New Years Eve on Lake Bled, Slovenia

Basics

• Our Childs Age: 2-3

• Suitable For: Any age would have enjoyed this one

• Cost: 2022

  • 1,500 Euro – 2 adults 1 child for 5 nights, double room with extra bed and lake view

  • 3 nights with breakfast, 2 nights half board

  • Entrance to the pool and wellness area, kids club included.

  • New Year Gala dinner with entertainment. Drinks excluded

Getting There

To get to Slovenia, and eventually Lake Bled. You can fly to Ljubljana, the capital. This would be a good option. Otherwise, Zagreb in Croatia or Venice in Italy and you will need to drive the rest of the way. In mainland Europe you will probably find there are good train connections and even night trains going there for a bit of an adventure. Lake Bled is easy to get to on public transport from the capital Ljubljana. It is about an hour to an hour and half away.

Driving to, and around, Slovenia is a good option as there are well maintained roads and drivers are let’s say normal. We drove in from Austria, which is a beautiful drive through the mountains.

Public transport would be an option on this trip or for a bit more flexibility take/rent a car, both options work, which ever you feel most comfortable with.

Slovenia and Lake Bled General

Slovenia for New Years Eve, not be confused with Slovakia. They are different countries relatively far apart. Thought I would get that out the way as an opener!

Slovenia is a small country that was part of the former Yugoslavia, it is surrounded and bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north and Croatia to the east, it has a tiny coastline on the Adriatic. When all the madness of war was going on in the 90’s, as the States of Yugoslavia began to declare independence, Slovenia quietly piped up and declared they were independent, and with all that was going on, managed to avoid any attention and also any conflict, they escaped, as far as I know, pretty much all of the craziness their neighbors had to deal with, and peacefully became a nation.

I have been to Slovenia a couple of times, and my impression is, historically it was possibly more aligned with western Europe than it was to the East. It does have a bit of an Austrian feel to the place.

The country is an alpine nation and has mountains. It has many caves. There are very beautiful sights and towns, from the mountains until the coast, which given the smaller size of the country, would make it very possible to get round and see nearly all it, in a stay of a week or two.

Lake Bled is a lake in the north of the country, a short distance from the Austrian border. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It is not massive. There is a castle at one end, a small island with a church at the other end and is surrounded by mountains. I can vouch for its claim, it is certainly one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever been to.

The hotel

We stayed in Rikli Balance Hotel. There are various hotel options in this area, some more fancy, some basic, and even a couple of hostels, which are located on the road down from the castle. We were looking for an interesting New Year Package and Rikli Balance was the one that stood out. It is part of a chain, Sava hotels, and they have a few hotels in Slovenia, even a couple on Lake Bled. It’s hard to think there could have been a nicer one than ours though, but I didn’t stay in the others of course. I would need some very compelling evidence to go to Bled again and to stay somewhere else.

The hotel has parking, you follow the road down from the highway towards the lake and almost at the end before hitting the water, well a few hundred meters before, is the parking on the left hand side for this hotel.

As is normal for us, after finding the place, parking and checking in, we entered our room and put up our travel Christmas tree and attached the cards to the walls and any surface we can put them, ensuring we still maintain the festive spirit, even away from home.

The room we had was big, more than enough space for us, well decorated and that nice wood cabin feel. Heading to the end of the room, towards the balcony and patio doors - well, jaw dropping! Stepping out and seeing Lake Bled in all its glory. This view I cannot begin to explain how stunning I found it. Looking down below us from the balcony, the hotel pool, it has a glass roof, so you can see how the pool is, and the big slide. Our 2 nearly 3 year old boy was determined he was going down that – and he did.

From the outside, the hotel was ok, not a beautiful building, but not offensive. Inside they had done a good job. The reception was long and large with a professional fancy hotel look, the lobby bar with nice sofas and a fireplace was inviting. The kids club room which I guess doubles as a function room was basic, a bit dull but the staff were really nice and friendly, the children liked them. The hotel has a mascot or character, Quacky. Quacky appears every now and again, also at breakfast time. The small children are delighted to see him/her/Quacky.

