Slovenia/ Lake Bled

[krisskross]

Has anyone been here? We're hoping to go for 2 weeks in Aug with DS and DD who will be 1 and nearly 3.

We'd like to stay near the castle bathing area- is there a village/ town within walking distance?

Does the bathing area shelve gently like a beach would or do you have to get in via steps like a swimming pool?

Will it be hot in August?

Can anyone recommend good self catering accomodation?

Would anyone recommend any other beach areas in Slovenia?

Thank you!!!!

I loved Slovenia. Bled is very pretty, but the Slovenian tourist board(one man in a room in Herefordshire) encouraged us to try Bohinj as well. I thought I'd prefer Bled as it is bigger and I thought it would be more lively, but actually it just seemed to be full of elderly Austrian ladies eating cake in dodgy 1970s hotels, whereas Bohinj was unspoilt and tranquil (I may not be being completely fair here).

I can't remember what the bathing area was like, but from what I remember, the castle is in the town of Bled itself. We were there in August (possibly early September) and, being in the mountains, the weather was pretty changeable; some lovely days and also some big thunderstorms.

Slovenia has a tiny coastline - there are a couple of fairly tacky resorts, and a lovely town called Piran, which might not be so great to visit with kids. Istria in Croatia is near, and might be a better bet if you want to combine a week in the mountains with a week at the proper beach.

I have been visiting Slovenia regularly for the past five years with my wife and daughter (now 6) since buying a house a short distance from Lake Bled. We have found the area absolutely tranquil with glorious hillside tracks, babbling streams and alpine meadows filled with flowers. The people are very welcoming of young children, most restraurants have several baby/infant chairs and since all food is cooked from fresh you can order to suit your children's tastes. Language is rarely a problem with almost all of the younger generation speaking excelelnt English.

Lake Bled has two official swim areas, one beneath the castle cliff with deep water entry but man made paddling pools and a water slide, while the other is a gently sloping beach with stunning backdrop opposite 'Camping Bled'. Lake Bohinj is more beach like and more tranquil than Lake Bled but a little cooler. The swimming complexes at 'Golf Hotel' in Bled and 'Aquapark' in Bohinj are both fabulous for small children.

Although I do have an interest in promotng the area I could genuinely go on and on about how wonderful the place is. If you care to visit the web site for my house (which I have now renovated and rent through local agents) and tips on the area and things to do, please search on facebook for Alpine Retreat or go direct to www.alpine-retreat.com

I hope you do visit the area and have as wonderful a time as we have. Before you are tied to school holidays I would recommend mid/late September as being a great time to visit. The waters are at their warmest and the sun strength slightly less for delicate skin.