After trekking the Vintgar Gorge, our day trip from Ljubljana continued as we found our way to Lake Bled, a truly majestic lake with the clearest water you can imagine. The only comparison I can make is that of Lake Tahoe where the water is stunningly clear – and cold.
I’m guessing most everyone has seen the iconic photo of the church sitting on a small island, in the middle of a lake in the Julian Alps, in Slovenia. I know I have. I’ve seen that photo more times than I can count always thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to see it for myself.
Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria sits atop Bled Island.
Majestic Lake Bled
And, now I have and it did not disappoint. Majestic. Lake Bled is majestic. Lake Bled is pristine. It’s not a large lake, we walked around the entire lake in maybe two hours stopping to oohh and aahh along the way. Beautiful evergreen trees with crystal clear water and snuggled up against the Julian Alps, how picture postcard perfect can it be? One tidbit about the little island sitting in the middle of Lake Bled is that the island is the only natural island in all of Slovenia. That’s kinda cool, right?
Lake Bled
I really don’t have a story to tell about our visit to Lake Bled. We just embraced the moment of being there and having the time together in such a beautiful spot. But, I thought the lake was worthy of it’s own post because it’s so darn pretty and how often can one say they have walked around a like in Bled, Slovenia set in the alps?
Oh, and there is a castle on the cliff overlooking the lake. Of course there is.
Castle Drop Off
On our return trip from Vintgar Gorge to Lake Bled, the shuttle driver volunteered to drop us off at the castle overlooking the lake. I would highly recommend doing as we did. Visit the gorge first, get dropped off at the castle (because you would not want to climb the stairs up to the castle – trust me) and then spend the rest of your day walking around the lake as if you don’t have a care in the world. You can even carry along your swim suit and stop to splash in the water at one of the beaches. There are a few snack shops and cafes at the beaches as well.
The Ideal Day Trip
Visiting Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bled make for the ideal day trip from Ljubljana. Even better, spend a night or two in the town of Bled and take in the charm of the village.
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Lake Bled is so gorgeous, perfectly positioned there surrounded by the mountains and greenery. Walking around the lake must have been a truly special moment? One can never get tired of seeing the iconic photo of the little church on the island…I hope to visit it one day.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Travelling To Popular Places: The Depressing Effect of Mass Tourism
Lake Bled is all kinds of wonderful, Gilda, it was picture postcard perfect. We were so fortunate to have ideal weather that day as well. We’d love to return to Slovenia one day to see more of the country.
Awesome photos, Patti and your description of your day spent around and about Lake Bled describes the magic of those times when you are indeed ‘present’ and enjoying every perfect moment of a fabulous day. I had previously seen the photos of the island church in Lake Bled but I can’t help but think of your own excitement at seeing it for yourself and raising your camera to take your own beautiful picture. Exactly as I will do myself one of these days!
Thanks, Anita! You’d would love a visit to Lake Bled, and guess what? You could ride that bike of yours all the way around the lake. 🙂
I’m enjoying following your travels on IG, Patti and Abi! 🙂
Thanks so much, Mike, it’s great to follow your adventures as well. It’s good to hear from you.
We are super-excited about visiting Slovenia in general and Lake Bled, it looks stunning. Thanks for all the tips, we’ll take a day trip to the lake and gorge in a day by car as you suggested 🙂
Amy recently posted…House Sitting Portugal – Lagos and life in the Algarve
I’m certain you will love it and I can imagine how pretty it’s going to be at this time of year.
I have never seen a photo of the church on an island in Lake Bled, so thank you for sharing yours. Looks positively blissful! Nothing better than just being present!
Peta
Lake Bled is indeed blissfully peaceful, we’re so glad we made the trip.
Sigh. Wish I was there.
Bump it up to the top of your list along with Ljubljana!
Absolutely gorgeous! Nice to not only capture the iconic view but walk the lake too.
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It was very special, Gaelyn, I know you would love the majestic beauty of it.
What a wonderful memory to have captured. Majestic is possibly the best word to describe this scene.
Suzanne recently posted…Captured Moments – We Time
It was indeed a wonderful experience, Suzanne and we’re so glad we went. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment, don’t you love those?!