In terms of the restaurant, dinner and breakfast. It is buffet style, and it is a big hotel with many guests. If you are lucky, you will get a window seat looking out to the pool and lake, otherwise more in the middle. Despite it being buffet style, it’s not as crazy or unpleasant as these things can be. The breakfast was huge, many many dishes to cover all tastes, hot, continental, sweet, and children’s section. It was all there. Maybe I am a simple person, for me it generally seemed quite fancy, expensive food, and despite being a buffet, the hotel and serving team ensured it was well presented. You were never stuck queuing for something; you could go up freely and help yourself and not be in anyone’s way. I am not a fan of buffets, but this was good. Dinner was the same experience with a wide and fancy selection of food. Drinks were not included at dinner and you needed to pay for these, which was fine. Serving staff would provide drinks menus and you could order, with them being bought to the table. All the paid extras were billed to the room to settle at the end of the stay.

The pool area is quite large. You have access included with your stay. It is not really what I would call a hotel pool. The wet area is extensive, there are several varieties of pools, including a small children’s pool, a heated outside pool to enjoy the experience of a cold winter’s night in the mountains while in a hot pool and as I have mentioned, the sizable water slide. There are some waterfalls and several other pools and Jacuzzis. Plenty of loungers to chill out on, and with so many, you should be able to find a peaceful corner somewhere. The saunas and any treatments are available, although have an additional cost.

Kids of any age love the pools, with ours being quite small, he did still love going down the big slide with me, there were small children slides as well in the kids pool area. This wet/pool area is great for adults too; there is so much here. It is certainly not only for kids or families but for everyone.

I would say I have more than covered the hotel and what there is here. The only other facility we personally used, was an apero and cocktail at the lobby bar, with the nice decorations and fireplace, occasionally with some light music and bands playing.

A littIe tip if you need some provisions, I guess it’s something like halfway between the hotel and the highway is a super market, Supermarket Mercator, good to head out there if you need anything for the room.

Lake Bled

Looking out from your balcony at the sight of Lake Bled, it would be hard to imagine you would want to do anything other than getting down to the water front to explore. We had a wonderful New Years here, and a huge part of that, was the beauty and the sight we got to see each day looking at this amazing lake. I do hope you get to witness it one day and are as in awe as we were/are.

From the hotel it is a short walk down to the waterfront. You will pass some shops, possibly some take away food places, it is not exactly picturesque but it’s only a short way. And there you are, on the lake, at the waters edge.

If you head off to the right side, you will pass more restaurants and shops, and a nice promenade. For us, and particularly at that time of year, once truly on the water front and on the right side from the hotel, you will approach the small Christmas market they have. Not huge, some little crafts, food and drinks and several nice installations which are essentially photo props to snap your memories and experiences, they are, I am sure, glad you tag your pictures for free advertising. You will see the tree they have and also a stage. The stage has a program of events over the festive period and into the New Year, as well as the dedicated main even and big party for the 31st, check out the Christmas Markets website when there to see what events are going on and which you want to attend.

Carry on past the markets and a little walk around the lake, you will get to The Castle. I am not telling you the whole truth here. In fact, what I should say is you will be standing underneath the castle. The castle is not a couple of miles high, so don’t panic too much, but it is still a slightly energetic walk up, if you begin to walk up, shortly out of town you will reach the St Martin Parish church which is worth looking in, if only to catch your breath. And now it’s the bigger climb up. It is really not that bad, I had a bit of a situation when I went, my son was kicking off and had to be carried while fighting me, to not be carried, as well as having to carry a push chair (luckily a lighter weight travel one but still), I actually did this on a wintery New Years Day, in an alpine region, to peoples surprise, I get to the top somewhat dripping in sweat from my struggle! 2 year olds can put up a good fight.

Do not be put off. As long as your child isn’t kicking off, and you take it slowly, you can make it, it’s not too strenuous. It's not wheelchair or push chair friendly though. With a light travel push chair, you could carry it easily enough. Do not fear, there is an alternative route, hopefully I have not put any of you off. We took the path and road route down, so we followed a route that kind of went round the back and entered the town further down. This route is fine for push chairs, and you could consider a bus or taxi if you didn’t want to go up on foot. You have options to get up if mobility is not so easy. Honestly, the walk up the castle cliff is ok taken slowly.

