A magical visit to Lake Bled, Slovenia
Although a lot of my travel decisions are spurred by seeing beautiful places on Instagram (no shame!), it’s rare that my crazy-high expectations are exceeded–but in the case of Lake Bled, I was absolutely blown away. Not only was there a monastery on an island and a castle on a hill exactly as promised, but the water was this crystal-clear, otherworldly turquoise color and the hills were covered in greenery and wild pink peonies.
Not only was it even more beautiful in person than I expected, but there was also so much more to do than I thought. Sometimes places like this are just a one-photo-opp-and-done situation, but my biggest regret is not spending more time in Lake Bled: I wish I would have had the time to walk the lake’s perimeter at sunrise and sunset, spend all afternoon reading in the sunshine on its bank and jumped off the dock for a refreshing dip, take a boat to the church on the island, and just generally relax in such a beautiful place. Alas: just another reason to have to go back!
This is the face of PURE JOY. I arrived to Lake Bled in the late afternoon, and I immediately put on my sneakers and headphones and decided to go on a walk around the lake–the perimeter is just under 4 miles. I was so hyped up that I actually ran–which never happens, ha! Granted, I jogged…and then stopped to take a photo…and then walked…and then jogged…and then took another photo. It was all just so incredibly beautiful, I can’t even express how happy I was to finally be there in the flesh! 
One of the things that really surprised me was how clear the water was in Lake Bled, and how stunning the turquoise color was. You could see all of the fish swimming around, even just standing on the banks!
Quick break from the lake itself: I loved seeing these gorgeous peonies and roses blooming on the side of the lake!
Fun fact: Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia! Perched on a cliff that overlooks Lake Bled, it was mentioned in a deed in 1011, and it’s still one of the best views of the lake.
Bled Castle is also home to one of my best meals I had in Slovenia: the restaurant not only has great views, but it also had really incredible food. That doesn’t always happen! It was maybe one of the best glasses of rose that I’ve ever had–but that could be because I was intoxicated with happiness with the view. I also splurged on the wienerschnitzel that came with such decadently delicious roasted potatoes: I grew up loving my grandmother’s wienerschnitzel, and this gave it a serious run for its money. 
And then I capped it all off with a slice of Bled cream cake! The most famous original is down at Sava Resort right on the lake, but I gotta say: the option at the restaurant at the castle is pretty darn good. A crispy, flaky crust made of butter dough, filled with vanilla cream, topped with whipped cream and another layer of flaky butter dough: can’t get any better than that! 
My biggest regret: not visiting the church on the island on the lake and ringing the wishing bell! Via the Lake Bled website: “According to the legend, a young widow Poliksena once lived at the Bled Castle, who had a bell casted for the chapel on the island in memory of her husband. During the transport of the bell, a terrible storm struck the boat and sank it together with the crew and the bell, which to this day is said to ring from the depths of the lake. After the widow died, the Pope consecrated a new bell and sent it to the Bled Island. It is said that whoever rings this bell and thereby gives honour to Virgin Mary gets his wish come true.” 
To get out to the island, you can either rent an adorable wooden rowboat and do the work yourself, or you can hire a traditional Pletna boat and relax while enjoying the view. I sadly didn’t have time to squeeze in a boat ride to the church, but I truly wish I had! The Pletna boats generally run from about 10am to 6pm, so make sure to work that into your trip scheduling.
I stayed at the Hotel Rikli Balance, and it was one of those properties where I could have just relaxed at the hotel all day. This was the view from my balcony!!! I couldn’t get over it. I think this might be the best room view that I’ve ever had.
And my absolute favorite part of the hotel: there were a bunch of indoor pools and hot tubs, complete with a WATER SLIDE! And a view of Lake Bled! For an additional fee, you can also access a series of saunas and steam rooms. Perfect if you’re making a true spa holiday out of your visit to Lake Bled! 
