Lake Bled is located in the northwestern part, in the Ljubljana basin at the foot of Pokljuka, at an altitude of 475 m. It is of tectonic-glacial origin, 2,120 m long and 1,380 m wide, with a maximum depth of 30.6 m. The surface of the lake is 1.45 square kilometers and has 31 million cubic meters of water. It used to be bigger and twice as deep, and water flowed from it on the east side, where is the dry Dindol valley.
There are 19 species of fish in the lake, the most interesting for sport fishing are: catfish, lake trout and pike. One of the sports is also rowing. in addition, you can also swim, paddle or go by boat to the island in the lake. The best view of the lake and surrounding area is for sure from the West side of the lake, more exactly from Ojstrica view point.
Bled Island is located in the western part of Lake Bled, has an area of 0.82 ha and 18 m above the lake level. During the glaciation, it was transformed by a glacier. On the island is the Church of the Virgin Mary. A fig tree grows along the staircase on the south side. The island is accessible by boat from Zaka, Bled or Mlino. The best view of the island is from Ojstrica viewpoint.
One of the first things we notice on Lake Bled is certainly the island of Bled. The island is quite well covered with greenery, which almost covers the island buildings such as bell tower, church, chaplaincy, prastia…
Wish bell on the island
A special attraction is the “wish bell” from the year 1534 in the upper roof rider above the church nave, the work of F. Patavin from Padua. According to a legend, a young widow, Poliksena, lived in Bled Castle, and in grief for her husband, she had a bell cast for the island’s chapel. Due to the strong storm, the boat with the crew and the bell sank and even today its ringing can be heard from the depths of the lake. After her death, the pope sent another bell for the church on the island. Whoever rings the bell and thus honors Mary, his wish is fulfilled.
German king Henry II conferred the estate of Bled on Bishop Albuin of Brixen in 1004. At that time it was actually Romansque tower. Around 1011 the first castle was built for defensive purposes. In 1511 castle was damaged by earthquake but it was rebuilt in the image as it is today. Buildings of the castle are decorated with the images of coats-of-arms, painted in fresco tehnique and some are engraved in stone. The castle was again rebuilt in between 1951 and 1961. Where the building for servants at the lower courtyard was Bled Castle Printing Works replaced it. Also Wine Cellar has been added slightly higher. A 12-meter deep Well was carwed in rock in lower courtyard. There is also Tower Gallery featuring monthly exhibitions and a Memorial Room dedicated to Arnold Rikli and a Room dedicated to museums in Gorenjska region. Also Castle Beehive with souvenirs can be found on castle ground. The most interesting of all preserved buildings is most definitly the Gothic Chapel. It was dedicated to Bishop St Albuin and St Ingenuin and it dates back to 16th century. On the Castles courtyard many cultural events take place. Medival Days is one of most popular events, visitors are shown how people in the Middle Age lived. Courtyard of the castle has amazing view on the lake and surrounding moutains including Ojstrica view point.
Ojstrica, named after its sharp shape, rises high above Lake Bled. The ascent, which takes about 20 minutes, is short but steep and undoubtedly worth the exceptional view from the top. At the top is a bench with a cut-out image of a heart, which is a popular point for taking photographs, facing the romantic panorama of Lake Bled. From the top you can clearly see Straža nad Bledom and the steep castle cliff, Stol, the Sava plain and the long ridge of the western Karavanke. You can also see the peaks of Vrtača, Begunjščica, Dobrča and other mountains.
You can take a trip to the only Slovenian island with the unique Bled boat pletna. Pletna is the name for a 7 meter long and about 2 meters wide flat bottom vessel. On the bow, it ends pointedly at the stern and is widened with a characteristic sill that allows passengers to enter. The boat helmsman (pletnar) stands propelled by oars. Pletne are named after daughters or wives. The name comes from the German word “knitted”. Thanks to the virtuous ship carpenters, Pletna got its present appearance over the years.
Fijakarji ”take visitors in horse-drawn carriages for a ride around the lake and to Bled Castle. Many trips to the near and far surroundings are also possible: to Vintgar, through the villages of Gorje, Podhom and Zasip or through Mlina, Selo, Ribno, Bodešče and Koritno, as well as to the golf course or Šobec.
When you visit Bled, you must also try the unique Bled cream cake, that goes with the name Kremšnita. The symbol of Bled cuisine is a cream slice or. cream cheese. It has been made in the Park Hotel Café since 1953. The author of the Bled cream slice is Ištvan Lukačevič, the former head of the Park Hotel confectionery, who has long tried recipes for the right ratio of ingredients. Even today, they are made according to his recipe, which is a culinary secret.
Among the most beautiful points in Bled like Castle, Island and Ojstrica viewpoint there is also the Famous Vintgar Gorge, on which we will focus more on, as it deserves special attention for its breathtaking beauty. The Bled Vintgar gorge is located in the immediate vicinity of Gorje between the Hom and Boršt hills and is about four kilometers northwest away from the center of Bled.
The Vintgar gorge is 1600 meters long and up to 250 meters deep gorge on the eastern part of the Triglav National Park. The gorge is characterized by very steep and vertical walls, which are on average between 50 and 100 meters high. The slopes in some places reach another 100 meters higher, so that in some places the canyon gorge is surrounded by walls that reach a height of almost a quarter of a kilometer.
The trail of Bled Vintgar Gorge ends with the famous Šum waterfall. About 15 meters high waterfall is one of the few Slovenian river waterfalls. It has a strong flow where visitors can refresh themselves, soak their feet or even swim under the waterfall.
Straža is a small hill, which is very suitable for a pleasant walk and summer and winter sports activities. Besides Ojstrica Straža is considered the second most beautiful Bled lookout point with a view of Lake Bled and the castle and the surrounding mountains. You can get to the foot of Straža by car or simply walk there, as it is only a few minutes away from the center of Bled. There you can go summer tobboganing or visit adventure park Bled.