The world famous Alpine resort Bled, with a 130 year tradition, is
attractive all year round. Contemporary tourism began at Bled in
1855, when Arnold Rikli organised sunbathing, swimming and fresh air
activities and achieved success with his curative treatment. Prominent
guests such as Agatha Christie, Arthur Miller and many others have
visited it. Today, Bled is the trademark of Slovenian tourism.
The lake itself measures 2,120 m by 1,080 m, is some 30 metres deep
and covers an area of 1.47 km2. Even though it freezes over winter,
Lake Bled is very warm in summer. Its mean annual temperature is 12°C
whilst the average July temperature is 21.5°C, it is, therefore,
eminently suitable for swimming and also attracts boating parties.
Bled was settled in the prehistoric age - to which numerous sites from
the Bronze Age bear witness. In the 9th century, Slavs began settling
the area, as proved in local archaeological finds, mostly under the
baroque church of St Mary on the Island, dating from 1465.
On the lake, gondola-like boats (pletne) take people to the romantic
little island with the lovely church and the famous wishing bell. The
island in the middle of the lake is the only genuine island in the
whole of Slovenia.
A mediaeval castle dating from the beginning of the 11th century
stands on a rocky promontory above the lake. The castle was the seat
of the Bishops of Brixen. Today it hosts a museum.
Among tourist facilities worth particular mention are the 28-hole golf
course, the tennis courts, the Rowing Centre at Zaka, the Casino, the
sports hall and skating rink, and the skiing centres of Straza and
Zatrnik.
Many national and international regattas have been organised here,
including three World Championships in rowing (1966, 1979 and 1989)
and the Biathlon World Cup (2001). It will host a chess olympiad this
year.
In 2004, Bled will celebrate the millennium anniversary of the first
mention of the place and the castle in documents.
Not far from Bled is a group of dwellings forming the romantic village
of Gorje. It is also worth visiting the 1600 metre long gorge of
Radovna-Soteska Vintgar or Pokljuka Gorge.
Only 30 km from Bled is another popular Slovene lake resort,
Bohinj.
More information:
- http://www.bled.si/
Comprehensive web page of Bled Tourist Board
- http://www.burger.si/Bled/Razgled_Otocek.html
Virtual reality panoramas of the lake, the castle and the island, including an interactive map of the surrounding
- http://www.hotel-toplice.com/
Even at the beginning of its existence (1874) Grand Hotel Toplice was the meeting place of the then high society. This hotel became famous because to its prime position on the lakeside, excellent cuisine, and luxurious rooms.
- http://www.bled.si/eng/cas/cas3.htm
Health Tourism and Arnold Rikli - the Swiss hydropath was one of the first to recognise the value of Bled's climate and its advantageous position.
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