Most of the pieces I write usually involve me doing something crazy or going on some sort of insane adventure. This one, however, is going to be a little different. I enjoy pushing myself and going on adventures, but sometimes, it is nice to slow down. Bled is synonymous with serenity, the perfect place to slow down. Visiting Lake Bled was an adventure nonetheless, but a relaxing one at that. It is an ideal destination to chill out.

Lake Bled is an absolute must-see when visiting Slovenia; the views over the lake are incredible! This magnificent view had me questioning if the lake was real or if I was merely looking at a postcard. Rest assured, this picturesque landscape does exist and is waiting for you at Lake Bled. It is the only place in Slovenia with a church in the middle of a lake! Fun fact: you can swim in the lake, meaning you can swim right up to the island!

However, I am not sure you will be permitted to enter the church if you are dripping wet. You might try a boat instead, should you wish to visit the Assumption of Maria Church. There is a traditional Pletna boat service that takes you to the island and back for €12. The staircase leading up to the church has exactly 99 steps, and it is tradition for the groom to carry the bride up all the stairs if the couple wishes to get married in the church.

Beautiful Bled

There is a certain calming atmosphere about the place, soothing even. The residents of Bled went about their day leisurely; they took time to relax and enjoy life. Friends met up for coffee at the cafe, and lovers strolled along the banks of the lake. Imagine picking up your favourite book and spending the day reading by the lake. This air of tranquillity sets Lake Bled apart. The views are unparalleled as well. I suggest hiking up to Mala Osojnica for the best view of the lake.

In my opinion, Lake Bled is severely underrated. Despite all it has to offer, not many people know about this gem. The good news is that it is also less crowded than other destinations in Europe. Jumping in this pristine lake over the summer was phenomenal; the warm, turquoise blue waters of the lake made for a wonderful swim! There are many other things to do as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my quiet strolls along the lake. Being by the lake helped me think and reflect.

Vintgar Gorge

Bled is also home to the majestic Vintgar Gorge. It is most easily accessed via the shuttle bus from the main bus station, or if you prefer walking like me, the hike is quite pleasant as well! Hiking helps me clear my mind—it helps me focus on what is right in front of me. I watch my legs trek forward, one after another, as I contemplate new surroundings. Slovenia truly is an excellent place for hiking; there is so much natural beauty all around.

My favourite part of the gorge is the water which fills it. This mystical stream runs through it, leading the way from start to end. It changes form along the way, exiting the gorge as a beautiful waterfall. The water was turquoise yet clear at the same time. The stream seemed to glow as the water rushed by. Unfortunately, it is not possible to swim in Vintgar, although I imagine it must be quite heavenly to explore what lies beneath the surface.

The path through the gorge is one-way; you enter on one end and exit through the other, just like the stream. It hugged Vintgar’s bends tightly—you could feel the gorge’s curves as you passed by. It was incredible! There was a mysterious aura about Vintgar. She seemed to have much to say but not the words to express it. She told her tale through her twists and turns, guiding her guests on their journey.

The joy of the journey

Travelling has a way of bringing to me what I need the most when I need it the most. I had not been hostelling in over a year, and I must confess, I was unsure if I had the same aptitude for travelling as before. Lake Bled brought me the inspiration and courage I needed to continue with my journey. I had an amazing time at Bled Hostel; the staff were friendly and the beer was good. The people I met in Bled motivated me for the long journey ahead.

I was initially attracted to travelling because of the opportunity to explore new places and see new things. However, it was the social aspect that kept me coming back for more. The people I meet along the way bring such joy and colour into my life. I would not have it any other way! I met Lena and Martin in the hostel. On paper, we may not have spent much time together, but the day we had goes beyond the constraints of time.

I remember these special days with special people as pockets in time. As I write, I recollect, transporting myself back to that day. I feel present in that moment, experiencing all those wonderful feelings all over again. That is why I love writing, it’s my version of time travelling. The connections I make are short, intense and worth it. Nothing is more valuable to me.

I hope you enjoyed this piece and are inspired to visit Lake Bled yourself! It truly is an amazing destination. I wish that my writing was more regular, but for now, this is all I can manage alongside writing my bachelor’s thesis. I can’t promise regularity, but I can promise that I will not stop writing! So stay tuned for more!