Having stopped in Radovljica for an extra break we only had about 8km walk from there to Bled and it was flat and once again through fields and villages and really quite pleasant. Our arrival in Bled was in sunshine and we decided to head straight for the lake and we were both really impressed with the view. It was spectacular.
Our weather forecast for the next few days was a bit hit and miss with rain forecast so we decided to dump our bags in our accommodation and head straight out to enjoy the views.
The main bit of the town (where we were staying) is down one end of the lake and there is a flat path all the way around the lake which is about 5km long. We joined the throngs ambling around and it really was a very nice walk. The views were great and we stopped endlessly to take photos from different angles and just generally enjoy the views.
It was quite strange coming from relative isolation during our first week or so to Bled which is a far more popular sight for tourists to visit. Plus this being Europe there was an incredibly diverse crowd of people from many different countries enjoying the views but we were certainly the only ones we saw in dirty hiking clothes. Still we were not quite in the really busy period so it still felt nice and calm and tranquil walking around.
After checking in to our room we headed back out and found ourselves a great spot right by the lake to enjoy a couple of beers and dinner while watching the world go by. It was really very relaxing and just what we were looking for.
Even though we were here to relax we still had a few things we wanted to see and day 2 we decided to do the recommended side trip from our guide book which was a walk down Vintgar Gorge to see a waterfall just out of Bled. Usually the side trips have been a slightly busier affair in the other places but here it was next level. We had to pre book a time slot and then catch a bus out to the gorge where we were given helmets and then allowed to walk down the gorge on boardwalks. It was very busy but the fact that they enforced the timings meant that we were all fairly spaced out walking down the gorge.
I will admit that I was a little worried as to how much I would enjoy the walk with it being so busy and the fact that we had seen quite a few beautiful gorges already but it was actually well worth the effort. The water was so clear and the gorge was quite different to the others we had seen. It was a 1.5km walk down the gorge and we enjoyed the views as we ambled down.
The bus out to the gorge was packed and we realised that it was only a few km walk back so we decided to walk it and enjoy more of the calm beauty of the area. We knew we were meant to be relaxing but we still both enjoy getting out and seeing everything! Which meant that when we returned to Bled we headed up the hill to Bled Castle.
Bled Castle was founded in 1011 and while it was interesting visiting the basic museum within the walls of the castle the best bit was definitely the views we were given over the lake. We were even able to see out towards the direction we would be hiking when we left to continue our journey on the Juliana trail.
The afternoons and evenings in Bled pretty much involve walking around enjoying the views or stopping and enjoying a beer and enjoying the view. We again went for option 2 (I feel we have enough kms under our belt). This time we opted for a view of the castle as we watched everyone walking by and were certainly feeling nice and relaxed.
Day 3 we decided to make sure we were recharged so had a very relaxing day. Our only major outing was to hire a small row boat and row around the lake to the island. We took it in turns rowing and managed to dock successfully on the island and climbed up to see the church at the top. It was a paid entry affair and we decided instead to get back on our boat and float just off the shore and enjoy the view from there while having a sandwich. I think it was a great decision and a wonderful spot for lunch.
Bled has been a really beautiful place to visit and I can see why it’s so popular. I do feel that we are definitely luckier than most to have visited as part of doing the Juliana trail as we have been able to enjoy a lot more of Slovenia and by walking it has meant that we have really been able to take in all the views and really appreciate the country by getting a longer look at a slower pace. Our idea of taking a few days to enjoy Bled and recharge the legs has also been a great one, let’s hope it’s not too much of a shock when we have to get hiking our 20km days again! Still we are 2/3 of the way through now and have 280km under our belt by the time we finish we will have done about 400km, looking forward it! T