BLED | 52 km

Intact nature of the green pearl of the Slovenian Alps

The most recognisable symbol of the island is the Church of the Mother of God on the lake with a long and diverse history. Amidst the greenery, you can explore interesting island buildings such as the bell tower, curacy and provost’s house, small hermitage and some other mysterious legendary buildings. The wishing bell is popular among the many visitors who come to the island. When they ring the bell, they recommend themselves to the Mother of God and express their wishes and requests for her to hear them (Bled, Slovenia – Offical Site, 2020).

The legend about the origin of the lake

In the past, there was not water at the location of Lake Bled, but a meadow valley with a small hill and a rock, where mountain fairies danced at night. Shepherds grazed their sheep in the valley, which ate grass around the fairy rock. The fairies asked the shepherds to put a fence around

their dance area, so that the grass would remain soft. The shepherds did not consider their request and one day, the youngest and most beautiful fairy broke

her leg while dancing. The angry fairies called upon the springs and brooks to storm into the valley and fill it with water. Only the hill with the rock remained as an island in the middle of the lake, where fairies could dance in light starry nights. Although fairies left these places a long time ago, a beautiful fairy lake and an island below the mountains were left behind. This is Lake Bled (Bled, Slovenia – Offical Site, 2020).

Experience

• Rest on one of the benches and enjoy the view of the lake.
• Walk 6 kilometres around the lake or enjoy in a horse-drawn carriage ride.
• In summer, you swim or enjoy in other offered water sports on the lake.
• Ride to the island on pletna boat or rent a boat and paddle.
• Take photos of charming sunsets, pletna boats, the island with the church, castle and swans.
• The lake freezes in very cold winters, so you can sate or walk on lake surface (if the ice is deep enough and at your own risk) (Bled, Slovenia – Offical Site, 2020).

  

Bibliography:

Bled, Slovenia – Offical Site. (2020). Retrieved 6 July 2020, from https://www.bled.si/en/