Slovenia4Seasons

22. 11. 2018

Lake Bled and Bohinj

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, Slovenia are two of the many gems of Slovenia. Lake Bled is a popular tourist “must see” and Lake Bohinj is more of a hidden gem that is gaining popularity. Driving from the highway, you come along Lake Bled first and are entranced by this alpine village situated in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. In the middle of the village is the emerald colored, glacier lake demanding the center of attention. The water is pristine and the swans gliding in the lake bring to memory stories of magical settings in children’s books.

In the middle of the lake is an island with a church with roots going back to 745 AD. Since the 17th century, the church is of Baroque appearance. Getting to the island is a romantic, relaxing ride in a Pletna boat operated oarsman. They do the work for you as you soak in the tranquility. If you are more of the active type, you can rent the boat and do the rowing yourself.

Surrounding the lake are charming hotels and restaurants that resemble Swiss chateaus or villas. It is a complete escape to sit and enjoy the famous cream cake of Lake Bled or a glass of wine while cherishing the ambiance and beholding all the beauty around you. Also looking down on the lake, on a cliff, is the statuesque castle that adds the perfect touch to this enchanting atmosphere.

As if Lake Bled were not enough, there is the undisclosed and often eclipsed Lake Bohinj. Driving past Lake Bled, you follow the road all the way to Lake Bohinj. Many people do not discover this hidden belle of the ball. She is an unexpected stunner despite any loyalty that lingers for Lake Bled. It is difficult to chose a favorite. Luckily, it is not needed. One does not need to choose because they can both be enjoyed in the same day.

Arriving to the lake itself, it takes your breath away looking at the reflections of the mountains in the crystal clear lake. At the entrance of the lake stands the Church of St. John The Baptist. The church is over 700 years old and parades the beautiful architecture and fresco paintings from this time in Slovenia’s history.

Leaving the church, you cross over a beautiful bridge that looks out towards the lake with people swimming (depending on the season) or enjoying other water sports. The air of contentment fills the air. You can lay in the sun or enjoy the water as you like. If it is not warm, there may be snow to appreciate as it transforms Lake Bohinj from a fairy tale into your reality. You can also keep driving around the huge lake and discover more stops for picture taking.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, Slovenia are two of the most gorgeous lakes not only for Slovenia, but for all of Europe. Both lakes free you of this world’s worries and show you that there are places on our earth that are still pure and unsaturated with long lines and overpriced tags attached to them. Welcome the novel concept that sometimes people and places really can delightfully surprise you.