Here it is, that iconic view of the infamous lake that most people think of when they hear the name Slovenia…
Apparently crawling with visitors in the summer (understandably!) Autumn in Bled is much much quieter, and with the surrounding trees in full on colour boost mode, and the Julian Alps just peeping through the clouds in the background, it has to be a good time to visit. Not that we had much time to appreciate it… It was a true flying visit, a “we can’t just drive past” pit stop, with me hopping out of the car to take a few shots on the way back from a day spent in lovely Ljubljana ( – picture heavy post coming up!).
Bled Island posed very nicely for me, framing itself with obliging tree branches, and with its Gothic castle neighbour perched high in the background. Whilst I snapped away, imagining bobbing about on one of the lake’s colourful wooden boats, and being able to truly admire the fairy tale view, Mr R waited patiently with a slumbering baby (and his older siblings) in the back, only yelling at me to hurry up as a lorry was trundling towards the car! We will return one day hopefully – there’s something very special about this region (and its variation of the alpine theme), and we will most definitely return to Ljubljana…
It’s half term for us, after a mammoth first term back at school. October was quite a stressful month all round, so I picked a quiet break in Austria’s Carinthia region – somewhere we haven’t explored that much in the past. The surrounding countryside is completely different from the Austria we are used to, with different flora and fauna, and a strong almost Bayerisch sounding dialect that makes me feel like I am back in my very first German class all over again (I kid myself, I haven’t actually moved on that far from my first German class sadly!)…
Our home for the week is the sweetest log cabin in the middle of a forest, surrounded by what will be ski runs when the snow comes in a few weeks time. And the best thing about it? There’s absolutely nothing to do but to explore the great outdoors and the many hiking routes in these parts (apart from our Slovenian expedition today!) returning pleasantly exhausted to the welcome embrace of our little tree house (and its fabulous muscle soothing sauna!)… You will probably find me on Instagram if you want me (I am truly addicted!), but until we get back to Munich, I am going to sign off for a while to make the most of being here, enjoying precious family time, and just “being” really…
Emma says
Sounds like the perfect getaway, you make me want to spend a summer touring Austria and Germany. xx
Emma says
You really should Emma, I think we Brits really overlook that part of the world and just head to France, which is lovely obviously, but Austria and Germany have so much to offer! :)
Sonia says
Have a wonderful break, sounds like you are going to have a wonderful time x
Emma says
It was really perfect! We were so lucky with the weather too, although the day we left they had a ton of snow which my kids would have loved! :D Thanks Sonia!
Menorca@Europe Diaries says
So pretty! I was there just last month and loved it. Took the Pletna boat to the island and went into the legendary church. However, could not go up the Castle. Loved all the cakes there!!!
Emma says
I wish we had time to do that this visit! Thank you! :)
Mary Louise says
Oh your instagram is full of so many treasures! Have followed for a better look.
Enjoy your time in tranquility, sounds and looks perfect x
Emma says
Thank you Mary! Likewise! :)
Midlife Singlemum says
I am intrigues by those houses on top of the cliff on the left. They look like they are perched on top of a rock with no hinterland access.
Emma says
I think that’s the castle. You can actually drive up behind it. I only know this as our GPS took us the wrong way! :D Thanks R! :)
Jen Walshaw says
Wow, that images is beautiful. I love the Autumn depth of colour. It is just amazing. I love following your tips, they fill me with wonderlust.
Emma says
Thanks so much Jen! (:
Trish says
It was Carinthia where we were in Austria, on the banks of the Ossiachersee. We put a foot in Slovenia when we were up Pec mountain which borders Italy and Slovenia. Next time we need to do a proper trip there.
Emma says
Thanks Trish. I have only been to Slovenia a couple of times, but I really like what I have seen so far! I forgot you were in Carinthia, it’s so beautiful isn’t it? x
Cass@frugalfamily says
I have very very vague memories of visiting here when I was younger and I’d love to go back x
Emma says
Thanks Cass, it’s so beautiful, you should go back! :)
Erica Price says
It’s a beautiful place despite the name. Hope you enjoy your break.
Emma says
I can’t find a meaning of the name either, it’s a strange one isn’t it? Thanks Erica! :)