Bled

Three captivating locations that are a must when you visit Bled are the gorgeous blue-green, crystal-clear lake, the small church of Sv Marija Bozja, which dates from the 10th century, located on the tiny tear-shaped island in the middle of the lake and the ever-prominent Castle Bled located high on the rock face, 100 metres above the lake. It has stood as the sentinel and protector of the township and its people since 1004.

The castle is best visited at night or first thing in the morning to get the clearest vistas of the surrounding landscape. The castle also houses a museum with an armory collection, historical artifacts and captivating stories detailing the town's history.

Due to its central location in the Julian Alps, Bled also serves as a great base for rock climbing, white-water rafting, fishing, mountain hiking and a plethora of winter sports.

Bled also has an intriguing little casino. The town is inundated with accommodation options to suit everyone. Just look for the Sobe, Zimmer or Frei signs.

It also has a great range of restaurants to suit all budgets. History dictates you must eat one at the cafe opposite the Park Hotel.

If you're a photographer or an artist or just a travel-weary tourist looking for a spot to recharge for a couple of days, then wind your way to Bled and be inspired by its exquisite beauty.

Neighborhood

The best way to appreciate the lake is to cycle the 3km around it, which affords the luxury of having ample time to absorb the remarkable beauty of the lake and its surrounds and stop at any of the numerous swimming spots to cool off.

There are many more demanding walks near Bled because the Triglav National Park is only a short bus trip away. You can walk through ravines to the source of the River Sava (the Savica waterfall) or explore the trails around Lake Bohinj which is at the foot of the country's largest mountain, Triglav.

There are also a multitude of fascinating smaller towns and villages to explore within a short drive of Bled, where the residents are friendly and often eager to practice their English and have a chat.