WHAT TO DO IN BLED
Beautiful Bled
The current unique shape of the year did not emerge coincidentally. A tectonic hole made by the Bohinj glacier through the years, was once at the location of the present lake. Its path was obstructed by a huge rock which was so persistently scraped that the only thing that remained was the present island. The ice melted and the basin was filled with water, thus Lake Bled emerged, which is in some places up to 30 metres deep and quite popular amongst divers. 19 species of fish live in the lake, including carp, sheatfish and lake trout. Ducks and swans as well as diverse plants also swim and thrive on its surface.
Vigorous Bled ApartmentChurch BledBefore the church was built on the island, a temple dedicated to the pagan goddess of life and fertility stood at the same place. After Christianisation in 745, the ancient Slavic temple was replaced by a church, dedicated to the birth of Mary. The church was renovated in 1465 and rebuilt in single nave Gothic style. The special feature of the church was 52 metres high free standing bell tower, made of porous stone, called buckwheat grains. The panoramic bell tower has one large and two small bells that still resound today. The church got its current baroque image in the middle of the 17th century; the chapel of the Mother of God was also built on the island to motivate people to pray. The famous staircase was also built in that period. The staircase has 99 stone steps. There is a tradition still alive today, i.e. that the groom has to carry the bride up all 99 steps if the couple wants to get married in the church on the island.
Apartment Vigorous Bled is really near to the center. It's only 5 minute walk to the lake Bled. You can also visit the small Island on the lake with a traditional boat called pletna. Pletna boats are made by locals and are typical of Bled. Their origins date back to 1590. You should be able to recognize it from afar as it is equipped with a colourful awning which protects passengers from the sun and other weather conditions.

Castle Bled
You can also walk on Castle Bled.
Image titleCastle BledThe castle was restored in the period from 1951 to 1961, whereas the Bled Castle Printing Works was integrated in the building for servants at the lower courtyard, and the castle wine cellar has also been added slightly higher. A 12-metre deep well was carved in rock in the lower courtyard, and the castle also hosts the tower gallery featuring monthly exhibitions, a memorial room dedicated to Arnold Rikli and a room dedicated to museums in Gorenjska, as well as the Castle Beehive with souvenirs also.

There is a museum in the upper courtyard, where you can delve deep into the distant past of Lake Bled, from the early excavations and the castle to the individual steps of its historical development, and see period-specific artefacts. The artefacts do not originate from Bled Castle, but are important for illustrating the residential culture in all the periods the castle has faced so far. A path leads from the upper courtyard to the castle chapel, smithy, souvenir shop and restaurant.

Many cultural events take place on the castle's courtyard, especially in warm months. Special attention is given to the Medieval Days when knights show visitors how people lived in the Middle Ages.

If you will be walking around lake Bled you will also notice Fijakerji. Fijakers or cabs are open carriages with a long tradition in Bled. Initially, they drove pilgrims, and after the railway construction they transferred guests from the railway station to the desired destinations in Bled. Today, the cabs are some kind of a tourist attraction and a must to see in Bled.

Straža offers many activities during all the seasons
Straža Apartment BledThe climb to Straža is not difficult, you can walk along a nice path, surrounded by spruces, oaks, linden trees and birches.StražaThe hill is 646 metres high and suitable for a nice, easy walk and summer or winter activities. You can climb to Straža along the walking path or take the chair lift. You will not regret it, since Straža is the most beautiful viewpoint in Bled, overlooking the south-east shore of the lake and the entire Lake Bled, the castle, the Jelovica plateau and Stol mountain.

The path to Straža starts across the meadows and continues through the forest along the Bled Fitness Trail, there is also the Bled Adventure Park at the top that has many climbing elements. The park is suitable for beginners and also for advanced climbers, since it provides 5 directions and 81 climbing adventures. In summer, the most popular activity is adrenaline tobogganing along the 520 metres long track down the hill.
skiing BledIn winter, if snow cover is thick enough, the track is actually a ski centre. Although small, the centre is well regulated, offers organised skiing courses and night-time skiing. There are more sport and fun activities available at the foothills of Straža. Those who like stories, can visit the Folk Fairytale Land at the foothills of Straža, where ancient secrets come to life.

Vingar Gorge
Image titleImage titleSource: Lonely Planet

If you will come by car, you will have many possibilities to discover precious places near Bled. Vigorous Bled Apartment is just 20 minutes away from Vigorous Apartment. Vintgar Gorge, carved by Radovna River, is located near Gorje, approximately 4 kilometres north-west from Bled. The 1.6-kilometre long gorge is carved amidst the glorious vertical walls of Hom and Boršt hills, and it is highlighted by the Radovna River and its waterfalls, pools and rapids. A study trail runs across the gorge and the wooden bridges as well as Žumer galleries, which ends with the mighty 13 metres high Šum river waterfall, one of the three river waterfalls in Slovenia. Vintgar Gorge is the nearest point to entering Triglav National Park from Bled.