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Lake Bled

At the foot of the Julian Alps in Northwestern Slovenia is a stunning, mystical scene. Lake Bled owes its splendor in part to its surroundings: a medieval castle standing guard high above its forested shores and a picturesque church resting on a tiny, wooded island, surrounded by glacial waters. The ambiance of this small sanctuary is rare and its beauty rivals that of Switzerland.

Formed after the last Ice Age by the melting of the Bohinj Glacier, the lake is 30.6 m in depth, 1380 m wide, and nearly 2120 m long. What this means for the average tourist is that it's big and cold! But don't worry, swimming is not the only way to appreciate this melted-down glacier. There are boats that you can hire to cross the lake and explore the small island and the Pilgrimage Church. Walking and hiking are popular as well. A path around the lake can take several hours, but every angle of the castle perched on the cliff and the lake is stunning and different.

Rowing is the sport at Lake Bled. The Bled oarsmen have won medals and several important rowing competitions are held there each year. Among them are the traditional regatta on the first of May, the International Regatta in June, and the National Championship in September.

Bled Castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia. Perhaps the oldest castle in Slovenia, it was built in the Middle Ages in Romanesque and Baroque styles. The museum is open from 8am-6pm (8pm in summers) and the castle restaurant is open until 9pm.