Slovenia: Lake Bled & Vintgar Gorge

After a short morning in Radovljica, it was time to visit Lake Bled.

This area seems to be a popular place in the summer for family vacations with plenty of campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and sports activities. 

During winter the lake freezes over becoming a peaceful winter wonderland worthy of a postcard picture and a cup of hot chocolate.

Our first task was to hike up to Bled Castle for a view of the lake. 

Bled Castle (on the cliff)

Unfortunately once we reached the top, there wasn't much of a view without entering castle.
Rather than paying nine euro each to enter, we hiked back down.

Next we took a stroll around the lake.
Visitors wanting to reach the island can rent row boats or stand up paddle boards.
A more relaxing option is travel by traditional Pletna boat.
Many visitors were content to lay out in large grassy areas around the lake.

By the time we made it around the entire (6 km) lake
we were ready for some traditional Bled Cream Cake.

Our B&B hostess suggested going to the cafe, Park, that invented the popular dessert.
 
The service was poor, but the cream cake was delicious!

It tasted like a custard pie with a crispy pastry dough on top and bottom, dusted with powdered sugar.

Vintgar Gorge

Only a 10 minute drive from Lake Bled lies a canyon 
carved by a pristine river called the Vintgar Gorge.

The fee to enter the gorge was four euro (2015).


The cool temperatures inside the canyon were a welcome relief from the summer heat.

Along wooden walkways you can see  waterfalls, whirlpools, and little fish swimming.

Be prepared to do some walking!
 The path is long and you must walk back the same way you came in.

Once you reach the end of the last waterfall,  you have the option to turn around or keep hiking on a scenic path that brings you to Lake Bled.

Afterwards we dined at the nearby restaurant and 
had some of the best Slovenian food of our entire trip!

Tomorrow we would explore Ljubljana!