Lake Bled is located in the Alps, northwest of Slovenia, in the town of Bled.
This glacial and tectonic lake, 2,120 metres (6,960 ft) long and 1,380 m (4,530 ft) wide, is one of the most-visted basins in the country. Lake Bled has a maximum depth of 30.6 m and is surround by stunning forests and majestic mountains.
A medieval castle, situated on an island, crowns the lake. This enclave is the only natural one of Slovenia and is home to several buildings, including a beautiful fifteenth century church.
In summer, thousands of boats sail along its crystal waters and in July, the town of Bled organizes the ‘Bled Days and Bled Night’, a festival that attracts people from all over the country. The most special moment is at night time when the boats sail along the lake leaving a trail of 15,000 candles placed in egg-shells floating on the water.
These candles are hand-made by a local craftsman, who starts preparing them months in advance. The local bakery, known for its traditional cream cakes, is in charge of supplying the egg shells.
Lake Bled is also home to a surprising fairy-tale: Magic Bell story.
Once upon a time there lived a young widow in the castle of Bled. She had loved her husband dearly and, in his honour, she visited the lake’s island frequently. One day she decided to spend all her fortune and commissioned a bell for the island’s small chapel. Sadly, the ship transporting the recently finished bell to the island sunk after it was hit by a terrifying storm. Legend also has it that you can still hear the bell ringing from the deep waters of the lake. After the widow died, the Pope commissioned another bell and sent it to the island, blessing it. It is believed that anyone who rings this bell will have a wish granted.
