Slovenia has been on my bucket list for a while so I decided to do a solo trip to check it out. I have picked Bled as my location, which has been a popular destination for nature lovers for years.
1. Lake Bled
A fun destination and offers a lot to do without leaving the area. One can walk around the lake ~ 6 km (3.7 miles), enjoy the beautiful views, visit the island via a row boat or a traditional Pletna boat with an oarsman, visit the castle or go on hikes in the mountains around the lake.
On the island, you can visit the church and ring the church bell. It is said to fulfill your wish. I obviously had to try it, it was a childhood dream of mine! The other site on the island was the tower – you have to climb up 90 steps to the top of it where you can enjoy the view and see the pendulum clock in operation.
2. Bled Castle
Bled Castle just celebrated its 1000s birthday. Beyond offering beautiful views of Lake Bled from the castle, there is also a lot to do/see. What really interested me was the print shop with a replica of a Gutenberg printing press, which also prints an image + text based on your choice. There was also a blacksmith, an amazing honey shop, wine tasting and bottling, restaurant and a museum. Give it a shot if you are in the area.
3. Vintgar Gorge
One of the most popular destinations around Lake Bled. Only 4 km away from Bled – a unique canyon awaits it visitors. It is a mile long (1600 meters) and goes along a narrow path with wooden bridges where needed. The river rushes rapidly or mellowly depending on the elevation.
One of my fun spots was the one on the first picture. It was at the beginning of the journey and the water was very fast flowing but behind the rock, it hardly moved. Whatever fall into that basin, stayed there for a while, like the sticks on the picture. The water is very clean – when it is a bit mellower, you can see right through it (giving the blue hue on the second picture)
Going forward there was an arch bridge. Little did I know that there is a functioning train path on top of it until I saw a train pass by. Later, I have learned the even a steam engine train crosses the bridge sometimes. If you have a chance, check it out. Underneath the bridge there is a dam collecting water for the small hydro power plant which is under the waterfall in the second picture. During the summer months, you can also go into the basin of the waterfall (of course it has a lot less water then).
The gorge has a unique micro climate and hosts many unique plants and animals. My 2 awes were yellow violets and the biggest duck I have ever seen in my life. He seemed to be deeply obsessed with his feathers, I watched him for a while and then he was still there after about an hour when I returned.
After the waterfall you have to return back to go another mile through the gorge to your car / shuttle. The gorge is very popular, I would recommend to visit at 8 when it opens.
4. Rakov Skocjan
I have seen a few pictures from Rakov Skocjan and it really intrigued me. The area is part of a Karst mountain which has a river – Rak on the surface for only 3.5 km. Before and after that the river is going underearth. During that 3.5 km however you can witness a pretty unique phenoma. Some part of the caves collapsed, leaving stone bridges, small caves entrances and windows open up. As most parts can be visited, it offers opportunities to discover the area on your own. This was the highlight of my trip!
It has 2 main areas – the ‘small natural bridge’ and the ‘large natural bridge’. My focus was the small natural bridge area as it has a window to the nature. I learned it has more than one window. I was there on a not too crowded day and it allowed me to discover every small turn, cave at my own space. I felt very content on this place. I ended up finding a nice spot for myself at the ruins of an old sawmill and was sitting there for over half an hour, just enjoying the river and the quiet.
5. Skocjan Caves
Skocjan Caves is part of UNESCOs world heritage. The beginning of the cave has stalactite and stalagmites in huge variety and size. Towards the end there is a chamber with up to 140 m (460 ft) height, containing an underground canyon with a waterfall. The siphon of the water can be slow after heavy rains, causing the water level to rise up to 100 m (330 ft). The trip through the cave is ~1.5 hours and you are not allowed to take pictures.
Exiting the cave a new world opens up with a green forest. The doline is 160 m (530 ft) deep and you are looking up from almost the bottom. After returning to the top the trip ends but one can stay to discover the area. I hiked around the valley as well as into the valley – there is a small hill in the middle. Amazing sights! Did you know that the words ‘karst’ and ‘doline’ originate from Slovenia from the Skocjan area?
Slovenia was a bigger positive surprise than expected. I will be back soon!
