Rapid applause, fans screaming, horns blowing. My first trip to Lake Bled wasn’t the peaceful lake I’d dreamt about. The world rowing championships were on in full force with a packed stadium and non-stop racing. I don’t like my holidays to include crowds and noise. I vowed to never return. Tip: Never say never.
Lake Bled Take 2
I’d heard so many wonderful things about Bled both before my first trip and after. The serene glacial lake, a clifftop castle, and an island accessible via pletna. So I gave it another chance. To be sure to avoid the crowds I arrived before sunrise. It was beautiful seeing the morning light streak across the island and brighten the entire town but I was still not smitten.
Lake Bled Take 3
Once again I found myself in Slovenia but this time with a friend on her first visit. I couldn’t let her visit Slovenia without seeing its crown jewel so it was back to Bled. This time the evening sun was setting behind the castle, the town lights starting to twinkle in the twilight. Almost smitten.
All Roads Lead to Bled
Road tripping around Slovenia in June, the plan was to visit all those places I’d missed before. Predjama Castle, the emerald river in the Soca Valley, and Triglav National Park. But Bled was right there, close to everything, calling me again. 4th time lucky?
Walking the circumference of Lake Bled takes an hour at the most.
If you don’t get distracted.
Half way around I spotted a sign with the promise of cake and a view.
A guaranteed distraction.
An overgrown path lead to a steep climb then a fork in the road. There was no sign of life and I was out of breath. But… cake. Must. Continue.
Walking through the 3 metre high doorway into an unmistakably communist era stone and marble building, no one was around. Family photos line the hallway. I thought maybe we were on private property.
Closer inspection revealed the ‘family photos’ as former leaders from Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. A propaganda mosaic of the people, workers, comrades, covered one wall. I spotted Marshall Tito looking down on us. Then the view.
The sole waitress joined us on the balcony offering a slice of Bled’s famous creme cake. Who am I to say no.
While not as extravagant as the villas in Tito’s Playground, the former Yugoslav leader’s summer residence retains its 50s charm and character in a leafy park on the shores of Lake Bled.
Now a government run luxury hotel, you can stay in Tito’s top floor, 100 square metre presidential suite with its two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and unobstructed views of the lake.
Regular rooms are surprisingly affordable for a former presidential residence. A double starts at €175 per night or a lake view suite for €220.
If that’s not in your budget, do as I did and stick to the cafe located in a separate building designed for entertaining Tito’s guests. International movie stars, American presidents, kings and queens socialised with Tito and enjoyed this very view.
After an hour eating cake alone on Tito’s balcony, with the most incredible view in Slovenia, we strolled back down the hill and continued the walk around the lake. Smitten.
Lake Bled is gorgeous but there’s much more to see in Slovenia:
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I really loved your post and images. Something different about Lake Bled that was worth reading.
P.S. I just loved the tip about being on a tight budget & hanging in a cafe located in a separate building
The cafe is not expensive but you can even go and take a quick photo from the balcony without staying. But why wouldn’t you want to stay and enjoy the view? 😉
Really loved this post! I am planning on visiting Slovenia in September and I think that I’m already smitten…
Danielle
Slovenia will be gorgeous in September and you’ll get to enjoy it with fewer tourists. Have fun! 🙂
I’m glad you went back to Lake Bled. You really did find a great view and with cake as well….fabulous!
So glad I had a better experience this time as I know I won’t be back for a while now.
We are planning to visit Slovenia this fall and have been wondering about Bled, i.e is it paradise or a tourist trap? I think your post sums it up really well, and shows that most places have something to recommend them–particularly if you can get away from the crowds.
As you know, my hubby loves all sorts of pastries, as well as quirky Communist memoriabilia–so I KNOW this will be on our itinerary! 🙂
You guys will love it, especially in autumn. I know you won’t miss trying the cream cake. 😀
So glad you ‘rediscovered’ Lake Bled – one of the most beautiful places I have been in my travels. My daughters and I still rave about our few days there 9 years ago – one is about to revisit. I will return and explore more of the surrounding areas next year hopefully.
Enjoy reading your blogs btw. (Must re-start mine someday)
It’s so nice that you have those memories you can share with your family. I wonder what your daughter will think after all these years.
Nice blog. I absolutely loved Bled, even though I visited in July last year. The tourist did not really bother me. I really liked the walk around the lake which gave us some beautiful views as seen in your pictures. I was wondering if you also went to the Island? It is really cute and the rowing on the lake is really fun.
Thanks Tes! Yes, I’ve been to the island. It’s lovely catching a pletna over there. 🙂 Although next time I would like to row myself.
Wow, I can’t believe you were along with yummy cake and that gorgeous view! Definitely sign me up!
Which week of October did you visit Lake Bled on 2nd photo (boats in front)?
That photo was taken on the 3rd September. Each year will be different. As I mentioned regarding Croatia, tweet the tourist office for up to date info. The Slovenian tourist board is also very active on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SloveniaInfo
Thanks. I will contact them.