The renowned digital magazine Condé Nast Traveler included two Slovenian castles among the 24 most beautiful castles in Europe. The cliff-top Bled Castle was included on this prestigious list above all because of its picture-perfect setting on top of a 130-meter cliff above the crystal waters of Lake Bled and the Gothic-style Predjama Castle earned its spot on the list because of its dramatic and completely unconquerable appearance.
Bled Castle sits on top of a cliff that rises 130 metres above the northern side of Lake Bled for more than 1000 years. This is the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to 1011. (photo: Jure Korber and Tjasa Borsnak)
“What is it about castles that is so alluring to travellers?” asks the article’s author Caitlin Morton. The answer, she suggests, is that “aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, they showcase some of the world’s best architecture and most stunning landscapes.”
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular sites thanks to “emerald waters, a church-dotted islet, views of the Julian Alps, and, of course, a Disney-like castle on a hill”, says Morton. “Climb up the forest trail to see Bled Castle’s orange-roofed towers and 11th-century walls up close, then turn around to be afforded some of the most picture-perfect views of the lake you’ll ever find.”
Predjama Castle lies just outside of the town of Postojna. “The Gothic-style Predjama Castle is easily one of the world’s most dramatic castles, built directly into the side of a 404-foot cliff that hides a network of cave passages,” says Morton. Tours of the castle are available year-round, although hibernating bats in the caves restrict underground tours to the months of May to September.
Also included on the list are the following castles: Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany), Hohenwerfen Fortress (Austria), Trakai Island Castle (Lithuania), Castello di Miramare (Italy), Frederiksborg Castle (Denmark), Hohenzollern Castle (Germany), Château de Chenonceau (France), Pena Palace (Portugal), Castel del Monte (Italy), Kylemore Abbey (Ireland), Catherine Palace (Russia), Alcázar of Segovia (Spain), Corvin Castle (Romania), Egeskov Castle (Denmark), Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland), Château de Chillon (Switzerland). Schönbrunn Palace (Austria), Château de Chambord (France), Bran Castle (Romania). Alcázar of Seville (Spain), Örebro Castle (Sweden) and Bodiam Castle (England). The article is available here!
Bled Castle
Bled Castle is perched high on the top of a cliff overlooking Lake Bled as well as the Bled town. It’s a medieval castle dating back to 1011 and has been added to over years with Romanesque and Renaissance additions. The castle isn’t particularly large, but is definitely worth a visit while in Slovenia, even if it’s just to take in the stunning views.
Entrance to the castle is €13 per person and this gives you access to the courtyard where you can enjoy the spectacular views, as well as the museum and art galleries which are located in the castle buildings. There are also souvenir shops, including a live forge where hand-made metal works are produced and a printing shop where you can purchase hand-made certificates produced with an old fashioned roller print. You can also enjoy a meal or drink with incredible views in the restaurant and bar.
Perched atop a steep cliff more than 130 meters above the lake, Bled Castle is one of the most-visited historic attractions in Slovenia. (photo: Jure Korber and Tjasa Borsnak)
Bled Castle stands high above Lake Bled, and it offers beautiful views. (photo: Matej Vranic, slovenia.info)
The towers, the ramparts and moats are part of the castle’s architectural design. Inside the castle, there’s a restaurant, a blacksmith’s shop, wine cellar, printing works and museum. (photo: Adrijan Pregelj, slovenia.info)
Bled Castle welcomes thousands of visitors every winter. (photo: Franci Ferjan)
Predjama Castle
If you enjoy visiting caves and you like visiting castles, you will love Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. It’s built in the mouth of the cave, halfway up a 123-metre cliff. It is more than 800 years old, although there’s evidence that humans actually inhabited this cave from as early as the Stone Age. The Slovenian name for Predjama Castle is Predjamski Grad, which means “the castle in front of the cave.”
Predjama Castle is possibly the most unique, creative and architecturally impressive castle in the world. (photo: Miha Krivic / slovenia.info)
Predjama Castle is perched up in the middle of a vertical 123-metre high cliff face, jutting out of a cave. When it was built, every part of the castle was built using the cave’s structure. The natural formations were turned into water systems, tunnels, stairs, hallways, etc. (photo: Iztok Medja / slovenia.info)
Predjama Castle is recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world’s largest castle built within a cave mouth. (photo: Valter Leban / slovenia.info)
