All castles are romantic by their nature, but the most romantic one I’ve ever seen was Bled Castle. This seemingly inaccessible fortress sits high on a rocky ledge overlooking Lake Bled in the tiny, beautiful nation of Slovenia.
For all that it looks impossible to reach, we actually walked there. One morning we decided to walk the perimeter of the lake and ascend to the castle. Fortunately, we didn’t have to climb the rock face, since a path winds behind the castle and leads to the summit. Once there, we stood on the castle terrace, taking in the stunning views of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps.
So often when I see something beautiful, I rely on the words of the great writers to express it on my behalf. John Keats wasn’t writing about this castle, but he could have been when he imagined the following:
“You know the Enchanted Castle, – it doth stand
Upon a rock, on the border of a lake,
Nested in trees, which all do seem to shake
From some old magic-like Urganda’s Sword.”
“You know it well enough, where it doth seem
A mossy place, a Merlin’s Hall, a dream;
You know the clear lake, and the little Isles,
The mountains blue, and cold near neighbour rills.”
– from “Epistle to John Hamilton Reynolds”, by John Keats
OMG! We were there this past summer! What a beautiful area. But, er, I opted out of the hiking/climbing as well. We ended up staying the night at a new ski resort really high in the mountains, a white-knuckle drive, but with vistas well worth it. En route, we drove thru some of the most amazing fields of green beans. I'd never ever seen stalks that high — Jack and the Beanstalk came alive!
The poem really does capture the castle's ambiance. Well chosen!
What a romantic setting. I can imagine a prince crossing the lake and climbing the cliff to reach a princess. (I never outgrew those fairy tales.) 🙂
Some friends of mine visited Slovenia not too long ago and convinced me I need to plan a trip. What a fabulous location for a castle. Beautiful!
What nice and beautiful castle!!the pictures are amazing!
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous!! 🙂
Thanks for another great tour. Love your photos.
What a dramatic location! 🙂
I have not yet visited Slovenia, however these pictures are very enticing. How was the food there? Take Care, BAM
Hi Bobbi, and thanks for stopping by. I remember the food being quite good, although we combined Slovenia with a trip to Italy and it's hard to compare with Italian food!
How fantastic that you walked to the castle! This looks like a wonderful place to visit.
I would love to go there! I love castles. Though I'm not sure if I would love to live in one.
I took the train through this region 30 plus years ago and remember it was beautiful! I would love to return and see it today. Your photos and post are wonderfully inspiring;-)
That looks so magical and unreal!!! What a walk….
I like the look of castles. Very old world.
Stunning location and very impressive how well that poem matches it!
Love the photos, and the poetry was a perfect match 🙂
What a stunning view from that beautiful castle.
Keats says it all. What a beautiful post – there's the world in all its glory with a touch of enchantment.
Wow–I love how the hill literally seems to be crumbling out from under the castle. That's pretty spectacular.
It's gorgeous. It amazes me how they were able to build that way back when. The poem is perfect to go with such a stunning place.
Oh, wow. (I wonder if I use the word "wow" anywhere else, as frequently as I do when reading your posts?) I never thought to ask before, but did you take all the pictures you post form your travels? These are breathtaking.
The poem is perfect for this post.
oh that is a beautiful castle…how enchanting!
Wow…absolutely breathtaking, Beth! What a beautiful setting for a magnificent castle…thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend!
Stunning photos! It really does look like a scene out of a fairy tale, or perhaps a dream. Amazing to think that it really exists, somewhere out there.
Gorgeous. It looks like it's from a fairy tale.
Have a great weekend.
I have never been to Slovenia, but the castle looks extraordinary. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos!
Beautiful and fascinating photos of bled castle!
I don't know a lot about Slovenia, as I've never been there and haven't really heard much about it. Your photos are spectacular and now I really want to visit this castle. I would have never guessed that the hike was manageable — but I'll take your word for it.
Beautiful. I often wished to live in one as a child! I'd at least like to see one in real life – perhaps walk through.
Have a good weekend. 🙂
Wow ,what a magnificently sited castle. i've visited Slovenia only once, and now I need to get back and see this castle.
Amazing photos, Beth. Is there anyplace you haven't been??
What an idyllic place to visit. It must have been a wonderful walk to the castle.
Thanks for all your kind comments. Mary, in answer to your question, my husband took all these photos, and nearly all the photos I use in my travel posts. Once in a while I'll find something on the internet that works better, but I always credit it. Thanks for asking!
It certainly does look like an enchanted castle. Thanks for sharing.