Excursions in the surrounding area

 

Bled

 

Bled, an exciting discovery

Bled is a paradise in itself and is also a perfect base for discovering the delights of the surrounding area and further afield. The following places are some of the favourite destinations for visitors to Bled.

 

Lake Bled

The lake was created by the retreat of Bohinj glacier. It is 2,120 metres long, 1,380 metres wide and up to 30.6 metres deep and was originally a tectonic feature. The Bohinj glacier deepened the tectonic depression after the last inter-glacial warming and gave it its present form. After the last ice age, the valley filled with water and thus Lake Bled was created in its present form. The lake has no major natural inflows and is filled only by numerous springs.

 

Bled Castle

The twin symbols of Bled are the island and the magnificent mysterious clifftop castle. The castle is accessible on foot, by car, or by hiring a horse-drawn carriage. It offers the best views of the lake and the surrounding area and has a museum, restaurant and outdoor terrace.

 

Bled Castle is on a high steep cliff, 139 metres above the lake. The original Romanesque tower was built as early as 1004, and the castle underwent various adaptations in the next 800 years until it acquired its current appearance. The most interesting building in the castle complex is perhaps the chapel dedicated to St Albuin and St Ingenuin. Today, the castle is a museum. A large collection of armour from the period between the 16th and 18th centuries is on display.

 

Bled Island

is the only natural island in Slovenia. It's in the western part of the lake, rising 18 metres above it. The island is a popular tourist attraction and a trademark of Slovenian tourism. Trips to it are possible by traditional Bled boats called pletna. The island's main attraction is its baroque church up to which a famous staircase leads. Ringing the wishing bell within is especially popular as folklore relates that your wish made while ringing the bell is sure to come true. In addition to the church, a statue of Maria Magdalena and the gothic lighthouse close to the south entrance to the church are worth a visit.

 

Around Bled

 

Vintgar Gorge

The waterfalls, pools and rapids of the Radovna river embellish the Vintgar gorge, which is surrounded by steep slopes, densely forested with beech and is only a few kilometers from Bled.

 

This is a 1.6-kilometre long canyon through which the Radovna river flows. The canyon walls rise up to 100 metres above the river. A footpath through the gorge with attractive bridges and galleries was laid as early as 1893. The path needs regular maintenance due to flood waters and rockfalls. The 13-metre Šum waterfall tumbles into the lower part of the gorge. Vintgar was the first gorge in Slovenia to be developed as a visitor attraction and gave the name to other gorges. A visit to the gorge, which is protected as a natural monument, is also suitable for families with young children. The entrance to the gorge is just 4 kilometres from the campsite.

 

Pokljuka Gorge

The meltwaters of Pokljuka's glaciers cut a 2-kilometre gorge into the limestone above the village of Krnica through which Ribščica stream flows today. There are several footpaths through the gorge which link numerous natural attractions, including a side gorge that boasts a 22-metre waterfall after heavy rain, the Pokljuka hole, a spacious rock hole with a fallen ceiling, a large natural bridge 24 metres above the floor, as well as narrow rounded plains called 'vrtci'. Wooden bridges – galleries – lead through the narrowest points to the most beautiful 'vrtec' and a small natural bridge. Above it, a path leads over the Partisan pass, the only path crossing over the deep gorge. Diverse plants grow on the gorge floor and the rocky walls, including ferns and wood and mountain flowers. Make sure you take sturdy footwear.

 

Triglav National Park

is the only national park in Slovenia. The park boundary and entry points to it are very close to Bled on the fringes of Pokljuka plateau. This, probably the most beautiful and attractive part of Slovenia, comprises a large part of the Julian Alps and its foothills. The region within it is extremely picturesque and diverse. Triglav, the highest Slovenian mountain (2,864 m) lies at its heart, after which the park is named. Deep, steeply cut valleys radiate from Triglav in all directions, most of which are glacial in origin. The valleys and plateaus are covered with green forests and meadows, and high sharp peaks tower over them. The typical Alpine Triglav and Kriška lakes lie high in the mountains, and peaceful Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia, is in the Bohinj valley.

The varied countryside is complemented by an exceptional wealth of flora and fauna with numerous rare and specially protected plant and animal species. On the fringes of the park, where humans dominated for long centuries, history and human culture have left their mark. Old, typical farms and farmsteads may be found in more remote parts, while there are interesting pastures in higher areas. Animals still graze on preserved pastures that are rare elsewhere; these are renowned for traditional cheese-making.

Well-marked paths and numerous mountain refuges also enable mountaineers to visit the higher-lying parts of the park.

 

Pod Babjim zobom Cave

The entrance to this beautiful cave is only 4 km from the campsite. This 300-metre long cave is embellished by beautiful stalactite formations and visit to it is recommended to anyone who likes nature and enjoys its beauty. A tradition of visiting the cave arose in the 19th century and is continued by Bled Cave Research Society, who have protected the cave and set up paths and electric lighting. The cave is 1,008 metres above sea level on the edge of the Jelovica plateau and may only be reached on foot, up a forest path with a 350-metre height differential. The cave has a constant temperature of 8˚C. Visitors should take suitable hiking footwear, warm clothing, an extra shirt, drinks and a snack. The cave is 5 kilometres from the campsite.