BLED LAKE
Lake Bled is a lake in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia, where it adjoins the town of Bled. The area is a popular tourist destination. The lake is 35 km (22 mi) from Ljubljana International Airport and 55 km (34 mi) from the capital city, Ljubljana.
The lake is of mixed glacial and tectonic origins. It is 2,120 m (6,960 ft) long and 1,380 m (4,530 ft) wide, with a maximum depth of 30.6 m (100 ft). The lake is situated in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. The medieval-era Bled Castle stands above the lake on the north shore. The Zaka Valley lies at the west end of the lake.
Take a picture of gracious swans, traditional Pletna boats, surrounding hills and their reflection on the surface of the lake, the picturesque island with the church and the romantic sunset.
THE BLED CASTLE
Bled Castle is a medieval castle built on a precipice above the city of Bled in Slovenia, overlooking Lake Bled. According to written sources, it is the oldest Slovenian castle and is currently one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia.
The oldest part of the castle is the Romanesque tower. In the Middle Ages more towers were built and the fortifications were improved. Other buildings were constructed in the Renaissance style. The buildings are arranged around two courtyards, which are connected with a staircase. There is a chapel on the upper courtyard, which was built in the 16th century, and renovated around 1700, when it was also painted with illusionist frescoes. The castle also has a drawbridge over a moat.
THE VINTGAR GORGE
The Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6-kilometer (0.99 mi) gorge located in Slovenia in the Municipality of Gorje near the settlement of Zgornje Gorje, four kilometers northwest of Bled. Carved by the Radovna River, the sheer canyon walls are 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 ft) high, with a total slope measuring about 250 m (820 ft). The stream has created many erosive features such as pools and rapids, and terminates in the picturesque 13 m (43 ft) Šum Falls.
THE CAVE UNDER BABJI ZOB
The cave under Babji Zob is One of the oldest Slovenian underground beauties.
This approximately 300 m long cave is adorned with beautiful stalactite formations. A special feature of this cave is spiral stalactites, so-called helectites, and large calcite crystals which are rear in Slovenia. The tradition of visiting this cave dates back to the 19th century and has continued to the present day through the Bled Society for Cave Research. The Society in co-operation has arranged paths and electrical lighting to enable safe access to the cave.
Organised visits are possible: May,June, July, August – Sundays at 10.00 a.m. or by agreement
Start point: in front of the cave.
THE BLED CRAM CAKE
The Bled cram cake is a vanilla and custard cream cake dessert. The recipe was invented by Ištvan Lukačević; he modified an old Vojvodina recipe for cream slices to make a light and delicate dessert. The original Bled cream cake is recognised as a dish with a protected designation of origin.