March
07
In Slovenia, Bled is Love!
Slovenia has only one island but its uniqueness makes it more attractive than many an archipelago. Sheltered by picturesque mountains, the island reigns 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. This town, which has already existed for a thousand years, is Bled.
On the island in the middle of the lake, the ancient Slavs worshipped Živa, goddess of love and fertility. Pilgrims later came to the church of St Mary on the island. A thousand years ago, on 10 April 1004, the town of Bled was mentioned for the first time when the Holy German emperor, Henry II, gifted it to the Bishop of Brixen. At that distant time, a Roman tower already stood at the top of the cliff rising vertically 100 m above the lake, and it still forms part of the mighty castle that now houses a museum collection. The town flourished in the Middle Ages due to pilgrims, and these were replaced in the 19th century by the first tourists. The Swiss hydropathist, Arnold Rikli, discovered that the gentle climate and the lake and thermal waters are a source of good health and well-being. The local people supplemented the health spa offer with guest houses and hotels.
The town, already famous at the beginning of the 20th century as the most beautiful health spa of the then Austrian empire, attracted the European aristocratic elite. After WWII, one of the most attractive state residences of the former regime was located in Bled. Many of the world’s most important people thus enjoyed the beauties of Bled. And now, for decades already, the pilgrims of the new age have been discovering this town.
Cosmopolitan seekers of diversity and beauty, of relaxation and inspiration, tranquillity and the challenges of outdoor adventures will find a loads of opportunities here. Walking trails around the lake, traditional boat tours, ringing the island’s wishing bell, the nearby ski pistes, mountain trails, golf courses, hunting, fishing – 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….
INFO BOX:
Automobiles : Bled is situated in the northwestern part of Slovenia, 47km from the nearest Austrian and Italian borders. It can be accessed year round from the regional road Karavanke Tunnel–Ljubljana, exit Lesce.
Railway : The Lesce–Bled Railway Station, on the Oste railway line (Munich–Salzburg–Villach–Ljubljana–Belgrade–Istanbul–Athens), is only 4km from Bled. The other railway station, Bled–Jezero, is on the railway line Villach–Jesenice–Nova Gorica.
Air : International Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, Brnik, is 36km away. The Lesce Sports Airfield is only 4km from Bled. The Lesce–Bled Alpine Flight Centre operates all the services normally encountered at sports airfields. This includes helicopter rides, glider flights, and skydiving.
Ship : Bled is not connected to the rest of Slovenia through waterways, however, there is a local boat service running across the lake. The traditional means of navigating Lake Bled, the pletna boat, propelled by nothing but pure physical strength of the pletnars, takes you on a scenic ride across the lake and to the wonderful island.
No vehicles allowed : There is a 6-kilometre walking route around Lake Bled. Also available are a number of walking and cycling routes around Bled and the surrounding areas. All routes are shown on the Bled Tourist Map, available from local tourist agencies and the Tourist Information Centre.
Railway station : Railway Station Lesce – Bled
Železniška ulica 12, SI – 4248 Lesce
+386 4 29 44154
Car Rentals : Budget, Rent a Car Slovenije
Ljubljanska 4, SI – 4260 Bled
+386 4 576 64 00
Tourist association : Bled Tourist Association
Cesta svobde 15, SI – 4260 Bled
+386 4 574 11 22
tdbled@telemach.net
http://www.bled.si
TravelKorner 
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