Romantic Bled, SLOVENIA
Airing Date: Feb 13th, 2006
Slovenia is a very small country around 20,000 sq km in size (about 1/3 the size of Tasmania) and with a population of around 2 million people. It shares a border with Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Slovenia has everything from beaches to snow-capped mountains, Gothic churches to baroque palaces. It is one of the greenest countries in the world with over half of its total area covered in forest.
Slovenia is and always has been a safe place to visit, the only unrest in recent history being the 10 day war with Yugoslavia.
Bled is in the northwest of Slovenia, less than 50 km from the capital Ljubljana and 35 km from Ljubljana Airport. A mild climate, an eternally enchanting lake embraced by a necklace of majestic peaks and an idyllic island have made it a favourite destination for travellers for centuries.
There are three things you cannot miss when you are in Bled: the island, the lake and the castle rising on the 100 metre white rock above it. Ever vigilant the castle has been guarding the township and its people since 1004. The historic setting provides an enchanting location for your wedding. From these heights you are offered panoramic views of the lake far below as you express your commitment to each other.
The Bled Tourist Board boasts a rich tradition in organising wedding ceremonies at the oldest castle in Slovenia. Perched on a cliff high above the lake, Bled Castle and its castle wall form a perfect backdrop for the cherished memories of your wedding day.
The tiny, tear-shaped island, the only true one in Slovenia, has been the site of a Christian Church since the 9th century. But excavations have shown that the early Slavs worshipped at a pagan temple here at least a century before that.
Getting to the island is half the fun. The easiest way is to climb aboard one of the hand-propelled gondolas - there are jetties below the TIC, Spa park to the north and Mlino, on the south shore. You get about half an hour to explore the island and, in all, the trip takes about 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can rent a rowing boat at the Castle Baths or at the large beach at the southwest end of the lake.
Further Information
Thai Airways International will get you to Zurich from $1679 ex Perth and $1829 ex Melbourne. Includes taxes. subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Harvey World Travel
Telephone: 132 757
Lake Bled wedding packages start from $5000. A 7 day Reflections of Slovenia tour starts from $1730 per person.
Beyond Slovenia
Telephone: 1300 55 75 01
Prices correct at 13/2/06