Taking the cliff path up to the top, you do get imposing views of the castle towering over the top of you getting ever bigger as you get closer, as well as the view on to and over the lake and countryside. The castle itself is big inside. With a kind of upper inner part and a lower outer part. As you go in and off to the left you pass different rooms and bits to see, you work your way up and find a lovely terrace, café and restaurant. It looks like they may have weddings and functions here. You can try and find somewhere to hang out and get your photos. You will get a map and leaflet guide to be able to follow the castle and see the rooms of interest with the different items on show, what each area or room was used for.

From the entrance and off on the right, there was, when we went, the wine tasting room and cellar. We did try several local wines and even bought a few.

Slovenia does produce decent wines, think about it, it borders Italy and Austria, 2 wine producing countries, why would Slovenia not. The wine is good, but do try first before bringing back cases, make sure you like it. If you can find out anything about the vineyard or grape, it is going to make it more interesting. We bought wine from the Rebula grape, seemed to be native to Slovenia. Price wise, would I say it’s interesting? Hmmm. Well, the tourist areas, are the tourist areas, and the price is not that cheap, if I were to bet, I would say if you got a local to show you where they bought their wine, you would find it very cheap, but I speculate.

You already heard how we came down from the castle. A less adventurous road and path taking us back in to town. It’s not a bad route, you come into the town of Bled, and get to see a different side of the area rather than just the lake. It is here you will likely pass some of the hostels and local establishments, worth a drink or bite to eat. It was pretty popular with people hanging out.

To recap, right at the waters edge and lake when you walk from the hotel, is the town of Bled, the Christmas Markets and the castle.

Going to the left, and a bit further to walk than the castle will be, perhaps even a short taxi ride, you will get to the Island in Lake Bled with the Church of Assumption of St. Mary sitting on it. You will not get to the island as such, but the main lands closest point to it.

We took a drive to the islands shortest crossing point. Other options do exist. A less ‘crazy’ one, you take a boat from where you are, could generally be anyway on the lake, and the boat will take you there, and bring you back. A boat of some sorts is really the only way to the island, particularly in winter. These traditional Lake Bled boats are called Pletna. They have a distinctive look and quite some history. the captain or person in charge is called Pletnar. The Pletnar will sort of row in a Venetian gondola style to get you from A to B. There is a fee, and for us, we were on a sort of bus service, it wasn’t private, they wait to fill the boat or Pletna and then head off, it fills in no time at all.

You are on Lake Bled, you must take the local boat, Pletna, at least at some point during your stay. A calm peaceful and traditional way to travel on this lake.

There are other ways. We didn’t see anyone swim and I do not know if this is allowed, but would think it doesn't stop people in warmer water months. An alpine lake in winter, it would not be my mode of transport. But we did see people with canoes and other boats. You can probably find somewhere to rent such a small boat and spend some time on the lake doing your own thing. We didn’t see any large power boats so you wouldn’t have an issue with big waves being created and toppling you over. In winter, I would still likely be risk adverse and avoid it myself.

There is no let’s say 'dry' way to the island, no bridge or causeway, walking or driving over is impossible. You either let an oarsman Pletnar use their power to get you across on their unpowered boat, or you go over at your own steam, if you find a way of renting a boat locally.

You absolutely should go over to the island; it is a Lake Bled must see / must do! It’s easy, a pleasure, and on being on the island is special.

In the middle of the island is the Church of Assumption of St. Mary and the Wishing Bell, ring the bell three times and the Lady of the Lake will grant you your wish! There is a folklore story about it if you want to have a read. Is it true? Will your wish come true? Well, I made my wish! You have to be in it to win it, so it goes without saying everyone going in to the Church will ring and make a wish. Good luck with it!

Close by the church, part of the same complex, are some other buildings and museums to enter, and there is a small walk around the church and island you can take, mainly for views. As well as a café coffee shop to stop off in. Eventually you will take a boat back to the main land.

