#bledcastle

#cityplaybook Nestled at the foot of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled feels like a dream brought to life — a turquoise lake, a tiny island with a chapel, and a medieval castle perched high above, all wrapped in serene alpine beauty. From the moment I caught my first glimpse of Bled Island, I was captivated. I took a traditional pletna boat, its wooden oars cutting quietly through the still water. As we docked, I climbed the 99 stone steps to Assumption Church and rang the wishing bell — an old tradition said to bring good fortune. It was one of those simple, soul-stirring moments that stay with you. Above the lake, Bled Castle offers the best panorama in town. From its ancient stone walls, I watched the lake sparkle below and mountains stretch endlessly beyond. The castle museum is worth a look, but it’s the view that truly stuns. I spent my afternoon walking the 6 km trail around the lake, stopping for a famous Bled cream cake (kremšnita) at a lakeside café. As the sun set behind the Alps, the sky turned gold and the lake glowed — peaceful, poetic, unforgettable. Best time to visit: May to October for sunny walks, boat rides, and clear lake views. December offers a snowy, storybook feel. Getting there: Easily reachable by bus or car from Ljubljana (approx. 1 hour). Tip: For sunrise magic, hike up to Ojstrica viewpoint — it’s short, steep, and absolutely worth the early wake-up. #LakeBled #VisitSlovenia #FairytaleLake #BledCastle #HiddenEurope #AlpineEscape #BledIsland #SloveniaTravel #SlowTravelMoments #WanderBled

#cityplaybook Perched high on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Bled, Bled Castle is Slovenia’s oldest — and perhaps most picturesque — fortress. With its red-roofed towers and panoramic views, it feels like something pulled straight from a storybook. Climbing up to the castle is an adventure in itself, but the reward is breathtaking. From the top, you get an unbeatable view of Lake Bled, with its tiny island and iconic church rising from the water. It's one of the most photogenic spots in all of Europe. Inside the castle, explore a small museum that shares Bled’s history, a charming chapel, and a working medieval printing press. There’s also a terrace café where you can sip Slovenian wine while gazing out over the Julian Alps. What I loved most was the tranquility — even with visitors, the atmosphere felt peaceful and timeless. Arrive early or stay late to enjoy the golden light dancing on the lake. Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer great weather and fewer crowds. Getting there: You can walk, drive, or take a boat and hike up — the view makes every route worth it. #BledCastle #LakeBled #VisitSlovenia #CastleViews #FairytaleDestinations #TravelEurope #HiddenGemsSlovenia #SloveniaExplored

The bled castle is set atop a hill and naturally there is a upwards hike to be made. Now I'm not a big fan of stairs and I don't think I do so well with them. The first half of the hike from Lake Bled to Bled Castle is a series of switchbacks. About halfway, the switchbacks turn into stairs. I actually found the steps to be more difficult than the switchbacks. For those who struggle to go upstairs, there are benches along the way to sit down and rest. While this isn't much of a climb for many, but let's just say I often miss leg days at the gym. The entrance was about 17 Euros. I explored the museum and the printing press area too. I think the gothic church was beautiful. The castle was alright. The main highlight is the view that you get from here, of the lake and surrounding mountains. #myhiddengems #slovenia #bledcastle #summerdestinations #offbeat #myitinerary #100waysoftravel #singapore #girltrip