September 2019: I visited Slovenia via Italy, taking a direct overnight bus from Venice to Ljubljana. Initially, I had planned two full days in Slovenia and had hoped to rent a car to explore the northern mountains near the Italian border, along the Isonzo Front. There, I wanted to visit the concrete bunkers that still line the mountainside, remnants of the bloody World War I battles fought there. Unfortunately, my plans were derailed when my flight from Ljubljana was canceled due to Adria Airways, the national carrier of Slovenia, going bankrupt.
As a result, I had to shorten my trip by a day and reroute my flight home through Zagreb, Croatia, via Air France. This meant I needed to catch another bus from Ljubljana to Zagreb to make my connection to Paris. With only half a day left in Slovenia, I decided to visit Lake Bled. I took a bus there and spent my remaining time soaking in the beauty of the lake before heading off to Zagreb. Despite the travel setbacks, the serene landscape of Lake Bled was a memorable highlight.
About Slovenia
Slovenia is a mountainous, Slovene-speaking country that gained independence in 1991. Its history is marked by long periods of being part of larger empires. Before its independence, Slovenia was part of communist Yugoslavia, and before that, it was within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the early years of independence, Slovenia faced an attack from the Yugoslavian Army (backed by Serbia), but it was fortunate not to experience the same intense fighting that its neighbors, Bosnia and Kosovo, endured during the Balkan Wars.
It was heartbreaking to only spend half a day in Slovenia, especially given its stunning beauty. The country offers so much for independent travelers to explore—mountains, castles, World War I and II sites, caves, and river rapids. Slovenia is a hidden gem, filled with adventure travel potential, and I will definitely be back to experience more of what this magical country has to offer.
Map of Slovenia
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most iconic destinations, just 35 miles from Ljubljana. It has the charm of a fairy tale with its picturesque lake, island, and castle. My friend Jimmie and I arrived at 5 a.m. after taking the overnight bus from Venice. We were dropped off a few miles from the lake and walked the rest of the way, arriving just in time to wait for the sunrise. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate—there was no dramatic sunrise, only rain. Despite the dreary conditions, we made the best of it. We spent the morning strolling around the lake, taking in the beauty of the area, and eventually climbed up to Bled Castle, a 1000-year-old fortress that offers breathtaking views of the lake below. Even in the rain, the atmosphere was enchanting.
Little Island with an old church on it in the middle of Lake Bled
Lake Bled
Lake Bled
Bled Castle
Old Church
Swan