4/08/2026

Bled, Slovenia | Magical Legends, Fables and Folklore


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From along the breathtaking Dalmatian Coast and traveling through war-torn countries in Central Europe, we have experienced the incredible natural beauty, glittering azure water, majestic beaches, and soaring mountains as we reach storied Lake Bled.

We arrive at magical Lake Bled and its fairy tale world in Slovenia. Lake Bled is ranked among the most beautiful places in Slovenia and the most photogenic lake on the planet.  Bled is Slovenia’s most popular alpine resort, luring honeymooners, backpackers, hikers, mountaineers, and outdoorsmen during all four seasons.





Just one of the many fables in ancient times is there was no water at the now Lake Bled; it was once a valley of lush green grass and only a single rock.  By day, the shepherds grazed their sheep in the valley, and by night, the fairies danced. Until one day, when the fairies asked the shepherds to fence in around their dance area, so the grass would remain soft.  The shepherds ignored their plea, and soon the youngest and most beautiful fairy broke her leg while dancing. 

The angry, grumpy fairies summoned the springs and brooks to storm the valley and fill it with water. Forming this incredible tear-drop-shaped island, surrounded by glistening blue-green water, is now known as Bled Island. If you watch closely at night, the fairies dance under the light of the stars around the sparkling turquoise crown jewel, Lake Bled.

Crossing Lake Bled is similar to Venice, where the profession of Pletna Oarsman is respected artistry, handed down from father to son through generations. The only way to reach Bled Island is by water, and by hiring a traditional wooden Pletna, with its colorful awning, and rowed by a standing oarsman.  On the island is The Church of the Assumption of Mary, Slovenia’s iconic cultural attraction and wedding venue. Here, the groom carries the bride up 99 steps to the church to ring the Wishing Bell three times, wishing for a long and happy life.  The quaint island is cloaked in ancient tales and mystical powers.

A visit to Lake Bled is not complete without trying a slice of the Slovenian Lake Bled Cream Cake, Krempita/Kremsnita. The cake originates from the café of Hotel Park at Bled.

Bled is the most beautiful and magical Alpine Resort in Europe – it is a must-see.
Continue this journey with us as we cross the Istria Peninsula, Croatia's largest, from the Gulf of Trieste into Venice, Italy.

*Slovenia is a developed country, with a high-income economy characterized by a mixture of both traditional industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture, and modern sectors, such as information technology and financial services. The economy is highly dependent on foreign trade, with exports accounting for a significant portion of the country's GDP.

Slovenia is in the Schengen area there are no border checkpoints with Italy. European countries do random customs checks instead.

I’m Christie, a Midwest native who is an intrepid traveler, author, and owner of the blog Scribbles and Smiles.  Writing under the bespoke pen name J. Christina, sharing stories from European adventures and magical excursions. Since starting my blog, I have contributed articles to France Today, Bonjour Paris, The Good Life France, Perfectly Provence, and Bella Provence Travels.

Travel is a privilege. 

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