Walking around the complete circumference of the lake is possible. It’s not a massive lake, about 6km or nearly 4 miles. It will take a few hours. You really walk it to see the different perspectives of the lake, to have some exercise and just to take in the nature. We saw plenty of people having their morning run around the lake shores, and even in winter there were no shortage of cyclists. On our walk we stopped at Zaka bar for some food and drink. Seems to be also a campsite, but not sure if in winter you can still camp.

For the time of year, that pretty much exhausts what there is to do on the lake. It is a location of extreme beauty. Seeing it, is the main attraction. You have the castle, the markets, the boat trip and the island. That’s already a fair amount to do really and will keep you occupied for a couple of days.

I do have one last must do, experience. That you cannot leave without doing or I should say tasting. That is Bled Cream Cake! It would be a sin, to go to Lake Bled and not try Bled Cake. We were so taken by it and it is such a symbol of the area, we bought a Bled Cake magnet as a souvenir to go on the fridge at home. It is a sweet dessert, a sandwich of two hard pastry sheets with a kind of thick custard layer and a thick cream layer between the pastry sheets, dusted with icing sugar. The art or the science, I am not sure which term to use, is to ensure the cream and the custard are firm enough to withstand being sliced. Throughout Slovenia you will be able to buy and try this. Many places on Lake Bled will be selling it. My suggestion and personal pick, go to the home of Bled Cream Cake, go to where it all started and its historical birthplace, Park Hotel in Kavarna Park, which as luck would have it, is about the nearest point to the lake from Rickli Hotel. I don’t know if it is the best, not being a cream cake aficionado, but for me trying it where the story and fame began was a must.

Around

How long are you staying in Slovenia and Lake Bled? With the hotel, dining and the pool, enjoying the views and the numerous things to keep you occupied on the lake, you have already used a good few days.

We visited the mountains. Snow sports are possible, depending if you bring gear or plan to rent, and are that way inclined. We actually are that way inclined, but usually do not take part, on such a trip. Instead, we enjoyed visiting the mountain, taking the cable car up, enjoying the snow and views (if you can get them), we did a small hike on compacted snow, and stopped for food and drink. The mountain we went up was Vogel ski resort, relatively easy and close by to drive to, I don’t think it would be so easy to get to on public transport.

The journey back we took slowly and stopped off along the lake and approaching the church Cerkev Sv Janeza Krstnika, which I believe translates as the Parish Church of John the Baptist, at Goldenhorn / Zlatorog and Ladja Bohij Ribcev Laz for some nice views and photos with a brief look around.

Next, I would suggest a day trip to Ljubljana, the capital. You can't really go to Slovenia and not visit Ljubljana. Easy to get to, not far at around an hour, driving or the bus will get you there. It’s a historic city and old town. For us, I would say it was not so clear on where to go, what to see, or what it all means. Jumping on some tour, as we did, is a really good idea to help. We found and joined one of these free walking tours, Ljubljana Free Tour. You will get to see the main sights and understand the history and significance behind them. It is not a big city so easy enough to get around, a push chair is fine. It’s not that tiny either, so expect that all day you will be walking.

Slightly going off on a tangent, I had an un-related conversation with a work colleague some time ago. And he was telling me he cannot think of anything worse than to go on those tiny tourist electric mini trains that take you round the cities. I did laugh. Our son absolutely loves them. I kind of got his point, but you know what? The kids do like them, they are sheltered and usually warmer than being outside, often with commentary on what you are seeing, and they cover a lot of ground with little energy needed from you and your team. We took the mini train here in Ljubljana. The good thing, it takes you up to the castle and removes the need to walk up that hill.

I don’t have any must see or dos for the city other than wonder around and enjoy it. Try to spot a few dragons here and there on bridges etc, the symbol of the city. We liked to try some local wine when available and any local dish. It is the capital city, and if you do pass by, you will see the stage set up and preparations for the city New Years Celebration, which looked like they would be having fun. Options if you didn't spend NYE in Bled?

