Editor Pick
Lakeside Camping in a Fairy Tale Setting
- August 23, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Praskipark from Warsaw, Poland
Camping Bled - not a very imaginative name but a very picturesque campsite.
On arrival at the campsite we had to book in and tell the reception staff how many nights we wanted to stay - all the usual stuff. They took our passports and then gave us a ticket with the plot number on. We were a bit knackered that afternoon as we had been on the road a long time so we were a little irritable to say the least. We just wanted to park the van, crack open a beer and relax but before we could do this we had to find our plot.
The site is very large and has a complicated system of marking the plots out. We couldn't find our plot in the beginning so we spent at least 30 minutes driving round the site. Eventually we found the plot and it was on a high terrace in the shade but in a very good situation to see the lake in the distance.
Location
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Lake Bled is situated in north Western Slovenia surrounded by the Julian and Karavanke Alps. The campsite is within walking distance of the lake which sits at the foot of the Alps.
How do you get there
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Bus - all regular buses connect to Lake Bled from major towns in Slovenia
Train - Lesce Railway station is about 4kms away.Trains going to Munich, Salzburg, Villach, Ljubljana, Belgrade, and Athens can be caught at this station.
Road - By car: Bled is only 47 km from the borders with Italy and Austria.
Air - Ljubljana-Brnik airport is about 40km away
Site Facilites
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This is a five star campsite with the following facilities:
Reception
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Always very busy. Internet facilities. Telephones in seperate telephone booths and fax machine. Staff are multi-lingual and very helpful. Numerous brochures and leaflets on display advertising attractions and local festivities.
Toilet/Washroom Facilities
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These are quite funky in decor, Bright yellow or green with lots of mirrors. Spotless and cleaned often throughout the day. The rooms are heated and you can always have hot showers. Toilets are in seperate cubicles and very clean. Dish washing facilities are also here.
Disabled washrooms have showers, sinks and toilets
Laundry Room
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Washing machines and tumble dryers are available. You will need a token from reception to work these.
Restaurant
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This was very busy when we were there so we only had a beer outside. I believe that the menu on offer covers a variety of International as well as Slovenian dishes. They try to cater for any special needs and there is a discount for large groups or parties.
Supermarket
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The store is open every day and has a very comprehesive selection of foodstuffs as well as fresh produce being delivered every day including bread, vegetables and fish.
We used the supermarket and cooked our own food but I did think the prices were high.
Other facilities are:
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Car washing area
Basketball/volleyball court
Table tennis
Bicycles/ sports equipment for hire
Other sporting activities can be arranged and organised in reception. They can include horse-riding, rafting, canyoning, golf, mountain biking, hiking, Don't forget swimming - the lake is there to be used but does get busy.
Children's playground and centre for games/ Mini club for children to go along
Dogs are allowed
Area for campervan service
Evening entertainment takes place on the campsite which usually includes traditional folklore evenings.
Lake Bled and other sightseeing opportunities
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If you just want to stay on site and not travel very far then there are plenty of things to keep you amused. The site is situated in a beautiful area for hiking and walking through the forests. If you want to have a cool dip then the lake is a short walk . The road leading from the campsite to the lake is very busy and can be dangerous so not a good idea to let small children go unsupervised. However the water is shallow and suitable for small kids.
You can always be rowed across the lake to Pletna island in a traditional boat. On the island is a medieval chapel with a wishing bell. If you ring the bell all your dreams will come true (or so they say).
In the town of Bled there are a selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. Even a casino.
Other attractions are:
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Bled Castle
The famous postacrd picture is the one of the idyllic island set in the lake with the fairy tale castle looming on the cliff top behind. The scene is perfect.
You can reach the castle by foot and car and if you are feeling flushed and want to be a romantic, you can hire a horse drawn carriage to take you to the castle and back.
Here at the top of the cliffs you have the best view of the lake and area. There is a museum and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace.
Everyone loves a waterfall so I suggest you visit Vintgar Gorge. The gorge is surrounded by steep slopes which are covered with beech trees, and the waterfall, pools and rapids of the River Radovna sprinkle a trail of sparkling water through the gorge.
Other places to visit are Ljubljana - a beautiful city with a lively market and endless coffee bars. Cobbled streets and various architectural styles making this city a must for every visitor to Slovenia.
Also
Bohinj which is the largest glacial lake in Slovenia, and is popular with hikers and nature lovers.To reach the Savica waterfall, you will have to climb 500 steps. St. John's church is worth seeing which is next to the lake. It is interesting and very spectacular with it's 13 century frescoes. Bohinj is just as pretty as Lake Bled with its' stunning mountains, alpine meadows and old traditional farmhouses.
These are two of my favourite places in the area. If I was to mention more then this review would go on forever so I am going to finalise by giving you list of prices and a summary.
Prices
I thought the site was expensive but saying that, it was 5 stars.
Per Person - Low season - 8.50 euros, High Season - 11.50
Over 60's - Low season 5% discount - High Season - 11.50
Children 7-13 30% discount both seasons
Children under 6 - Free
Reductions for Caravan Club Members - 5%
Golfers - groups of 26 - 10% per person
Regular visitors - 5% per person
6 nights stay - 10%
Electricity 3 euros per night
Dogs 1.50 low season - 3 euros high season
Washing Machine - 4.50 euros
Refrigerator - 2.50 euros
Summary
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Camping Bled is in a really beautiful situation, the site is very attractive and all areas are spotless. The facilities on site are excellent. Price wise I thought the site was expensive but it is 5 star. It is a very busy site especially at the entrance when arriving and leaving - you always have to queue. It does have security and is safe. It is well situated for excursions to other parts of Slovenia. If you are a sports fanatic then this site and area is suitable. On the other hand if you just like a swim and a walk it is fine as well. I would mark it 95 out of a hundred.
Summary: A beautiful site in fairyland.