Followers of my site will know that in September of 2016, I travelled to Slovenia for the first time where I stayed at Big Berry Luxury Landscape Resort and explored the Lahinja Krajinski Park. I was also lucky enough to be afforded the chance to explore a bucket list dream destination of mine: a day trip to the the fairytale Lake Bled, and afterwards a city that was relatively unknown to me: Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Let’s take a look at my Day Trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana.
**My Day Trip to Lake Bled and Ljubljana was courtesy of Big Berry. All thoughts and opinions remain my own**
Lake Bled & Ljubljana
Located between a 2.5 and three hours drive from the Big Berry resort (depending on traffic and route you take), the landscape as you traverse the route is magnificent. As you approach Bled, located in northwestern Slovenia, you’ll see the Julian Alps in the background and as you finally make the twist to the lake itself, you’ll see it magnificently framed against the Alps backdrop.
Where and what is Lake Bled
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve seen many picture of Bled as my travel adventures grow – so my appetite has really been whetted. Bled is actually a small town, and the Lake is a tourist attraction. It’s 34 miles (55km) from Ljubljana.
The lake itself didn’t disappoint. Rarely do I visit a place and feel the reality is better than the pictures…not so at Lake Bled. The waters were a bluey/green hue – this is probably due to the glacial waters. It’s 6,950 ft (1,380 m) long and 4,530 ft (1,380 m) wide and has a depth of 97 ft (29.5m). Is there a Bled Ness like at Loch Ness? Not that I’ve heard of!
It’s surrounded by forest and mountains, and the medieval Bled Castle – one of the oldest in Slovenia dating back to the year 1011, sits atop the north shore, whilst Bled island in the centre accommodates the 17th Century pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary. The church frequently hosts weddings and with its 171 ft (52 m) tower and 99 stone steps in a baroque stairway leading up to it, tradition says that if the groom can carry the bride up the steps on the day of their wedding and ring the bell, he may make a wish inside the church.
It’s possible to hire canoes, swim and there’s a campground on one side of the Lake. Take a look at the pictures to give you an idea just how beautiful Lake Bled is.
Things to do in Ljubljana
About half an hour later (just under), we arrived in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. For a city relatively unknown to tourists, it has a lot to offer.
Ljubljana Castle has sat for approx. 900 years, silently watching over the city and offers amazing views, houses a puppet museum and museum exhibition of Slovenian history. There are two restaurants where you can eat and a cafe, plus a nightclub! Reached on foot or funicular railway, this is one attraction not to miss.
The Dragon Bridge is a landmark in the town, spanning the Ljubljanica River. A non-pedestrian bridge, its iconic dragons stand out and the bridge itself has a particular art nouveau look to it.
There are many sights to experience in Ljubljana, one afternoon wasn’t enough…but check the Tourism Board’s website here to get more ideas.
Things to do in Ljubljana – Metelkova District
This is a MUST visit to anyone coming to Ljubljana – but maybe prepare yourself. In the centre of the city sits a former army barracks, harking back to the days when Ljubljana was part of the former Yugoslavia. Then a squat, but now a hub for alternative music, art, clubs and bars, it’s a haven for alternative types. The day we visited, extremely heavy rock music blared from one of the buildings…but the people milling around were incredibly friendly – as most artistic people are.
Distinctive art work and street art adorns the walls, and Metelkova has been a cultural hub since 1993, when 200 volunteers initially set themselves up to transform the place, to stop it being demolished. I have to be honest, despite feeling a little overwhelmed, it’s an interesting place and I would highly recommend popping in there, to find out for yourself (as you can see).
I wish I had more than a day to explore Lake Bled and Ljubljana. I intend to go back one day to explore more. Have you been to either places? What’s your impression?
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Lade Bled looks absolutely beautiful. I love the castle on the island. And Ljubljana looks like a charming and interesting city to visit. I’ve not read much about travel in Slovenia – it looks worth adding to travel lists.
I’ve heard about Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, but not read much about it. It looks like a fascinating city and not too touristy (yet). Bled Castle is incredible – it’s hard to imagine it dates to 1011! The frescoes within are so beautiful!
It really is beautiful Donna. I would highly recommend Slovenia and Bled be on your bucket list
It’s truly a fairytale come true Michele!
