Sun-warmed skin, cool water, a boat gently bobbing on the lake — and not a beach or sea in sight.
This is Bled, Slovenia, where this year I somehow found the feeling of a classic summer beach holiday in the middle of the Alps.
The days were wonderfully slow: lazing beside the turquoise water, dipping in for a swim when the sun got too warm, and watching the boats drift across the lake. With the mountains rising all around me and Bled Castle looking down from above, it was hard to believe I were in a town rather than a seaside resort.
One of the highlights was rowing out to Bled Island, the tiny island sitting in the middle of the lake. Gliding across the calm water, with the church tower getting closer and the mountains all around me was one of those moments that makes you stop and take it all in.
And then there was the important business of doing very little.
Ice creams, drinks by the water, sunny afternoons and nowhere I needed to be. Bled has that wonderfully relaxed holiday rhythm where sightseeing can wait and the lake becomes the main event.
A beach holiday without the sea — just a beautiful lake, spectacular mountains and plenty of time to laze around. And honestly, for once I didn’t miss the coast one bit.
J O D L A R 🍦🍧- local artisan gelato - ice cream — my top pick for proper artisan gelato. Handmade flavours include pistachio, mango and raspberry, with plenty of sorbet options too.
https://www.instagram.com/jodlar_artisan_gelato/
For fun accommodation I stayed at Kamp Bled — it’s the standout if you want that “wake up by the water” experience. It’s right on Lake Bled, with direct lake access and the centre of Bled about 1 km away.
https://www.sava-hotels-resorts.com/en/sava-hotels-bled/camping/camping-bled/
Finally, no trip to Bled is complete without a slice of kremšnita. I stopped at Kavarna Park, home of the original Bled cream cake, and tucked into layers of crisp pastry, silky custard and whipped cream — preferably with a lake view.
https://www.bled.si/en/what-to-see-do/cuisine/catering-facilities/3/kavarna-park/
You need to go! Ben x