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$61 Price: from US$6 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

The Astoria Hotel is located in Bled making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The hotel provides all the amenities that today's travelers desire in all of its 72 rooms. The guestrooms are equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower. Hotel facilities offered at this Bled accommodation include room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, golf course (on site). With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Astoria Hotel Bled, please select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Golf Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$85 Price: from US$8 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 is located in Bled making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Golf Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, bathtub. Services and amenities available for guests at this Bled accommodation consist of room service 24hr, shops, casino, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, indoor pool , jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym, sauna, tennis courts. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Bled. To book a room easily at the Golf Hotel, please submit your travel dates and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Kompas Bled Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$97 Price: from US$9 Room amenities: hair dryer, television, shower, mini bar, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Kompas Bled Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Bled. The hotel is a low-rise building with 95 fully equipped rooms. Room amenities include non smoking rooms, hair dryer, television, shower, mini bar. The basic amenities provided at this Bled accommodation comprise room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service. The hotel offers gym, sauna to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. To book a room at the Kompas Bled Hotel, please select your dates of travel and complete fill out our secure online booking form.

	Park Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$76 Price: from US$7 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. All 217 guestrooms at the hotel provide all the comforts and conveniences guests would expect in a hotel in this class. In-room facilities include non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, hair dryer, in room safe, television. This beautiful Bled accommodation provides room service 24hr, shops, casino, elevator, coffee shop, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities to suit all guests' utmost convenience. The hotel offers massage, indoor pool , jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym, sauna, spa, water sports (non-motorized) to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Bled. Make your reservation at the Park Hotel Bled now by selecting your chosen dates of stay and submitting our secure online booking form.

	Grand Toplice Hotel
	Rating: 5 Price: from US$107 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 hotel features a wide range of modern facilities and services in its 59 well-appointed guestrooms and throughout the premises. In-room facilities include non smoking rooms, air conditioning, television, bathtub, shower. Hotel facilities 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 proceed with your reservation at the Grand Toplice Hotel via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Jelovica Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$60 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, balcony/terrace >>Check availability

>>Description

The Jelovica Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Bled. This 3-star hotel offers 85 comfortable guestrooms with a range of in-room facilities suitable for the modern traveler. Room amenities include hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, balcony/terrace. The amenities and services offered at this Bled accommodation include room service 24hr, casino, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, indoor pool , jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. Being one of the good quality hotels in Bled, guests staying at this hotel will find its convenient location and tranquil atmosphere pleasurable. To proceed with your booking at the Jelovica Hotel, simply choose your travel dates and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Trst Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$57 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: in room safe, television, bathtub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Trst Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Bled. This 3-star property offers travelers a choice of 45 pleasant rooms that are equipped with the standard amenities of hotels in its class. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with in room safe, television, bathtub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. To suit guests' convenience, this Bled accommodation offers meeting facilities , car park. 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 Trst Hotel Bled, please choose your period of stay and fill out our secure online booking form.

	Apartments Golf
	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 is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Bled. The Apartments Golf boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. The guestrooms are equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV. To suit guests' convenience, this Bled accommodation offers safety deposit boxes. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor pool . Along with its convenient location in Bled, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. To reserve a room at the Apartments Golf, simply select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Ribno Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$77 Price: from US$7 Room amenities: internet access (wireless), bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Bled has to offer with Ribno Hotel as a base. The Ribno Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. All of the guestrooms are replete with internet access (wireless), bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. Services and amenities available for guests at this Bled accommodation consist of meeting facilities , restaurant, WiFi . Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, jacuzzi, sauna. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To reserve a room at the Ribno Hotel, simply select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Krim Bled
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$62 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, balcony/terrace >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Hotel Krim Bled is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Bled. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, balcony/terrace. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Bled hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, bar/pub, restaurant, business center, pets allowed. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Hotel Krim Bled Bled, please enter your preferred visit dates and follow 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.