Bled, Slovenia
Typically, I’m not the “let’s go somewhere cold for vacation” kinda girl. Born and raised on the east coast of the United States, I’ve had my share of blistering unforgiving winters. So when I have the time and money to take a vacation the last place I want to go is somewhere where I need to wear a parka. But there are places in this world so beautiful I’m willing to suspend my better judgment, book a flight and pack those hideous but insanely warm wool socks I grabbed from New Zealand. Bled, Slovenia is one of those places. Postcard perfect in every way it’s almost too beautiful to be real.
So when I have the time and money to take a vacation the last place I want to go is somewhere where I need to wear a parka.
I have to be honest, when I first read the name Bled out loud I instantly thought it was the title of a Rob Zombie horror flick. After researching this beautiful destination more, I discovered there was so much more than the name. Slovenia has only one island but its uniqueness makes it more appealing than many archipelagos. Sheltered by picturesque mountains, the island prevails in the middle of an Alpine lake. Its charm has made it a symbol for centuries of a town to which guests from all over the world love to return.
Known for its idyllic slopes, Bled is a wintertime hotspot for those who love winter sports. Bled offers diverse recreational activities for true winter fun for everyone regardless age, gender or skill set! A few of the activities you’ll find in Bled are skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and for the extremely athletic; ice climbing–a peculiar experience of climbing up a frozen waterfall.
I would recommend booking your trip anywhere between December 2, 2016 - January 8, 2017, as the annual Festive Winter Village is underway! Rows upon rows of unique vendors line up to offer festive gifts and traditional food and drinks from the Gorenjska region. The Winter Village is open Monday thru Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on the weekends and holidays. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys picking up souvenirs for loved ones at home or the type to sample exotic food, this attraction is for you!
Bled is a wintertime hotspot for those who love winter sports
The island in the middle of the lake has been home to many different cultures over the years. First, the ancient Slavs worshiped Živa, goddess of love and fertility there, later the Pilgrims came to the church of St Mary on the island. A thousand years ago, the town of Bled was gifted to the Bishop of Brixen from Holy German emperor, Henry II. In the 19th century, the first “tourists” arrived. The Swiss hydropathist, Arnold Rikli, discovered that the gentle climate, lake and thermal waters were a source of good health and well-being. The local people supplemented the health spa offer with guest houses and hotels.
Worldly seekers of diversity and beauty, relaxation and inspiration, tranquillity and the challenges of sport will find here an abundance of opportunities during the summer months in Bled. With unique attractions such as Hydrospeeding (an adrenaline water sport ideal for daring adventurers) and bellyaching, ballooning, traditional boat rides on a Pletna boat or ringing the island’s wishing bell, there’s never a shortage of things to do and see. All these are but fragments of Bled’s attraction, which is truly worth experiencing. And those who experience it, long for it again and again.
Culturally Bled has tons to offer. When you visit make sure to check out The Bled Castle where guests can climb up to the Castle and enjoy the finest view of the lake with its island. Abundant with churches tourists have the option to admire the architecture of the various churches including the renown Gothic Church on The Bled Island, enjoying the tranquillity or listen to the sound of choral singing. For my artsy readers, the galleries are must to satisfy your artistic-cultural nature. And no trip is complete until you taste the legendary Bled cream cake while taking a ride with the “Fijaker” coachmen.
Culturally Bled has tons to offer
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