From Lake Bled to the coastal town of Piran, you know what else makes this European country picturesque and peaceful
Slovenia is a beautiful country that has so many opportunities for sightseeing. And so no trip would be complete without a visit to Lake Bled, the Vintgar Gorge and Piran. My friends – Sarita, Ameeta, Lochana – and I decided to go off the beaten track, but these three popular destinations required a visit.
So one sunny morning we continued our meeting with Slovenia, when we took a bus, which lasted an hour, through the picturesque landscape from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Lake Bled, known for its blue water, is the only natural island in Slovenia. A small island in the middle of the lake is like a remarkable jewel in the blue, and in it is the famous Church of Mary Queen – also known as the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary or Our Lady of the Lake. A tall creamy church building, nestled in the middle of greenery with a gray bell tower, catches your eye. To access the church it is necessary to take rowing boats or ‘pletna’.
Lake Bled PHOTOS AND COPYRIGHT @MANJIRIPRABHU
According to legend, if you ring the church bell while making a wish, there is a high probability that it will come true. So when the sound of bells pervades the lake, hope rises into the air … Someone’s wish will come true!
From afar, one can observe a medieval castle on top of a mountain, like a grandfather guarding a lake. It is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia. Surrounded by gentle mountains with dense trees, over which a gray mist descended, but the sun shone through the mist, making Lake Bled an unforgettable, serene experience. We were pleased to just sit on the bench and soak in the stunning and peaceful beauty of Lake Bled and allow life to pass us by.
A cold breeze blew across our faces and we caught a reflection of white clouds on the blue water like a dazzling, melted white color as it mingled with the waves created by the floating ducks. Boats slid across the lake and dark clouds loomed over the olive green hills, and the castle looked magnificent in the sunlight. It was a landscape that calmed the turbulent mind, aroused hope, and awakened innate joy.
Satisfied and satisfied, we shopped in local shops and headed to our next destination – Vintgar Gorge. It is a 1.6 km walk along the river Radovna, through the hills Hom and Boršt to the gorge Vintgar. Hiking over wooden bridges and walking paths, under waterfalls and rapids through overhanging cliffs and lush greenery is a must-have experience.
Vintgar Gorge | PHOTOS AND COPYRIGHT @MANJIRIPRABHU
Parallel to the foamy Radovna, a narrow path runs, which descends along the moss-covered rocks and the green-yellow trees high above the head give a touch of autumn. Air spray; sparkling green river; raised wet footpaths with bamboo fences that spiral and bend the sides of the gorge with a continuous roar of water; bridges that seem like wooden lines across foliage and sky … the landscape filled us with a sense of wonder.
Occasionally we stopped to gaze at the gushing stream of water that often overturned over each other and the rocks in a mad rush to meet and finally reunite in a quiet, translucent meeting place. The contrast of haste and peace, earth and sky, old stone and new leaves, cold splashes of water and warm sweat of travel … there was a necessity in the air, as if nature was in a hurry and wanted to communicate something important to us. And the rush had to end in peace, that the current had to gather in silent pools, that life needed an occasional break!
The hike ended at the dam, from where water flowed into the hydroelectric plant. The charming stone arch bridge of the Bohinj railway, built in 1905, 33.5 meters above the path, was an impressive sight. The bridge crossed a 53-meter-wide gorge and the combination of artificial structure connecting with the natural wilderness was stunning.
Piran Square PHOTOS AND COPYRIGHT @MANJIRIPRABHU
Our final destination was Piran, a famous Slovenian seaside town. As we climbed off the bus that took us to this port city on the Adriatic, we first saw the vast blue water and picturesque boats gently splashing along the lovely, winding port and pier in Piran. As we walked forward towards the city, we stepped onto a large square that boasts large checkered squares on paved floors.
Known as Tartini Square, it has a magnificent statue of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (who was born here), surrounded by white town halls. In the distance on a hill above the city stares the famous Cathedral of St. George. It was a warm, sunny day and we climbed the narrow streets and paved paths to the protective stone walls of Piran. The view from the top was amazing as it flew over the dense canopy of trees, a cluster of tall cream-orange buildings and sloping brown-painted roofs with the Adriatic Sea stretching far into eternity.
Piran market and roofs PHOTOS AND COPYRIGHT @MANJIRIPRABHU
We then walked along a cobbled street winding along the town, past exposed brick walls and windows, down to the church and ancient lighthouse, and finally to the top of Piran. The stunning expanse of rich blue water and the waves rolling down the promenade on the sea surface took our breath away. The water was so clear that I could see my reflection flickering in the sunlight along with the boulders deep at the bottom of the sea. Tourists lazed on wicker chairs with waves licking their feet.
It was a stunning and memorable scene. The promenade was lined with large boulders, on the other side of which the sea splashed mercilessly. To our left, rows of restaurants and shops have made a charming picture of creamy facades and architecture. The inviting aroma of the food tickled our senses and we enjoyed a relaxed meal before returning to the bus stop.
When we finished our trip around Slovenia, we realized what a lasting impact this small but beautiful country had on us. In our hearts we carried a slice of the peace of Lake Bled; the rush and wave at the break of the picturesque Vintgar gorge penetrated our minds and the blue sea and the wonder of Piran seemed to have grown into our memories. Even though it was a farewell for now, we knew there would never be a real farewell.
(Manjiri Prabhu is a renowned author of several fiction and non-fiction books and the founder and curator of two festivals)
(If you want to receive our e-paper on WhatsApp every day, please Click here. We allow PDF sharing on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.)
Posted: Sunday, November 28, 2021, 1:52 PM IST