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Active recreation / 3-day winter getaway to the Alpine gem of Gorenjska

Widely described as one of the most enchanting places in the world, Bled has far more to offer than just natural sights. A visit to Bled clears the mind and awakens the spirit, relaxes the soul and invigorates the body, motivates athletes and gives romantics plenty to dream about. Romantic walks or a horse-drawn carriage ride around the lake, a ride in the traditional “pletna” boat to Bled Island, a visit to the magnificent castle ruling the rock cliff above the lake, and last but not least, enjoying the creamiest and most famous Bled dessert, the original Bled cream cake – Bled is a superlative holiday destination! To make it easier to choose things you simply can’t miss during your stay in Bled, we have put together some tips for the perfect 3-day winter getaway to Bled.

Tips for a winter visit to Bled

DAY 1

A walk around the lake

A walk around the lake

Bled has several must-see magical spots that you just have to visit when you arrive. Start with a walk around Lake Bled to get a feel for this Alpine gem and enjoy the enchanting views.

The island and the wishing bell

The island and the wishing bell

If you don’t mind the winter air, take a ride in a traditional “pletna” boat or a modern electric powered boat, and visit the island on Lake Bled. It was once a temple to Živa, the goddess of love, but today it is the home of the romantic little church of St. Mary Help of Christians and its famous wishing bell dating back to 1943.

Bled cream cake at the Park Café

Bled cream cake at the Park Café

Having sent your wishes to the sky, it is time for some refreshment. The Park Café serves a variety of sweet treats, including the legendary original Bled cream cake and a special winter range of hot chocolate drinks. To burn off the calories, climb up to Bled Castle and take in the bird’s eye view of Bled, or visit the castle print shop and gallery of herbs.

DAY 2

Skiing on Zatrnik

Skiing on Zatrnik

If you are a fan of winter sports, treat yourself to a day of skiing in the small but beautiful Zatrnik ski resort – the perfect choice for skiing adventures for families with young children taking their first turns on the slopes. The ski resort is situated at the foot of Pokljuka.

Family photos as a souvenir from Ojstrica

Family photos as a souvenir from Ojstrica

When you have had your fill of snow sports, take a leisurely 30-min walk to nearby Ojstrica, which is particularly popular for its breathtaking views of Lake Bled and the Sava plain. This is the perfect opportunity to take some panoramic shots of Bled and capture an unforgettable moment with your family.

Pampering at the Živa Wellness Centre

Pampering at the Živa Wellness Centre

After you get back to Bled, you will probably want a place to rest and warm up. Visit the Živa Wellness Centre in the Rikli Balance Hotel, where you can soak in thermal water while still enjoying a view of the lake.

DAY 3

A day trip to Pokljuka

A day trip to Pokljuka

Bled lies in the heart of the Julian Alps. It is perfectly situated for winter sports enthusiasts to visit a different ski resort every day. On day 3 of your stay, why not catch the Bled winter shuttle, which offers daily transport to Pokljuka in season. Pokljuka is a veritable paradise for cross-country skiing, winter hikes, snowshoe hiking and ski touring. It also has a world-famous biathlon centre and a popular sports centre for families, with countless activities for children.

Fresh and local flavours

Fresh and local flavours

Having spent the day outside, you will return to Bled ready to sample fresh and local dishes at the Park Café. While enjoying the most magnificent view of the Bled scenery, browse the wine list and select a snack from among the crunchy sandwiches made with local ingredients. Would you prefer a small salad or something hot? They offer those as well. And they won’t be surprised at all if your main course at the café is a dessert!

Get warm in the sauna

Get warm in the sauna

Feeling full and pleasantly tired, visit the Živa Wellness Centre for some water fun before bed. Get warm in unique saunas – don’t miss our memorable outdoor sauna – and enjoy the perfect ending to a day of sports and activities.

Tips for a 3-day getaway to Bled for couples

DAY 1

A carriage ride around the lake

A carriage ride around the lake

The path around Lake Bled will take your breath away again and again. An hour-long winter walk hand in hand, or a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage can be equally romantic. The fairytale winter setting will add a spring to your step, while the fresh air will fill you with energy.

99 steps to the top of the island

99 steps to the top of the island

There are a total of 99 steps to the church that sits on top of the island on Lake Bled. If a couple wants to get married on the island, ancient tradition dictates that the groom must carry the bride all the way up the 99 steps. Every day, visitors to the island ring the wishing bell, hoping that it will help their wishes and dreams to come true.

The poetry of food

The poetry of food

After a busy day of sightseeing, nothing feels better than an exclusive dinner at the Julijana Restaurant in the Grand Hotel Toplice, which only accommodates up to 20 guests, and boasts a terrace along the most beautiful part of Lake Bled. 
The Julijana Restaurant was awarded the prestigious Michelin Plate for 2020 and 2021, which stands for fresh ingredients, carefully prepared into a good meal, as well as 3 toques from Gault&Millau. Pamper your taste buds and enjoy magnificent views of the lake. The restaurant is open on Fridays and Saturdays.

DAY 2

A breathtaking panoramic view

A breathtaking panoramic view

If you are a fan of hiking and mountaineering, don’t miss Mala Ojstrica, which is particularly popular for its breathtaking views of Lake Bled and the Sava plain. It is the perfect spot for taking panoramic shots of Bled and capturing unforgettable moments.

Snowshoeing – walking on clouds of snow

Snowshoeing – walking on clouds of snow

Snowshoeing is gradually becoming one of the most popular winter activities in Slovenia. All you need for this unique sport is a pair of snowshoes and some snow. You will feel as if you are gliding along on clouds of snow! Snowshoeing is similar to walking and running. Try your hand at this ancient activity and enjoy the beautiful sights of the Triglav National Park.

Get warm together

Get warm together

Getting pampered in the warm is the perfect way to end a day spent in the fresh air. Visit the Živa Wellness Centre in the Rikli Balance Hotel, to soak in thermal water or get warm in one of the saunas with the most beautiful view of Bled.

DAY 3

Skiing in various resorts

Skiing in various resorts

Skiing enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that Bled is ideally situated for access to a number of ski resorts. We recommend those in Kranjska Gora, Krvavec, Kanin, Cerkno and Soriška planina.

The Rikli walk to Bled Castle

The Rikli walk to Bled Castle

If you have any energy left after skiing, you can hike up the Castle Hill, which offers some of the best maintained hiking trails in Bled – well paved, lit and secured with fences. From Bled Castle, you can enjoy unforgettable views of Lake Bled, Bled Island and the surrounding area, all the way to Mt. Triglav. You can also stop at the castle restaurant for some refreshments.

An Alpine wellness fairytale

An Alpine wellness fairytale

At the end of the day, pamper yourself with treatments at the Živa Wellness Centre. This is where Alpine freshness meets the Rikli healing approach, resulting in one-of-a-kind wellness products that you won’t find anywhere else, such as massage therapy with spruce tips for muscle relaxation, beauty treatments with honey from the Carniolan honey bees for glowing skin, and the Pokljuka ritual for total regeneration.

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