Full-day Excursion to Lake Bled and a Sunset Cruise along the Ljubljanica
Today's excursion to Lake Bled was highlighted by an Alpine landscape of mountains and forests. Our first stop was to tour Bled Castle (Blejski Grad), one of the oldest castles in Slovenia. It towers above the lake and its tiny island and church. We had a chance to walk along its walls for some amazing views of the Gorenjska region, tucked between Karavanke and Julian Alps.
There are 2 courtyards, with the lower courtyard comprised of a Castle print shop, Primoz Trubar's memorial room, a honey shop and a cafe. A wine cellar is located in the middle courtyard.
The Gorenjska region, tucked between Karavanke and Julian Alps.
Good looking print shop guy - we tried to arrange a date for Vlatka
but she wasn't interested.
Bled Castle (Blejski Grad)
Bled Castle (Blejski Grad)
clinging to the rocky cliff.
The middle courtyard (Obrambni zid-razgled) with a great view of the island.
Photo #100 of Lake Bled's 17th-century church on the islet in the middle of the lake.
Photos from the castle wall and the walk to board our pletna boat for the islet...
The pletna named Barbara.
Our expert oarsman, Martin, never had to worry about working out at the gym
since his trips back and forth to the islet, against the current,
kept him in excellent shape.
Once on the islet we explored the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake and made sure to ring the "wishing bell" in the 15th century belfry next to the church.
The Bell Tower and Pendulum Clock.
The Baroque statue of M. Magdalene.
Tito's vacation palace...
...and the detached dining room with an incredible view.
Next stop - Radovljica's 13th century Linhart Square for sightseeing and sausage/sauerkraut lunch.
Sivec House. Late Gothic architecture.
Josipina Hocevar monument,
the town's benefactress
who helped poor schoolchildren
and donated funds for building the town's water supply.
The Lectar House with its gingerbread workshop (1766)
and Gostilna Restaurant (1822) - where we enjoyed our sauerkraut/sausage lunch.
Making the gingerbread hearts.
Church of St. Peter (15th century late Gothic).
One of the church's door knockers.
Panorama of the surrounding countryside below.
Back in Ljubljana...
Our sunset champagne cruise along the Ljubljanica canal.
Patrick and Susan.
Vlatka and her adoring men: (front row, L to R) Patrick, Walter, Mike and Rick;
(back row) Steven, Vlatka and Michel.
That's all folks!
Loved this excursion to Lake Bled. Slovenia is such an unknown treasure. So glad you were able to experience it.
ReplyDeleteBarb, you have outdone yourself!
ReplyDeleteI'm exhausted just following your trip - and you did this with a knee awaiting (and probably screaming for) replacement.
Several years ago I took the Adriatic Cruise trip and saw many of these places, although only briefly. Such neat memories!