A Journey to Bled Lake, the fairy tale destination of Slovenia

A fairy tale come to life

A medieval castle overlooking a sole island that sits in the middle of a vast lake seems like something out of a fairy tale but it is very real. Lake Bled sits in northwestern Slovenia, just half an hour from the capital city of Ljubljana. The mountains and lush forests surrounding the lake complete the picture of a perfect destination that should be visited at least once. It's truly rare to see a location that offers this much to experience all at once so why not let us introduce you to the magic of Lake Bled.

Bled Island

The only island in Slovenia has several notable buildings sitting on top of it. Firstly there is a pilgrimage church that is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The church dates back to the 17th century and it is a mix of Gothic and Baroque influences. Now the truly special aspect of the island is the stairway leading up to the church. This Baroque creation consists of 99 stone steps that give the entire island a true regal feeling. With those unique steps, comes a very beautiful tradition. Newlyweds that experience the start of their marriage on Lake Bled, often finish the process on this specific island. There is a tradition of the groom carrying the bride up all those 99 steps on the day of their wedding. They then ring the bell and make a wish in the church. The echoes of the bells and the wish should bring good luck in their marriage and if we are talking about starting your marriage off on a good note, this clearly qualifies.

Now to get to this small island, there is a very unique mode of transportation. Similar in style to Italian gondolas, the Pletna boats are large wooden boats that can carry about 20 people.

They are all handmade in a very specific style and have existed since the 12th century. The oarsmen who control these boats all come from a long line of oarsmen that date back to 1740 when Maria Theresa of Austria picked 22 families to be in charge of all religious pilgrimages to Bled Island. Even today, no outsiders are allowed to become Pletna boat riders if they do not belong to a traditional Bled family. 

Bled Castle

A true Bled Lake experience is not complete without the medieval structure perched on a steep cliff. The haunting castle has existed since the 11th century and over the years has gone through many transformations. What started as a simple Romanesque tower changed into a castle ready for battle, with magnificent towers, a fortification system and walls that truly are awe-inspiring. The main part of the castle, where the fortifications were the strongest, was where the lords resided, while the exterior shell of the castle served as home to servants, soldiers and other workers.  As previously mentioned the castle went through many transformations over the years and it was damaged quite frequently. The worst of it was the earthquake in 1511, it badly damaged the entire structure. Still hope remained and the castle was rebuilt and it has stayed practically the same ever since with a substantial remodeling coming in the 1950s. It was restored to its former glory, the castle wine cellar was also reconstructed and a giant well was carved in the rock of the lower courtyard. 

What was once a medieval castle, now is an unforgettable tourist attraction. Just a single step into the castle transports a person back in the medieval ages. This is possible thanks to the wonderful staff working at the castle, bringing entertainment and special services to everyone who steps foot in the castle. From a vine tasting, to special souvenirs and even full Medieval days where performers dance and do battle for the guests to see. There is also a rather stunning museum in the upper courtyard where guests can explore the entire history of the castle, from its beginning all the way to present day. But still all of those activities pale in comparison to the stunning views one can experience when they reach the top of the castle. 

But reading about Bled Lake just isn't enough, you should truly experience it for yourself. To be transported to a land like no other and to visit the magical Bled Lake, start your journey right here.

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