Written by Tina Anzik
The
host town Bled lies in the extreme northwest of Slovenia, at the foot of the
Julian Alps. This thousand-year-old municipality is one of Slovenia’s
premiere tourist resorts and is well-known for its mild sub-Alpine climate,
fresh air and thermal spa waters. The emerald-green glacial Lake Bled with a
small island lying in its middle is best seen from the iconic castle perched
high up on a rock overlooking the lake.
Facts
about Slovenia
Area:
20,256 km2
Population:
2 mio
Capital:
Ljubljana
Language:
Slovene
Religion:
Roman-catholic (82%)
Climate:
Alpine, Continental, and Mediterranean
Time
zone: Central European Time GMT + 1
Political
system: multiparty parliamentary democracy
Currency:
EUR
Facts about Bled
With
immense natural beauty, Bled,
together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts,
renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of
the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air
arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal
base or a relaxing break or an active holiday. Bled attracts businessmen,
artists, athletes, explorers, sport enthusiasts, the old and the young, from
all over the world, enchanting them to return again and again.
This
small town with 5.600 inhabitants is located in the extreme north-west part of
Slovenia, 55 km from Ljubljana (capital city of Slovenia), 45 km from the
Italian and Austrian borders and 35 km from the Airport Joze
Pucnik Ljubljana.
Climate
Bled’s is a mild, healthy sub-Alpine climate with
the longest swimming season of any Alpine resort. The ridges of the Julian Alps
and the Karavanke protect it from the chilly northern
winds. During the summer months there is no fog. The average monthly
temperature in July is 19°C and in January -1.7°C.
Find
more information about the beautiful surroundings of the north-west part of
Slovenia including tips how to get here (see also google map)
Points of interest
·
Bled
Castle built on a step, rock cliff nearly 100m high a silent witness to the
former power of Bled, is still the centre of tourism
in Bled.
·
Lake
Bled was formed after the recession of the Bohinj
glacier. It is up to 2120 m long and up to 1380 m wide, its maximum depth being
30,6 m and tectonic in origin.
·
Bled
Island with its idyllic Baroque Church, belfry, chapel, and presbytery with its
grand staircase and famous ‘Bell of wishes’ dating from 1535, it is
a remarkable monument.
·
Vintgar
gorge the Radovna, a small mountain river, forms a
wonderful gorge, 3 km long and in places only few meters wide. The beautiful
wooden path is mainly attached directly to the rocks of the canyon.
·
Aerotaxi:
The pilots from the airfield of Lesce-Bled can take
you by their “Cessna” planes on an unforgettable panoramic flight
above Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Mt.Triglav,
2864m.
·
Of
course do not miss the famous cream cakes, known to Bled for decades, which are
in fact a symbol of Bled. Although you can buy them elsewhere, those from Bled
are simply the best.
Other useful
information
Slovenia
has special reciprocal conventions concerning health insurance with many
countries. Slovenia has European standard medical facilities in all cities.
Speed
limits: urban areas 50 km/h, regional roads 90 km/h, highways 130 km/h.
Electricity
220V 50Hz, electrical plug details: European plug with two circular metal pins.