We spent two nights in Lake Bled following our stay in Ljubljana. Nestled in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, Lake Bled possesses a truly enchanting atmosphere, even though we experienced quite a bit of cloudy and misty weather that hid the surrounding mountains.

Lake Bled features a charming island adorned with a historic church - The Church of the Mother of God - and bell tower, set against breathtaking mountain peaks that resemble a scene from a fantasy film.

The Church of the Mother of God, Lake Bled

Fortunately, the weather was cooperative, allowing us to enjoy a 6km walk around the lake. The path is flat, making it easy for the girls to navigate. The scenery was stunning, and we spent much of our stroll discussing the pets we might adopt upon our return to Australia.

Several boats transport tourists to the island, where they can climb the tower's stairs and ring the bell. However, these boats primarily serve the large groups of tourists that come and go, and the fares are somewhat high. We thought that the best view is actually from the lake's edge, gazing across at the island.

Just a short distance from the main area of the lake, where our accommodation was located, stands a tall rocky outcrop featuring a castle perched at its edge. At this point, we had already seen two castles in Slovenia, so we decided to skip this one. However, it appeared enchanting as it overlooked the lake.

After our stroll by the lake, Braino made a stop at Kavarna Park, a café located along the lakeshore that proudly claims to be the ‘home of the original Bled Cream Cake.’ The cakes looked absolutely tempting, so he decided to give one a taste. It certainly did not disappoint; it was incredible—so creamy and light!

Later that afternoon, we drove to 30 minutes to Lake Bohinj, another less touristy but equally beautiful glacial lake. We encountered another stunning 700-year-old church, the Church of St. John the Baptist, perched at the lake's edge and surrounded by misty mountains. We enjoyed some time wandering along the lake's shoreline before continuing our drive to Vogel, a well-known winter ski resort. The cable car, which provides access, wasn’t operational during the autumn months, but it sparked our imagination about how wonderful it would be to revisit Lake Bohinj or Lake Bled in the winter to experience the local ski resorts.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj brought back memories of Queenstown in New Zealand, offering a variety of thrilling outdoor activities set against breathtaking backdrops that can be appreciated all year-round. Although the weather wasn't the clearest during our visit, we still loved in the beautiful autumn hues and the serene atmosphere. However, exploring these lakes in the summer or winter would provide a multitude of exciting adventures.