Bled castle

Perched atop a steep cliff rising 130 metres above the glacial Lake Bled is a symbol of Bled and Slovenia – Bled Castle. The image of the castle forming a dramatic backdrop to the romantic island and the church on it has earned the resort worldwide recognition through the centuries. Castle terraces offer spectacular views of the lake and the island, down the Dežela area with Lesce and Radovljica and over to the mountain ranges of the Karavanke and the Julian Alps.

Must-experience
The Bled Castle offers the finest view of the Bled island, the town of Bled and of the wider countryside of the Gorenjska region. Experience the picturesque architecture of the castle and the museum collection, representing the historical development of Bled, its culture and its population. Get familiar with the traditional manual technological procedures of printing in the castle printing shop, order a small bottle of wine and seal it with sealing wax in the castle cellar, and get acquainted with artistic ironworks at the castle forge. Recover your strength in the castle restaurant and then visit the multivision. In summer months, the castle atmosphere is enlivened by the visit of a count and an archery tournament.

The museum located in the baroque rooms of the castle takes visitors on a journey celebrating the eventful history of Bled from the time when the first settlements in the area appeared to the present day. The furnishing of the museum interprets settlement culture over different eras.

Bird of paradise, 6th century finding
A display case at the castle proudly presents one of the most beautiful 6th century findings – a peacock-shaped brooch found at Pristava below the Bled Castle. The peacock is known to adorn the Garden of Eden and is often referred to as “the bird of paradise”, a symbol of life and wealth. These are also the values that have been associated with Bled in the past, in the present and the values Bled is likely to embody in the future.

The Bled Castle Museum houses a permanent exhibition by the Slovenian National Museum. The history of Blejski kot from the creation of the area to the present day is presented through eight thematic units which bring together nature, everyday life, crafts, spiritual culture and all that defines life in this important part of Slovenia.

A perfect choice upon your next visit of Bled. Extraordinary venue with views of natural Alpine surroundings ensures amazing ambiance in any weather in any season. Two hospitality units are a part of this historical monument, a coffee shop and a restaurant, and present very important elements of Bled Castle experience.

Bled Castle Restaurant offers traditional Slovene dishes with a modern twist and always with welcoming service. Our aim is to place Bled Castle on the map of the most important culinary venues in Slovenia.

Coffee shop greets all visitors at the lower courtyard while one can find the restaurant at the upper courtyard. An attractive smell of coffee will attract visitors to take a moment and enjoy their drink and a sweet Slovene delicacy.

Wedding at Bled Castle – Wedding with Style
The view of the castle perched on a white rock and the view from the castle’s terrace on the surrounding landscape leave few people untouched. This is why many couples upon their visit to Bled decide to get married at Bled Castle. A wedding day at the castle is lively and different, and the wedding party at the restaurant a perfect round-up to the romantic day.

Wine tasting and traditional wine bottling
The castle wine cellar attracts with tastings of its top-quality wines and a demonstration of bottling of wine from oak barrels. The visitor who fills a bottle as a souvenir, corks it and waxes it, is presented with a certificate. The blend of colours, smells and tastes will bring you utmost delight and enjoyment.

Wine is a tear of the earth, a gift from the sky and the sun, the juice of life. The cellar is well worth your visit.

Demonstration of printing on a reconstructed Gutenberg’s printing machine and prints of certificates.

The Bled estate was managed by ministerials, caretakers and castle staff according to the feudal order. Later, the Bishops of Brixen leased their property. One of the castle leaseholders was Herbard Auersperg of Turjak. Under Auersperg, the castle was a Protestant stronghold and in June 1561 it was visited by a Slovenian Protestant reformer Primož Trubar. Trubar wrote the first books in Slovene; Catechismus and Abecedarium, both printed in 1550 in Tübingen.

The castle printing works houses a reconstructed Gutenberg’s wooden printing press which the master printer uses to demonstrate printing on hand-made paper with historical blocks and lead letters. If you wish to have a memorial certificate, turn into a castle master printer for several minutes and after some hard work you will learn to appreciate the “black” art.