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Essentials
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So what's it like?
Walking
The areas surrounding Bled are easily explored on foot, with a range of interesting walks including the hike to Mt. Straza. The scenic walk around the lake itself is a good start, from which you can climb to the ramparts of the castle for fantastic views. Lake Bled is situated on the edge of the Triglav National Park and is an excellent base from which to enjoy some of the walking routes in the park. Places of interest include Vintgar Gorge, Pokljuka Plateau and Pod Babjim zobom Cave. This magnificent and rugged landscape is inhabited by an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna with numerous rare and protected plant and animal species. Well-marked footpaths and mountain trails and numerous mountain huts enable hikers to visit the higher areas of the National Park.
Why not try -- An absolute must, is to walk around the lake and view the castle, town and island from all angles
- Get more of a feel for the region and discover what rural Slovene life is really like, by walking through the nearby picturesque villages of Ribno and Selo
- Take a rewarding walk to the superb Vintgar Gorge and buy a lunch in the great little local “Gostilna” (Inn) in Zasip
Culture
Lake Bled boasts a beautiful lakeside setting for a relaxing break, where breathtaking views and picture postcard scenery abound. Bled castle is one of the highlights, with its own fascinating museum. Although much of the building is has been updated in relatively recent times, Romanesque elements can still be found in the walls and late-Gothic in the chapel.
It's not only the views that people come for, there are several events, concerts and festivals throughout the summer, the highlight of which is the 'Bled days' festival which climaxes at the end of the night with the spectacular display of thousands of egg shell candles lighting up the lake, followed by fireworks. The local cuisine is another major draw, try some fantastic regional flavours such as Karst ham, deer prosciutto, beef in Karst sauce with grilled polenta, veal stew, cottage cheese roulades & speciality cakes such as 'potica’ or 'gibinica'. There are also several great pizzeria throughout the town. To savour some fantastic regional cuisine, there are a number of options, good choices would be the Vila Prešeren restaurant, below the castle, right on the lake shore, offering great views. Alternatively, the fabulous terrace restaurant at the Pension Mayer with dishes such as venison fillet in cranberry sauce is a delight.
Why not try -- A horse and carriage ride can take you up to the medieval ‘Bled Castle’, with its fascinating museum and terraced restaurant offering breathtaking views
- Some of the superb regional cuisine
- A 'must' is to try a Bled speciality, 'Bljeska kremna rezina', a delicious vanilla and fresh cream cake
- Take a 'Pletna' ride across the lake to visit the glorious Church of the Assumption - ask to ring the "wishing bell" and see if your wish comes true!
Active
• river fishing • lake bathing • outdoor tennis courts • golf • rowing boats for hire • rafting • bicycles for hire • mini golf
Spa
The fairytale-like nature, unique climate and mysterious energy of Bled have always been thought to have special healing powers. The 'Živa' Spa & Wellness centre at the Hotel Golf in Bled will satisfy anyone looking for some invigoration or a soothing rest. You can relax in the hot Finnish sauna (85-90°C), in a not so hot Finnish sauna with aromatherapy and chromotherapy (60-65°C) or in two pairs of Turkish saunas, one with a stronger aromatherapy effect (42-45°C). There is also a Bio sauna, which is gentler than the Finnish sauna, because of its high air humidity and low temperature, you start to perspire and drain off toxins after only a short time. Ideal for anyone who feels that the classic Finnish sauna is too hot. Facials are another speciality, based on natural quality products and the caring approach of skilled therapists. The treatments are adapted to the different needs of the skin and ensure the most beneficial effects according to the age of the skin.
The Luisa Studio at the Grand Hotel Toplice will is another centre dedicated to elegant baths, a paradise for fans of rest and relaxation. The baths are filled with healing water from a thermal spring (22 °C) that has a beneficial effect on the internal organs and the nervous system. Enjoy various types of massage, beauty and relaxation treatments in a Finnish, Turkish or infrared sauna and in the solarium. Why not try -- The invigorating 'Ziva' Hot stones massage - great for relaxing muscle tension, promoting good blood circulation
- A variety of Thai massages delivered by the skillful hands of a professional Thai masseuse
- Simply lie back and soak up the stunning views across the lake to the castle in the outdoor relaxation pool at the Hotel Golf