A very cold morning in November 2018 we boarded a bus from Zagreb to Ljubljana. Missing the original bus we were supposed to take we were lucky enough to buy a second ticket leaving a couple of hours later.

The two cities are well connected, with buses running daily from around 5:00 am until 9:00 pm for about 8 euros. In all, a smooth journey of under 3 hours.

Our final destination was the famous Lake Bled. With a bus ticket of almost the same price (7 euros 1 way); you can find hourly departures from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm from the main bus station in Ljubljana and with a travel time of about an hour.

By the end of the day, we made it to a quaint house built by the owner’s grandfather. On one floor, we had our own little apartment equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, a balcony, and a bedroom with a black and white tv. Hadn’t seen one of those in a long time.

We wandered off into town after settling in our new home for 2 weeks. As recommended by the owner of the inn we went into Sova Restaurant for a comforting, well-earned meal. The restaurant was really nice, highly priced as pretty much every other restaurant in town.

The cuisine was fine dining by some chef I had obviously never heard about. It didn’t disappoint. I had a mushroom cream that was everything my cold body desired followed by, I think, some pasta. Honestly, it was good but as you can see not memorable enough for the price tag.

I felt happy to be in a different place as we had spent a long time in Croatia. I hadn’t heard of Lake Bled at the time but I had high hopes of a healthier lifestyle of fresh air and healthy eating.

The next day we wandered into town again to get provisions. The nearest market to us wasn’t what I hoped for. It was a small one-stop store with no fresh produce and overpriced dry goods. Nonetheless, it was good enough. we got our weeks provisions. The following week we went into a slightly bigger supermarket in town. There still wasn’t a lot to choose from and the prices were still quite high.

Our days went by in a very quiet, slow-paced fashion. I didn’t mind. By the fourth day there it started to snow. I had never seen a proper snowfall. It was beautiful. With the holiday’s spirit at our doorstep, we felt like we were living in a season’s Christmas card. It was a romantic and serendipitous time.

On the weekend we went up to Bled Castle. The view from above was worth it. We went around the castle, found a lookout and made out. Then walked down through the forest.

We skipped the entrance. The fee was a crushing 15 euros per person. I later learned it has a wine cellar where they do tastings.

When you go offseason most of the commerce is shut. There are no tours on offer, no bike rentals, not even the tourist information office is open. Most of the restaurants and bars are shut.

But if I’m being honest I don’t think I would have enjoyed the dining experience all that much anyway. The bars that were opened lacked character and friendly staff. The only one I enjoyed was the Sports Hall bar where there’s an ice rink.

It seems like since the place is such a hot spot there are loads of tourists traps. Such as the Church trip on the island in the middle of the lake.

The boat ride to the island is around 15 euros plus 6 euros to go into the Church to ring some magical wish-granting bell. Perhaps in the warmer months swimming up to the island can make going there worth it but at the time I rather pass.

Time is best invested by walking around and enjoying the free gorgeous views of the mystical cute island in the middle of the lake. Or visiting the gift shop in town. Yes, there is only one and it is fab! They have many different liquours which you can all taste. My favorite one was the lavender.

They also have chocolates of different varieties but all made with honey. Also available for free tasting. Jackpot! And a variety of body care products made with the succulent nectar as well.

Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful spots to visit, Vintgar Gorge, was shut. We would have still tried to check it out but since it was winter it probably was wise not too. I’ve read that people will go in on March but it officially reopens in May.

Lake Bled is a magical place whose beauty exceeds expectations. A cute little town that can be a great place to be based, hire a car and explore Slovenia. Or at the least, a quick day trip, it will be well worth it.  

By the way, the famous cream cake was totally not appealing. I much more preferred the apple pie treat the family at the guesthouse surprised us with one night.