Day 2 30 Aug - Exploring Ljubljana and a trip to the lakes

Photo above - me at Lake Bled.

Bus to the lakes

This morning, after breakfast, walked round to the bus station to take a trip out to Lake Bled, which is around 35 miles out of the city. The journey took about an hour and the roads were really good. We were quickly out of the city, and into green rolling hills and tiny alpine style villages with picturesque churches, before finally getting into the mountains proper

Bled

Located at the foot of the Alps, the crystal-clear Bled lake is surrounded by lush forests and dramatic mountain peaks. Bled is a resort town with a population of about 8,000, and was once one of Europe’s most fashionable retreats. In the early 20th century, it was home to the Yugoslav Royal Family and later became the summer residence of President Tito.

Despite the very hot weather, spent a few hours walking the scenic walk along the lakeshore. Had great views across the water to the island at its centre, where there is the Baroque Church of the Assumption. There is also Bled Castle perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake.

Back to Ljubjana

After a really nice meal in a local cafe, caught the 2.15pm bus back to the capital. On the way back to the hotel, took a stroll around Metalkolva, a cool squatted area near the bus station. Amongst the masses of great graffiti, there is a bar, a record shop, an event area, and living space, as well as some great sculptures made from scrap and found materials. Reminded me a lot of a similar area in Copenhagen Denmark, Freetown Christiana.

Walked back to the hotel to chill out for a while, then later went back out for another walk round the centre. Saw some of the major landmarks including the Opera House, National Gallery, Republic Square, and the city’s most famous sight, Triple or Three Bridge.

Tomorrow, we catch a train and cross the border into Croatia and on to the capital Zagreb.