place of pilgrimage. It is said that there was once a temple dedicated to a Slav goddess behind the church.

A boat takes visitors to the island. There are two landing stages - one in the town, another one at the closest point to the island on the southern shore. The return fare is € 5, the boat doesn't leave before it's full. There's a very nice hiking trail leading all the way around the lake. The trail is less than 10 km long, so it's a pleasant 2 hours walk. The southern shore as well as the area around the town are not very attractive - the nice view is obstructed by countless hotels and other buildings. However, there are nice and calm places along the northern and western shore, where you can enjoy the crystal clear, emerald green water of the lake in the front and the high mountains in the back - with the small island in the middle. Indeed, a picture post card idyll.

Needless to say that the area around Bled is the perfect place for hiking and climbing. Vintgar Gorge, some 4 km north-west of Bled, is a popular destination. West of Bled, you can see the distinctive three-headed Mt Triglav (2,864 m), the highest summit of Slovenia. Everyone can climb Mt Triglav during the summer months, providing that you are in good condition.

	Astoria Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$75 Price: from US$7 Room amenities: air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Astoria Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Bled. All 72 rooms at the hotel have all the modern facilities guests' would expect from a hotel of this class. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer. This Bled accommodation features on-site facilities such as room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, safety deposit boxes, tours. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, golf course (on site). The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make your reservation at the Astoria Hotel via our secure online booking form, please submit your visit dates.

	Golf Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$94 Price: from US$9 Room amenities: inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Golf Hotel Bled lies only 30 km (18 miles) away from the airport. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Room amenities include non smoking rooms, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television. The basic amenities provided at this Bled accommodation comprise room service 24hr, shops, casino, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts, spa. Along with its convenient location in Bled, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. To proceed with your reservation at the Golf Hotel via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Best Western Kompas Bled Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$101 Price: from US$1 Room amenities: hair dryer, television, shower, mini bar, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Best Western Kompas Bled Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Bled. This 4-star hotel was established in 1968 and offers 95 guestrooms. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, hair dryer, television, shower, mini bar. This Bled accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including gym/fitness facilities, sauna. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make your reservation at the Best Western Kompas Bled Hotel quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Park Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$82 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: daily newspaper, inhouse movies, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Park Hotel is located in Bled making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The hotel has a total of 217 well-appointed rooms designed with the guests' comfort in mind. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub. The amenities and services offered at this Bled accommodation include room service 24hr, shops, casino, elevator, coffee shop. The hotel offers massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym/fitness facilities to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Bled, making it a distinct accommodation. For your reservation at the Park Hotel Bled, please select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Grand Toplice Hotel
	Rating: 5 Price: from US$128 Price: from US$1 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace >>Check availability

>>Description

The Grand Toplice Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Bled. The Grand Toplice Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace. The amenities and services offered at this Bled accommodation include room service 24hr, bar/pub, restaurant, disabled facilities, business center, pets allowed. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make a reservation at the Grand Toplice Hotel Bled with our secure online booking form, please choose your preffered period of stay.

	Jelovica Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$63 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, balcony/terrace >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Jelovica Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Bled. All 85 at this 3-star property offers well-furnished rooms and attentive service. Each guestroom features amenities such as hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, balcony/terrace. The basic amenities provided at this Bled accommodation comprise room service 24hr, casino, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym/fitness facilities, sauna, water sports (non-motorized). The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make your reservation at the Jelovica Hotel via our secure online booking form, please submit your visit dates.

	Trst Hotel
	Rating: 2 Price: from US$62 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, bathtub >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Bled has to offer with Trst Hotel as a base. All 45 rooms at the hotel are well-appointed with necessary amenities to ensure that each guest's satisfaction. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, television, bathtub. To suit guests' convenience, this Bled accommodation offers pets allowed. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make your booking at the Trst Hotel Bled, please enter the dates of your stay and sumbit our secure online booking form.

	Apartments Golf Bled
	Rating: 0 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Apartments Golf Bled is located in Bled making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Apartments Golf Bled boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV. This Bled accommodation features on-site facilities such as safety deposit boxes. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including massage, jacuzzi, sauna, pool outdoor. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Bled, making it a distinct accommodation. To book a room easily at the Apartments Golf Bled, please submit your travel dates and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Ribno Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$66 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: >>Check availability

>>Description

The Ribno Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Bled. The Ribno Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. This beautiful Bled accommodation provides meeting facilities , salon to suit all guests' utmost convenience. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, jacuzzi, sauna. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To proceed with your reservation at the Ribno Hotel via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Hotel Krim Bled
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$65 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, balcony/terrace >>Check availability

>>Description

The Hotel Krim Bled is located in Bled making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Room amenities include non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, balcony/terrace. This Bled accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. To make your reservation at the Hotel Krim Bled quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with our secure online booking form.

We returned to →Ljubljana the same day, so I cannot recommend a place. But as already mentioned above, there's more than plenty of accommodation in town - camp sites, private rooms, hotels etc. The tourist information in town can help. It's also possible to do Bled as a day trip.

• www.bled.si Well done, official website of Bled with plenty of useful information. In Slovenian, German and English.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Bled? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.