I have seen many pics of Lake Bled and I am convinced but first time to really look at pics of Ljubljana. Those murals are awesome!
I haven’t explored Ljubljana yet, but we spent a week at Lake Bled perhaps 15 years ago that I remember very clearly. So breathtakingly beautiful! There’s another lovely lake whose name I can’t remember just up the road which, at the time at least, had absolutely no buildings around it at all: just nature! We stayed in the campground right on the lake. Perfect!
Maybe the Valley of Triglav Lakes is what you’re referring to. I wish I had longer in the region…maybe one day soon!
We visited those areas last year too and enjoyed them all…I only hope we can get back and spend more time as always we feel we did not do it justice. Your photos are stunning
I would love to see Lake Bled one day. The dragon statue looks so impressive. Nice post.
What a great time to visit especially after the crush of summer. When I visited in fall time, it was perfect with no crowds, sunny weather and gorgeous fall colors – it really is a beautiful country.
This looks super beautiful! Haven’t been yet but on my bucket list!
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Nadine
Ahh Slovenia has been on my bucket list for ages. I’m so sad I didn’t get to make it there when I lived in Munich, but I definitely plan on returning someday!
Thanks Michele
Ljubljana and Slovenia in general is well worth exploring
sure is Noel – glad your experience there was also a lovely one
It needs to be on everyone’s bucket list Nadine!
I want to also go back Christina. Maybe see you there!
I have to get to Lake Bled and to Slovenia. Your post reminded me of the various comments I heard in Eastern Europe which essentially pointed to Slovenia as a vacation destination of choice. Thankfully, we have a trip to Slovenia planned for 2017! Thank you for a very informative posting!
Oh I am envious! I really, REALLY want to go back. I think the place is beautiful. I am sure you’ll love it.
What an amazing weather for a trip to the lake! You’re so lucky.
Did you happen to travel with Claudia from My Adventures Across the World? She was also at Big Berry in September! I just am so madly in love with Slovenia. Ljubljana is such a great city for people and the country has everything I could want – coast, good food, and outdoor culture.
Wow – love that picture of the castle and the lake. This is already the third time in the last few weeks that I read an article about this place that I never even heard of before. Looks like it’s really worth a visit. One more place for my (already way too long) list.
Yes- it’s been popular of late…and it’s obvious to see why!
Hello!
No, but there has been a big drive of late to market Big Berry this summer, and the surrounding areas…so she may have been on a separate trip.
I can see the appeal of Slovenia after my brief visit.
I’ve not previously heard of Lake Bled, and have never been to Slovenia. But you’ve certainly given me reason to go. Thx for the great post!
I love Slovenia and have been to Lake Bled three times. It’s absolutely beautiful and one of my favourite places to visit. There’s a festival towards the end of July each year where they light candles on the lake and there’s a market and fireworks and a laser show up by the castle. And the toboggan run is so much fun! Nearby Lake Bohinj and Kranjska Gora are also gorgeous and I enjoyed my time in Llubljana too.
I can’t wait to return sometime soon!
I hope you’ll put Slovenia on your bucket list Doreen. It’s worth it!
Thanks for all the added info Jo. I’ll try and see if I can make a trip back at this time of the year to enjoy the festivities.
Slovenia looks like it came out of a fairytale. I haven’t been there but would love to see these lovely towns.
We’ve loved visiting Croatia and we’ve been told we’d therefore love Slovenia. You’ve certainly whetted our appetite for Lake Bled and the Ljubljana Castle :-).
I think you’d love it Irene
Thanks! I think Croatia must be on my To Visit Next list.
Lake Bled is one of those storybook beautiful places. I would challenge anyone to go there and not fall in love with it.
I still have not visited any of the countries of the former Yugoslavia, but I have been very tempted by your photos and those of other friends who have, especially photos of Lake Bled. It sounds as though Ljubljana would also be interesting and pretty. So much world. So little time.
I urge you to go Suzanne!
Very true Lyn!
What a beautiful place and I would gather one of those towns that is still somewhat “undiscovered” by the hoards of tourists. I think it would be a perfect place to visit in combination with Croatia. As for pronouncing Ljubljana, I give up!
The more I read about Eastern Europe the higher it goes on my “must visit” list. Lake Bled is gorgeous.
Yes, it certainly is