Bled tourist information

Bled is a municipality (population 10,899) in northwestern Slovenia in the region of Upper Carniola (Slovenian Gorenjska). It was first mentioned on April 10, 1004, when it was awarded by the German Emperor Henry II to the Bishop Albuin of Brixen. Later it had changed many owners, until it became an independent municipality in 1996.

Bled is famous for the glacial Lake Bled, which makes it a major tourist attraction. Perched on a rock overlooking the lake is an iconic castle.

Due to its mild climate, Bled has been visited by aristocratic guests from across Europe. Arnold Rikli from Switzerland contributed significantly to its development as a health resort. Today it is an important convention centre and tourist resort, offering a wide range of sport activities (golf, fishing, horseback-riding) and is a starting point for mountain treks and hikes.

A small island in the middle of the lake is home to a church; visitors frequently ring its bell for good luck. Human traces from prehistory have been found on the island. Before the church was built, there was a temple consecrated to Živa, the Slavic goddess of love and fertility. One can get to the island on a traditional boat called pletna.

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