Lunch and Views at the Bled Castle (Slovenia)

The Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) sits royally and dramatically on top of a rock cliff on Lake Bled in the nearby Julian Alps. The scenery is drop dead gorgeous and every season offers a different flavour, from lush green to various red and orange hues to immaculate white during winter.

The outdoor terrace and courtyard of the castle.

It was early afternoon when I arrived in Lake Bled and I haven’t had lunch yet. I read that the castle has its own fine-dining restaurant, so that’s where I am going.

There are two ways to get to the castle, by vehicle through the small road or on foot by climbing the 220-step stairway from the lake. I was not in the mood to go back to the car and drive so I took the staired path, which I might add—do not do this if you have a weak condition and if you have a frail knee. The climb was not easy at all.

Upon reaching the castle on top, I was welcomed by lovely panoramic views of Lake Bled, the resort town and the Julian Alps. Picturesque!

I quickly settled myself at the restaurant, it was already past 14:00 and my stomach is asking for food. There is an outdoor terrace but I wanted to relax in a warm environment so I stayed inside. I initially planned on ordering the Bled Cream Cake for lunch but unfortunately the cake was sold out so I had to order something else. Overall, the lunch was very light which I like. I am not a big eater myself unless I am starved, for some reason of course. Although I sometimes wish I could take in more food and enjoy more variety, but in a way I am quite thankful that I have limitations, as it helps control my waistline which has been expanding since I hit the 40’s (sadly, this is the reality).

Anyway, Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia and the castle was built during the Austrian Empire which the country was once a part of. You can find more information here: Bled Castle

Enjoy my pictures!

The 220-steps to climb from the lake side to the castle. Not an easy task.

The view of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps just before reaching the castle.

Lake Bed and Bled municipality. Bled is a resort town.

The wine cellar of the castle.

 My view from my table at the castle restaurant.

Lunch, some mashed potato, cabbage salad, sour cream and a slice of apple turned haute cuisine, haha... and bread and a chilled glass of chardonnay. This was just okay, nothing really to rave about.

Finishing lunch is not complete without a little cup of espresso.

The smoky view to Lake Bled. 

Local Slovenian beers: Union and Lasko. Someone felt the need to place the empty bottles here.

The castle is a popular outing for tourists as well as for couples.

The 16th century chapel in the castle. Beautiful pastel coloured frescoes on the walls and ceiling.

The castle restaurant and the outdoor cafe terrace. This is the living quarters of the margrave before. King Henry II gave the castle to the Bishops of Brixen who controlled the Carniola region.

This is the lower open courtyard of the castle where you will find the old printing works premises which is now a museum. This area before is the administrative offices of the castle and where the servants lived.

View to Bled resort town below the lake.

The ancient printing press system.

One of the oldest printed book in Slovenia.

At the castle's old printing press you can buy these bookmarks as souvenirs.

Travel Period: March 2014
Destination: Bled, Slovenia

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