Our journey begins in the vibrant city of Munich with Studifahrten over the Corpus Christi long weekend.
As we leave the bustling city behind, we are greeted by picturesque countryside views along the way. The scenic ride sets the tone for the beauty that awaits us in Slovenia. First stop was at Lake Bled and after instructions from our tour guide Talha, we were free to explore Lake Bled and its surroundings on our own. There are many options to explore- either by foot or one can rent bikes 🚲.
Upon arrival at the lake, we are captivated by emerald waters and Julian Alps in the backdrop. The iconic Bled Island with its church stands gracefully in the middle of the lake, adding to the fairytale-like atmosphere. There are a few options to explore the lake, the most preferred being the Pletna boat. It costs 12€/person to go to Bled Island and back.
Lake Bled Island and the Church of Assumption
Bled Island is adorned by the Church of Assumption. According to local legend, ringing the church’s bell three times while making a wish will bring good luck. One can climb the 99 steps to reach the Church and explore the clock tower to witness the mechanism behind the bell 🔔.
Lake Bled Castle
Perched atop a 130-meter cliff, Bled Castle is a fortress steeped in history. As we explore the ancient walls, we learn about its past as a medieval stronghold and admire the panoramic vistas of Lake Bled and the surrounding countryside. Took a small hike to get to the Castle and offers great views of the lake while hiking. After the descent I started walking towards the starting point of another hike to Lake Bled’s mesmerizing viewpoint – Ojstrica.
Ojstrica viewpoint
Set off to conquer Ojstrica, a viewpoint that promises an unforgettable panorama of Lake Bled. The trail leads us through lush forests, blooming meadows, and occasional glimpses of the lake. There are signs every 15-20 mins and there are occasional steep slopes. As we reach the top, the breathtaking view leaves us in awe. I took a moment to soak in the beauty and capture memories through photographs. After the descent I grabbed a quick lunch and took a scenic walk around the lake.
Ended the day with the famous Lake Bled cream cake 🍰 with view of lake and Castle.
Next we were off to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
Ljubljana – The beloved capital.
This pedestrian-friendly city exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its colorful buildings, lively markets, and the peaceful flow of the Ljubljanica River. We traverse the cobbled streets, visit the iconic Ljubljana Castle, and lose ourselves in the charm of this fairy tale-like city.
Walking through the city leads to Tromostovje Bridge- a cluster of 3 bridges. Walking through the bridge leads to the busiest part of the city the Town Hall and the market street.
At the end of market street is the famous Zmajski most otherwise known as Dragon Bridge 🐉 . The dragon is a symbol of Ljubljana, which has been proudly reigning in the city coat of arms since the late Middle Ages. Masterfully designed dragon sculptures at the Dragon Bridge (built in 1901) are magnificent.
You can see the castle standing atop the hill. One can either hike to the castle or take the funicular. I chose to hike to the castle taking in the views of the city as I ascended.
Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is Ljubljana’s main attraction. The castle’s tower and ramparts offer the most beautiful views of the city.
There are two permanent museum exhibitions, one of them being Museum of Puppetry.
I was lucky to witness a traditional after marriage procession with music, horns and Scania trucks as convoy 😅.
By the time I descended it was almost 15:00 and hunting for some traditional Slovenian cuisine. In the end I decided to visit Gostilna Sokol and enjoy the traditional Slovenian sausage with a combination of sour cabbage and mashed potatoes.
After lunch, headed back to the bus for an onward journey to Zagreb and the renowned Plitvice Lakes.
Conclusion
As I bid farewell to Slovenia, I carry with me a treasure trove of memories and an appreciation for the hidden gems this small European country has to offer. The allure of Lake Bled and the captivating spirit of Ljubljana will forever remain close to my heart, making me yearn for another opportunity to return and explore more of this magical land. If you’re considering your next travel destination, I highly recommend including Lake Bled and Ljubljana in your itinerary – an experience that will leave you spellbound and inspired.
Happy travels!
Useful Links
The official travel guide to Slovenia | I feel Slovenia
The Ljubljana Castle » The Ljubljana Castle (ljubljanskigrad.si)
