Bled is an enchanting Alpine town, bursting with immense natural beauty, and renowned for its mild climate and thermal lake waters. Read on for HI’s top 5 reasons for visiting this charming town in Slovenia.
1. Spend a day at Lake Bled
Take a leisurely walk or hire a bike and cycle around Lake Bled and admire the splendid views of Castle Hill and the Karavanke Mountains.
2. Explore Bled Castle
Visit the historic Bled Castle which dates back to 1004 when the German Emperor Henry II gave his estate at Bled to Bishop Albuin of Brixen. During the summer months, the castle courtyard hosts numerous events, including a rousing re-enactment of medieval life.
3. Ride a Pletna Boat
As the Slovenians say – you haven’t really visited Bled until you’ve been on a Pletna boat!
Completely unique to Bled, the Pletna boat has origins going back to 1590. Operated by the Pletna oarsman, this profession is highly respected and has been handed down from generation to generation. Hop on at Spa Park, Mlino or at the Bled Rowing Centre.
4. Follow the Vintgar Gorge
Head to the impressive Vintgar Gorge and see how it carves its way through the vertical rocks of the Hom and Bort hills. Admire the breath-taking Radovna with its waterfalls, pools and rapids. Follow the marked trail over wooden bridges and Žumr’s galleries ending with a bridge overlooking the mighty Šum waterfall.
5. Behold the infamous Kremšnita
If you do one thing from this list it has to be sampling Kremšnita. A heavenly creation of delicious vanilla cream sandwiched between golden, crispy crust made from butter dough.
Cream cakes are the symbol of Bled, and what a symbol to have! Although you can buy them all over Slovenia, those from Bled are simply the best. Over the last 60 years, 12 million cream cakes were sold in Bled!
Ready to visit Bled yet? Check out Hostel Bledec, located in the old town and only a five-minute walk from the lake. The hostel offers comfortable accommodation in peaceful surroundings, with a variety of excursions and activities for guests to choose from.
To view all of our HI hostels in Slovenia, click here.
