We knew little to nothing about Slovenia before starting the Europe Train Challenge. It was like a country which had been left in the shade between Austria and Croatia.
But very soon all of that changed, and we went from not knowing anything about it to absolutely adoring it!
Bled, the small town we went to in Slovenia, was almost too good to be true. It was one of those places you didn’t really think could actually exist, other than in Disney movies.
The lake was unlike anything I have ever seen; bright turquoise from a distance, but when you went closer the water was so clear that you could see fish swimming 2 meters below the surface.
The wild animals were more curious than afraid of people; swans and ducks swimming closer to get a better look, curious of you and your camera.
Coming to Bled felt as though you had entered a book of fairy tales - thick green forest, old traditional cottages, an abundance of animals, a castle perched on the edge of a cliff and a church on a tiny island in the middle of a turqoise lake – with a wishing bell…
I mean seriously, the wishing bell just takes the prize! - this place cannot be for real?!
There are a lot of legends about Bled, with the one about the wishing bell being the most famous.
The story goes that if you make a wish and ring the bell three times your dream will come true, and many people say that they actually do come true.
The only thing missing from the story would be Rapunzel’s hair hanging down from the Castle’s tower…
But what made our visit even more memorable were the people we met in the town – they were all so friendly.
Tourism is finally catching up here since the Yugoslav war (although Slovenia was never really in war, except for 10 brief days, tourists were afraid of going there for many years).
And unlike some other places we’ve been to, the people there seemed very grateful we were there and instead of wanting to keep Bled for themselves, they were very proud and wanted to share this little gem with the whole world.
So if you’re around Croatia or Austria, please do take the time to visit Bled in Slovenia as well, it really is such a special place!
Have you been there before? Did you also fall in love with the place?
What gorgeous photos and a description to match. I went to Bled to ski back in the days when it was Yugoslavia, so, of course, seeing it in winter is different, but I was struck by its beauty and by how unspoiled it was. It’s so nice to know that it’s still that way, even though maybe for the wrong reasons. Like you, my overwhelming memory now (and it must have been the late 70s when I went) is the warmth of the people.
It strikes me that the less developed touristic-ally a place is the more open and friendly the people are. Just yesterday I went to the north of Tenerife, and was, as always struck by the warmth and friendliness of everyone I met, yet here, where I live in the south, the people are far more wary and closed. I guess the more tourism the more local people resent it, and in a way I can’t say I blame them.
Nice to hear that it’s always been that way in Bled. I agree, we’ve also found that in the smaller places people are generally friendlier than in bigger cities, and tourism is definitely a factor.
So which place in Tenerife would you recommend visiting?
LOL! I tried to answer your question (without sounding like an advert) and it was way too long, easier to say, more or less, stay away from the area between Los Gigantes in the West and Los Cristianos, the south west coast basically, it’s all purpose-built resorts (and even a bit inland is ok). Otherwise you can choose from volcanoes, lush forests, historic buildings, quaint villages, fiestas and carnavals (depending on when you come).
Thanks for sharing your view on Bled. I enjoyed it a lot. See my description and comments here: http://travel.prwave.ro/a-glimpse-of-eden-lake-bled/
Thanks for sharing your post about Bled Lavinia
Very pretty. Haven’t been in Slovenia since it was called Yugoslavia. Really have to get back… and see Bled.
Yeah I really recommend it, it’s amazing now so I’m sure it’s just as beautiful as it was back then.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Bled! Do not have enough words with how beautiful that town was and getting into the mountains. I miss it. So glad you enjoyed it!
Yeah I really loved it too, would have loved to see more of the surroundings, so we’ll probably be back for more soon!
Wow this looks gorgeous. I’m very jealous!
Wow this looks gorgeous. I’m very jealous!
It’s even more beautiful in real life, if you’re ever in Slovenia you MUST check this place out!
Bled is really a nice spot! We got their just by luck on our way to Croatia. We stayed at the lake further south, which I even liked more, as it was more peaceful than Lake Bled.
That sounds lovely, what a great stopover on your way to Croatia. Did you travel by car?
Nice place sounds Like Brigadoon (movie)