International Ice Hockey Federation

About Bled

About Bled

 

Bled JOST GANTAR

 

Bled with the population of 5.500 inhabitants is located at 501 m above sea on the southern foot of the Karavanke mountain range near the border with Austria, about 50 km northwest of the nation's capital Ljubljana. It has a mild, healthy sub-Alpine climate with the longest swimming season of any Alpine resort. The ridges of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke protect it from the chilly northern winds. The average monthly temperature in July is 18,7°C and in January -1,2°C.

Bled was settled in the prehistoric age - to which numerous sites from the Bronze Age bear witness. In the 9th century, Slavs began settling the area, as proved in local archaeological finds, mostly under the baroque church of St Mary on the Island, dating from 1465. A mediaeval castle dating from the beginning of the 11th century stands on a rocky promontory above the lake. The first mention of the place and the castle in documents dates back in the year 1004. The castle was the seat of the Bishops of Brixen, while today hosts a museum and a restaurant.

With a 150 year tradition in tourism, Bled ranks among the world's most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Contemporary tourism began at Bled in 1855, when Arnold Rikli organised sunbathing, swimming and fresh air activities and achieved success with his curative treatment. Today, Bled is the trademark of Slovenian tourism.

The lake itself measures 2,120 m by 1,380 m, is 30,6 meters deep and covers an area of 1.47 km2. Even though it can freeze over winter, Lake Bled is very warm during summer months. Its mean annual temperature is 12°C, average July temperature is 21.5°C, while maximum annual water temperature is 26°C. It is, therefore, eminently suitable for swimming and also attracts boating parties. On the lake, gondola-like boats (pletna) take people to the romantic little island with the lovely church and the famous Wishing bell. The island in the middle of the lake is the only genuine island in the whole of Slovenia. Not far from Bled is the 1600 meter long gorge of Radovna - soteska Vintgar or Pokljuka Gorge.

The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal base or a relaxing break or an active holiday. Bled attracts businessmen, artists, athletes, explorers, sport enthusiasts, the old and the young, from all over the world, enchanting them to return again and again.