Bled turned into a winter dream: Advent choice of 2025!

The first Sunday of Advent has been marked, and in keeping with the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, many cities and destinations have dressed themselves in festive attire, transforming into fairytale settings waiting to be experienced. One of the most popular festive “fairytales” in Slovenia took place this weekend in Bled, a destination just 140 kilometres from Zagreb and one of our neighbours’ most famous and visited tourist locations. Many travel lovers describe Bled as a “paradise on earth”—a claim you will quickly understand the moment you begin exploring it. Surrounded by the mountains of the Julian Alps, with a crystal-clear lake, a romantic island crowned by the Church of the Assumption of Mary and its famous wishing bell, a thousand-year-old castle, and a six-kilometre lakeside promenade, Bled is irresistible even without festive decorations. But once the Christmas lights are switched on, Bled becomes a romantically elegant destination that should not be missed this Advent season.

The magic of Advent in Bled lasts until 4 January 2026. During this period, Bled transforms into a winter dreamscape: the kilometres-long lakeside path glows with festive lights, the popular promenade becomes an Advent village filled with wooden stalls from which intoxicating aromas of local food drift through the air, and the holiday atmosphere is further enhanced by light installations and sculptures. Advent in Bled also comes with a rich programme—Slovenian music stars and DJ performances provide the soundtrack, while for younger visitors the “Bled Fairytale Park” offers creative workshops, performances, and themed games, often culminating in a meeting with the beloved swan Zaki.

As befits the Advent atmosphere, Bled also offers a rich culinary experience—from authentic Slovenian dishes and inventive winter snacks to the local classic, the delicious Bled cream cake (kremšnita). If you visit Bled for just one day, keep this in mind: no matter how much time you allow for exploring, once darkness falls and Bled reveals its festive splendour, you will regret having to leave. That is precisely why Bled should be considered a multi-day destination, perfect for both relaxation and enjoyment, combining everything it offers year-round—stunning nature, tranquillity, engaging activities, and one of the finest wellness centres in Slovenia. The wellness experience begins in a bio sauna infused with the scent of mountain herbs, continues in thermal pools, and is complemented by the renowned Rikli Method, which uniquely unites the essential elements of nature—water, sun, and air. To experience Bled in the best possible way, begin your stay at one of the destination’s oldest hotels.

Located right on the lakeshore, Hotel Park, part of the Sava Hotels & Resorts group, is a true oasis for a winter retreat in Bled. This high-category hotel, with rooms designed to soothe and restore, and a wellness centre perched at the very top of the building, leaves a lasting impression on every traveller. With breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Bled, the hotel has long been synonymous with relaxation after long walks. Nearby, the Rikli Balance Hotel is known for its unique philosophy that connects nature, health, and tradition. Continuing the long tradition of natural healing initiated in the 19th century by Swiss visionary Arnold Rikli, the hotel offers guests a holistic experience of relaxation and renewal of both body and spirit. The wellness experience here is truly exceptional—the largest pool complex in the region, filled with thermal water from Lake Bled, renowned for its beneficial effects and ideal for relaxation and regeneration. The wellness programme is based on Rikli’s philosophy of healthy living, which includes moderate nutrition, outdoor movement, and relaxation.

The Bled cream cake (kremšnita) is one of Bled’s most iconic souvenirs, first created in 1953 at Hotel Park. It was developed by pastry chef Ištvan Lukačević, who enriched the classic yellow custard with whipped cream. Since then, and to this day, the Bled cream cake has been made according to the original recipe—layers of puff pastry, egg-and-cream custard, topped with icing sugar. It is cut into small squares measuring 7 × 7 cm. The fact that more than 15 million cream cakes have been produced to date speaks volumes about its popularity. Alongside the kremšnita, visitors can also enjoy the simpler traditional dessert potica, as well as hearty savoury dishes such as goulash, breaded chicken, and sausages, which during winter are often served with sauerkraut.

New Year’s Eve in Bled does not end with the countdown—it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with wellness, leisurely breakfasts, and lakeside walks. Sava Hotels offer special New Year packages at the Rikli Balance Hotel and Hotel Park, including gala dinners, festive programmes, and free access to pool and spa facilities designed to fully rejuvenate guests and prepare them for a new winter experience of the destination—skiing with a view of the lake. Yes, you read that correctly: the surroundings of Bled offer several small and larger ski resorts, the most famous being the Vogel Ski Centre on Lake Bohinj, just a 30-minute drive away. With excellently maintained slopes, breathtaking panoramic views, and a wide range of après-ski activities, Vogel makes the return to the peace and idyll of Bled all the more appealing.

Photos: Nikola Zoko and promotional materials