Today we boarded a bus and took a day trip to two very special Slovenian sites. Our tour guide Gregor joined us for the day.
First, we went to the ancient city of Skofia Loka. Skofia Loka has been continuously inhabited for well over 1,000 years, part of a land grant given to an Austrian archbishop. The town has a very well-preserved medieval center and a 600 year old castle. It was drizzling the entire time were visited the city, so many of us took refuge in a coffee shop or sweet shop to get out of the rain and take advantage of the local pastries.
After Skofia Loka, we went to Lake Bled. We started at the castle which is situated on a high cliff overlooking the lake and its single island (the only island in Slovenia). The view is breathtaking!
Next we went to the lakeside in order to board a unique Slovenian gondola called a pletna. All 22 of us loaded on the pletna for the 15 minute trip to the island.
The island has a few unique features. When you arrive at the island, you are presented with a very tall staircase. The local legend has it if a newlywed groom carries his bride up the stairs, it insures a happy life. There’s one condition…the bride needs to remain silent all the way up. We saw several newlyweds today, but we didn’t see any of them attempt the legendary challenge.
Another unique feature on the island is the church’s bell. It is called the “Bell of Wishes.” If you ring this bell, your wish comes true, or so the legend goes.
After boating back to the lakeshore, we had lunch at one of the many lakeside restaurants, most of which feature the local speciality, Bled Cream Cake or Blejska kremna rezina.
