Alpine Fairytale

A lake surrounded by a forest in autumn colors. In the background, a bridge and a small church.

Embark on a journey through Slovenia's most beautiful spots, where Alpine lakes, wild gorges, and medieval history meet. A day of breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable experiences awaits you.

We begin our journey at fairytale Bled. Perched 130 meters above the lake on a steep cliff sits the oldest castle in Slovenia. It offers the finest view of the entire lake basin and the island below. The glacial lake is fed by underwater thermal springs, making the water surprisingly warm in summer.

We take a traditional pletna boat to the only natural island in Slovenia. On the island, we climb 99 stone steps to the Baroque church and ring the wishing bell. Before leaving Bled, we treat ourselves to the original Bled cream cake, prepared here according to the same recipe for decades.

Next, we escape the bustle of Bled to the nearby Vintgar Gorge. Here, the Radovna River has carved a natural masterpiece of vertical walls and crystal-clear pools. We walk along wooden galleries right above the rushing water, reaching the mighty 13-meter-high Šum waterfall. The freshness of the gorge recharges us for our journey into the heart of the Julian Alps.

We continue toward Bohinj, a peaceful and wild alternative to Bled. Slovenia’s largest permanent lake lies embraced by the Triglav National Park and towering mountain walls. At the famous stone bridge, we are greeted by the Church of St. John the Baptist. For those seeking grand views, the Vogel cable car offers a stunning vista of the valley and Mount Triglav. It is a place for a deep breath, silence, and a taste of local Bohinj cheese.

We conclude the day in Škofja Loka, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the country. We cross the picturesque Capuchin Bridge into a labyrinth of narrow streets and colorful squares, overlooked by the mighty Škofja Loka Castle. A walk over the ancient cobblestones is a peaceful, historic end to our trip before returning to Ljubljana.