SLOVENIA'S TREASURES

		Bled (© Slovenian Tourist Board)

A world famous Alpine resort Bled with a 130 year tradition is attractive all year round. The year 1855 saw the beginning of contemporary tourism at Bled when Arnold Rikli organised sunbathing, swimming and fresh air activities and achieved success in his curative treatment. It was visited by prominent guests from various countries (Agatha Christie, Arthur Miller). Today Bled is the trademark of Slovenian tourism.

Bled is known for its lake and the little island in the middle of it. The lake itself measures 2,120 m by 1,080 m, is some 30 metres deep and covers an area of 1.47 km2 . Even though it freezes over winter, Lake Bled is very warm in summer. Its mean annual temperature is 12 C whilst the average July temperature is 21.5 C, it is, therefore, eminently suitable for swimming and attracts boating parties.

On the lake gondola-like boats (pletne) take people to the romantic little island with the lovely church and the famous »bell of wishes«, dating form the 16th century. The island in the middle of the lake is the only genuine island in the whole Slovenia.

Bled was settled in the prehistoric age - numerous sites from the Bronze Age bear witness. In the 9th century, Slavs began settling the area, as proved in local archaeological finds, mostly under the baroque church of St Mary on the Island, dating from 1465.

A mediaeval castle dating from the beginning of the 11th century stands on a rocky ridge above the lake. The castle was the seat of the bishops of Brixen. Today it hosts a museum and a fine restaurant.

Among tourist facilities worth mentioning are the 18-hole golf course, the tennis courts, the Rowing Centre at Zaka, the Casino, the sports hall and skating rink, and the skiing centres of Straža and Zatrnik.

Bled annually hosts among important events, world championships in rowing and parachuting, as well as the annual meetings of the PEN Society.

See also: http://www.bled.si