Lake Bled

Lake Bled is located in Slovenia, in the Julian Alps which are in the northwest of the country. It measures roughly 2,120 meters, or 6,960 feet in length, and 1,380 meters or 4,530 feet wide. Its maximum depth reaches nearly 30 meters, which is just under 100 feet deep.

Landscape And Formation

The lake is roughly 55 kilometers from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The lake is set in the Julian Alps, at an altitude of 1,558 feet, with the soaring rock faces and peaks surrounding it. Its water has a stunning blue-green colour, in large part due to glacial streams in the area, making for an even more picturesque view. The lake itself was formed due to the tectonic structure in the area. A tectonic basin occurred in the area that is now the lake. Around the same time, the Bohinj glacier, which would have retreated during the Ice Age, was blocked by a large rock, meaning it was trapped in place. This glacier eventually melted, filling the basin, and the rock was eroded and smoothed by the scraping of the glacier, to create Bled Island. 

Bled Island

The lake has one small island located within it, which is called Bled island. This tiny island holds a large significance, and visual impact. While there are a few different buildings on the island, the church, known as the Assumption of Mary, is the most prominent. The church was built in the mid 1600s. It has a large spire and tower, which measure 52 meters (or 171 feet) in height. The church is popular with visitors and tourists for its appearance and age alike, and is often used for weddings and ceremonies.Transportation to and from the island is traditionally done via pletna, which are low flat-bottomed wooden boats. 

Thermal Springs

Multiple thermal springs can be found on the eastern side of Lake Bled. This area is so satiated with thermal activity that the water temperature stays at an average 20 degrees celsius. These springs have created added interest by tourists, as several hotels in the area have adapted these natural springs into pools.

Tourism

The lake is fairly easily accessed by train, at only 4.2 kilometers or 2.6 miles from the Lesce-Bled train station. The area has become extremely popular with visitors to the area due to its stunning views and quaint picturesque feel. In summer months, Bled can be quite crowded with hikers, tourists and boaters, all taking in the views and history of Bled Lake. 

Bled Castle

Another reason the area is so gorgeous and popular with tourists is Bled Castle. Not only is the lake visually impressive, and the mountain ranges impressive, but overlooking the lake, on the edge of a cliff, sits Bled Castle. The castle was originally constructed in 1004, under German king Henry II. Additional towers were added through the Middle Ages, expanding the original structure. The castle sustained heavy damage during an earthquake in 1511, but was reconstructed in the original style.