Bled, Slovenia As of 2002 Bled is turning touristy but still a good base for day trips into the Slovenian Alps.  (Great for scenic mountain drives, alpine hiking.)

     For joggers: the 8 km paved loop around Bled lake is a fabulous running experience. Get up early for the run and you'll miss the crowds but not the great views.  The lake trail is also pleasant for an evening stroll, when waltz and polka music fills the air.

     For dinner we recommend that you avoid the tourist traps in town by driving 3 km out of the town to a neighborhood tavern/restaurant called Mangart, at Kolodvorska 2.  Home-cooking, huge potions,  outdoors seating, $$.  It's also a Pension.

     Pretty Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia is about 100 km (if that much) from Bled .

 Left: Alpine lake, Bled; Right:  Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia