Ljubljana & Lake Bled

Ljubljana, a European Green Capital with its Dragon Bridge and Triple Bridge, together with Lake Bled's island church and clifftop castle, the "Eye of the Alps."

This destination combines two parts: Slovenia's capital Ljubljana, and Lake Bled, about 55 km to the northwest. Slovenia sits where the Alps, the Adriatic Sea and the Pannonian Plain meet. It covers about 20,000 sq km, is roughly 60% forested, and is known for green tourism. Ljubljana has about 300,000 residents. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city, and the Old Town is built around Castle Hill. After the 1895 earthquake it was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, and in the first half of the 20th century the local architect Jože Plečnik reshaped it systematically. His Triple Bridge, the colonnades of the Central Market and the riverside promenades are part of the World Heritage listing "The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana." The city center has been largely closed to motor vehicles since 2007, and Ljubljana was named European Green Capital in 2016. Lake Bled is a glacial lake at the foot of the Julian Alps. The Church of the Assumption on the island in the middle of the lake and Bled Castle on a cliff 100 meters above make Slovenia's most classic scene. Nearby are the Vintgar Gorge, the larger and wilder Lake Bohinj, and Triglav National Park. About 50 km southwest of Ljubljana are Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, built into a cliff. Climate: May–September is the best time; in summer you can swim in Lake Bled, and October has beautiful autumn colors. In winter Ljubljana is around 0°C, and Lake Bled is quiet and snowy. Getting there: Ljubljana Airport is about 26 km from the city, with an airport bus. From Ljubljana bus station to Bled takes about 1 hour 10 minutes, with roughly one bus an hour. To Postojna, the train or bus takes about 1 hour. We suggest an itinerary of 3–4 days: one day in Ljubljana, 1–2 days at Lake Bled and Vintgar (you can stay by the lake), and half a day to a full day at Postojna. Notes: parking around Lake Bled is scarce and expensive in summer, so public transport is recommended. Tickets for Vintgar Gorge should be bought online in advance. Slovenian motorways require an electronic toll sticker (e-vinjeta).

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