PURE
magic
EXPERIENCE WORDS ELENA MATHIOPOULOUA majestic monastery on a minuscule island, an imposing
castle on the top of a hill, lush landscapes and pristine turquoise
waters. Lake Bled is more than just a dream destination; it is a
painting brought to life, an ode to green and blue, the sparkling
diamond of Slovenia which has been captured by more than a
few shutter clicks since it is on the list of the most photographed
places in the world. A mere 32 km from the border with Austria
and 55 km northwest of the capital of Ljubljana, Lake Bled is the
ideal retreat for short or long escapes in nature.
The small island of the same name which adorns the centre
of the lake is home to lush vegetation and the church of the
Assumption of Our Lady Mary. Built in the 17th century, the
church stands on the site of an older temple, whose frescoes
are preserved to this day. The 52-meter baroque bell tower also
catches the attention of visitors. According to the local legend, if
you ring the bell, luck will follow you for a lifetime, while if your
partner manages to carry you up the 99 steps in his arms, then
you will live happily ever after. You can paddle to the island or
hop on one of the boats (a kind of big gondola) steered by local
boatmen.
The best way to take in the magic of the lake is to walk around it
on foot, following a path alongside the lake and often on it, which
makes the experience even more exciting.PACK YOUR SUITCASE FOR A JOURNEY TO THE
GEM OF THE JULIAN ALPS AND THE SCENIC
SETTING OF LAKE BLED