Bled has the same relationship to Ljubljana as Trakai to Vilnius: a trip from the capital is easy and hence obligatory for tourists and VIP visitors alike. They both have an island in the lake, and a castle but there the similarities end. It's easy to walk round Bled in a couple of hours and there is a busy town catering for tourists and water sports. There are several hotels with restaurants overlooking the lake.
I've been to Bled three times now: in November 2005, when I didn't take many photos, and it was misty; in February last year when I was more successful, and I just made a visit this February as well. It is interesting to compare the seasons and the difference a year makes.
Here are the November photos.
You can hardly see across the lake even as far as the church on the island. Nevertheless the ducks are out, and so are the boats.
Here are some of the same views three months later in February last year. The lake is partly frozen but there are great views across the lake and including the mountains.
Plus some others which weren't visible in November
Then compare with the February just gone. This time I shot both the church on the island and the castle on the hill and some of the buildings round the edge.
And of course this year there was more wildlife visible.
My collection of wild flower pictures will have to wait for another day.
