Lake Bled

At the edge of the Triglav National Park lies Lake Bled. On a small island in the middle is a 9th century church with a baroque tower and overlooking the lake is a mediaeval castle. The whole scene is set against the incredible backdrop of the Julian Alps. Bled also offers a tradition of thermal springs and a curative climate which have long made it one of Europe's finest mountain resorts all year round.

The beginnings of organised tourism at Bled go back to 1855. Arnold Rikli, a Swiss citizen, was among the first to recognize the favourable position of Bled and its climatic advantages which enabled a long bathing season. At Bled he arranged air, sun and water bathing, he built the necessary structures and achieved success in his curative treatments. Bled became well known throughout Europe and started inviting and attracting an ever-increasing number of other guests. A great contribution to this was made by much better railway connections; Bled has two railway stations - the main one is on the Munich to Trieste railway line. Today there are 7000 inhabitants of Bled, primarily engaged in tourism and catering activities.

In recent years all the old hotels have been completely renovated and a number of new hotels and pensions have opened. An attractive summer season has been combined with the introduction of a winter season with the construction of a ski centre, sports hall with a skating rink, a golf course, new tennis courts, a rowing centre and the casino. Several covered and open-air swimming pools and other facilities for active recreation as well as entertainment by day and night will satisfy the expectations of all Bled's guests.

Whilst in this area do not miss the chance to visit nearby Bohinj with its own beautiful glacial lake; less developed than Bled but also offering many opportunities for walking and activities. It is a long, slender lake which is enveloped by towering mountain peaks and wooded alpine pastures. At its head is the station for the Vogel Mountain cable car, a ride on which offers the most spectacular views of the lake and surrounding peaks, whilst at the top hiking trails and a lovely Alpine cafe await you.

The calendar of tourist events includes various concerts and other cultural programmes, folklore displays and sporting events throughout the season. The "Days of Bled" and "Rikli's Days" are especially attractive ones, visited by thousands, trying traditional meals from hundreds of sellers on the main street or buying artistic souvenirs; at the end a huge fireworks display and thousands of candles floating on the lake offer a really magical and traditional scene.

We look forward to being of service.