Rowing a swan boat to the island in the middle of Lake Bled is a delight

Why Lake Bled is the Perfect Slovenian Location

Choosing Lake Bled, Slovenia as a destination for a trip with friends in May, we discovered the lovely Penzion Berc for our lodging. And we could not have been happier.

Flying in to Zagreb, Croatia, we drove to Ljubljana for a night. This was a beautiful college town and should be explored. The drive up to Lake Bled only took an hour. Stop at any cherry stands you find to munch on great fresh cherries.

The Julian Alps loom high over this placid green lake that is complete with a castle perched high on a hillside, a pretty little island to visit, and numerous hiking trails.

Milena and Ludvik Berc, Jr. greeted us at Penzion Berc with wood beamed rooms that were extremely spacious. They immediately gave us hiking information and told us about the free bikes at our disposal. The morning breakfasts were delightful and sustained us through our physical activities each day.

We enjoyed a plethora of activities.

The B&B is just steps away from the lake, so we rode the bikes for an afternoon pedal around the lake, a total distance of only 6 kilometers. A pletna boat is available to access the island in the middle of the lake, but we took the swan boats and rowed ourselves the 10 minutes out to the cute church. There is a legend that whoever rings the bell inside the church will have their wish come true. So we pulled the rope cord.

 

For more that 1,000 years, Lake Bled Castle has sat on the cliffs over the lake and it is the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to 1011. There is a hike to Mala Osojnica that begins on the west side of the lake. There is a bench with a small sign to mark the trailhead. Most of the time you are under cover of the trees, with wooden steps and a short scramble along the trail using chains. After a long metal staircase you are rewarded with a gorgeous view of Lake Bled. It only takes about 45 minutes unless you sit at the top bench and contemplate your beautiful surroundings.

One truly cool spot is Vintgar Gorge which is just a 10 minute drive from our hotel and is located in Triglav National Park. For 1.6 kilometers you walk on elevated boardwalks along the Radovna River which is an amazing turquoise green and exquisitely clear. When you enter, you are greeted with boardwalk trails, scenic views and small waterfalls as the pathway crisscrosses the river under lush green trees.

Slap Savica Waterfall is another fun hike on Lake Bohinj, just 27 kilometers from Lake Bled. Drive past Ukanc where the road deadends into a parking lot. Follow the marked trail into the woods to the uphill walk with lots of steps, 620 steps to be exact to view the waterfall.

Ludvik pointed out numerous hikes in the area that were very close so we tried one in Pokljuska Soteska that wound us through a narrow gorge high above the forest floor. We literally clung to the granite walls. It opened into a beautiful flower meadow.

Make sure to have pastries at Smon Bakery in town.

One delectable meal of pesto risotto and sea bass was at Osterija Peglez’n just a few steps from Penzion Berc and situated right on the lake. We also enjoyed fine dining at our own Penzion Berc Restaurant. Well plated and a true five star experience. Take a look at Walking the Julian Alps of Slovenia by Roy Clark and Justi Carey before your trip.

penzion-berc.si, info@penzion-berc.si