Car Hire Bled - Mini guide to Bled
Located in the northwest of Slovenia, Bled is well placed on the edge of a former volcanic lake in the shadow of the picturesque medieval Bled Castle. An ideal holiday destination both in the summer and winter, Bled offers numerous water- and land-based activities and enjoys a gorgeous setting at the foot of the Jura Alps.
The focal point of the area is the fairytale castle high up on the bluff, which overlooks the crystal clear lake beneath. It houses a pricey restaurant and a museum detailing the area's history. In the western part of the lake is Bled Island, which has been the site of a Christian church since the 9th century. It has become customary for lovers to swim out to the island and ring the church bell.
A tour of Bled Island is a must; however, to beat the crowds, hire a row boat and get there early. Crowning the island is the striking Baroque-decorated Church of St Marika Bozja, below which lies a pre-Roman temple. From here, visit one of the hotel resorts to the north with their thermal spring swimming pools; then hike up to Bled Castle for some lunch and unparalleled views.
Popular activities in the summer include: scuba diving, boating on the lake, panoramic flights over the lake and mountains, horseback riding and golfing. Hiring a bike and circumnavigating the lake (abuot 10km) is popular. In the winter months, you can skate on the frozen lake or take to the Julian Alps for Alpine climbing and cross-country skiing.
The main attraction in the outlying hills is the impressive Vintgar. Leave the car at the gorge entrance and take the path through the forest. To the southeast, the capital, Ljubljana, is dominated by its castle and has an old centre featuring wonderful Baroque architecture and excellent museums. The city is also well known for its summer festivals.
From Ljubljana, Bled is a short drive up the A1. The train station is three kilometres east of Bled town centre, with a regular bus service into town. Ljubljana International Airport is about 35kms southeast of Bled, and buses to town run every hour on the hour from terminal 7 or 8.
