Walks and free time
I am perfectly aware that most of the workshop participants have very
little time to travel around Slovenia and neighboring countries (although
I recommend to break the rule while being in this part of the World; it
is my personal experience that “next time” very seldom happens).
Fortunately, Bled is a beautiful place by itself. It is easy to orient
and you do not need any guide to walk around.
The simplest thing you can
do is to look from the window of your hotel room. There will be nice
view of the lake (with morning fogs and sunset),
castle, mount Triglav and island.
For closer look take a walk around the lake (easy walk, 6 km, less than
2 hours, great views).
At the shore opposite to the hotel (west), take path to the Mala Osojnica
hill (685m) for a superb (postcard picture) view of the lake. This walk is
more
difficult (additional 1 and a half hour both ways) and the path is rough.
It requires good shoes.
Even if you do not care much for walking, I strongly recommend you to go
at least as far as Ojstrica. The view will reward you for 20 minutes (one
way)
walk. The last 50m of the path (off of the main path to the right) is a bit
more difficult.
Another superb view is from the Castle hill. The path from the lake side
takes half an hour each way. If you consider this path difficult, you can
go around
using the road for cars. This one is not very pleasant and much longer. The
castle itself is nothing special, but interesting and picturesque. Take a
rest at the restaurant.
The third view-point is Straža hill on the south shore, very close to the
hotel.
Take a boat (special traditional and romantic boats “pletna” are paddled
by local boatmen) to the island. Ring a bell in the small church to fulfill
your
secret wish. Remains of the oldest Slavic settlements were found there. The
nearest port for pletna boats is near Casino just below the hotel. The closest
to the island is Mlino on the south shore.
Rent your own boat.
Plunge into the lake for excellent swimming. (the closest swimming area to
the hotel is just below the Castle hill; there is an entrance fee). Bled
is the lake with the longest swimming season compared to all Alpine lakes.
In
most seasons the end of June is quite hot and the water temperature may be
already well above 20C /68F/ (even something like 24C), the water may be
cold after a rainy period. The water temperature is posted at the entrance.
Hotel has its own swimming pool.
Stop at the cafe of the Toplice hotel. Most people do not know about this
place, because they consider it reserved for hotel guests However, it is
open to other
visitors. The place is splendid, having large round glass wall facing the
lake. You have a feeling sitting above the lake with perfect view (in particular
before the sunset).
My preferred restaurant is “Vila Prešeren” (Kidriceva cesta 1; building No.
1 close to the swimming area and pletna port;). You may choose the Italian
restaurant in the shopping center (very close to the hotel) for a lunch.
Very good restaurant at the top end is said to be Okarina. As far as good
food is
concerned, the best places are in the villages outside Bled.
Play golf or go fishing on the Sava river (having no experience in neither
of these, but they are reported to be fine).
Buy a bottle of good Slovenian wine.......
To visit the nearby (5 km) gorge Vintgar you will probably need local
transportation. The gorge itself is nice and I highly recommend the visit.
After getting there you will walk for one hour each way. The path (mostly
on wooden bridges along the cliff above the water) is usually well maintained
and safe. Vintgar is also included in the tourist agency program.
It will be my great pleasure to discuss with you any details
you might be interested in. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
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