Lake Bled

There must be hundreds of chocolate boxes with Lake Bled as its decoration; the place is just a fairy tale. A small island in a still lake surrounded by tree covered hills, a castle on a craggy cliff and even perfect European churches with towering spires. White swans drift across the lake surface and just breathe, “Slow down and drink in this serenity”.

It is possible to reach the island by the local boats; handsome young men row you across the water to the romantic isle where a church and a wishing bell await. The local legend says that anyone who wishes whilst ringing the bell has their wish come true. I believe that, don’t you? And considering how frequently the bell is heard so do many other visitors.

It is possible to walk around the lake (about 1.5 hours) which is an excellent plan if you also want to try the local delicacy of Lake Bled: a custard square. It’s more like a cream and custard pastry, but it’s worth every delicious bite and calorie. It’s possible to try the cake and have a great cup of coffee overlooking the water from the original bakery cafe. A must do for a delightful afternoon tea.

It is also possible to visit the castle. This mediaeval castle is now partly museum and partly restaurant, a particularly good restaurant for fish and Australian and New Zealand wine. Yes, you too can travel thousands of kilometres to try a good New Zealand wine. The restaurant has been carefully placed in a wing of the castle which looks over the lake. In fact it is so well placed it feels like you are dining in mid-air and the world is suspended beneath you.