For our New Year trip and this particular stay, we kept more than busy and filled our time with what we did and described here. Having been before to the country, I am able to share a few other ideas to inspire you, provide alternatives, and excursions if you have a longer stay than we did.

Firstly, oddly, I am starting on something we did do on this trip. To get to Lake Bled, we did actually drive from our home. And on our drive, we decided to stop off on our way in Villach, Austria. It’s not an amazing or large city that is worth too much of an effort to pass by, however it is nice and worth a look if it is on the way as it was for us. During this period, the city still had a Christmas market on, it’s a pretty place, small and tidy, you can wonder here and see some nice views, with the river Drava passing through it. We enjoyed a beer hall style dinner and local beer at Villacher Brauerei, at the start of the old town.

Next, we would have done this I think had we of stayed much later than we did. Shortly after New Years on the particular year we went was the Biathlon, you know, the event that the athletes cross country ski and periodically stop to fire at targets. This is held in a place called Pokljuka. I have checked and the championship calendar dates do not seem to be consistent year on year. Maybe you get lucky and it is on when you are there, or unlucky and it’s on months after you return home. I can imagine this must be a cool (excuse the pun) experience and thing to see.

The final two things I would say are interesting and nice to see and do, I did around Christmas time here several years earlier than this trip. It is quite a famous picture I would say, I have seen it a few times at least. The castle in the rock face, Predjama Castle. Wiki tells me it’s the world’s largest cave castle, it being the only cave castle I know, I believe wiki. It is a sight to behold, impressive, and a popular tourist attraction when in the country. It is also known for the caves and tunnels here with several of those possible to visit.

Finally, Lipica. Never heard of it? Famous white horses, horses that even have a sort of different shape because their frame and muscles are built for dancing? The breed is called Lipizzan Horse after the town or village, with close links to the Spanish riding school in Graz, Austria. The famed and prized white Lipizzan horse is bred here in Lipica, Slovenia, then trained and ridden in Graz Austria, and if good enough, lives a show biz life of luxury performing in Vienna at the Hofburg winter riding school. This is all loosely true and highly summarised. My first visit here, I was told and I quote “we are going to see the famous white dancing horses used in Austria”. The description and information I have shared with you is from briefly reading up on it. They are bred and sold, not only in Austria. Seeing a white dressage horse around the world, there’s a reasonable chance it’s a Lipizzan. The main stable and place to visit this famed horse is Lipica Stud Farm.

New Years Eve

The main event has arrived, anticipating a nice party and celebration ahead, one the entire family will enjoy. Our son at the age he was then, had no idea of the significant date. Until a certain age kids won’t. As parents though, even though for him he was not marking a closure and new beginning, we still wanted, and continue to want, that the day is marked as a celebration and something fun for him, as much as it is for us.

31st December, was actually the day we walked the lake. For us on the 31st, we tend to want remain local to where we are staying, allowing a shorter day of activities, a period to relax, and then time to get ready for the main event without it being a rush. At least that’s the plan, being active busy people, we may still overdo it compared to others.

As the evening approached and we start to get excited for the build-up, we had to go to the pool. Our son loves water and swimming; he really loved the hotel water slide. It’s his day as well. We took him to the pool for a splash and some fun, burn any energy he had left, then, dragging him away from the slide, we went to the room for some down time and a nap.

Mum and Dad, the grown-ups, did start the evening and the process to get ready by popping a bottle of local sparkling wine. The view we had never got boring, we said at the time, we may never see anything prettier than this view. We all got ready, allowing the little one to sleep as much as possible so he was prepared for the evening ahead. Once we were ready and we woke him to get him dressed, we went downstairs a bit early, had a cocktail at the bar, then joined the pre-dinner apero in the lobby. Music and a small band were playing, everyone in good spirits.

Dinner was a free for all. Not in a negative way, just there were no seat reservations, you find a place and it's yours. The 3 of us had a nice place, almost our usual place so to speak, we often sat in this area over our stay. The serving staff attentively bringing the drinks, not included in the package, but that’s no issue. The food was completely buffet style. But I must say, it wasn’t the madness low class survival of the fittest usual buffet type dinner. It was well prepared, fancy food, great flavours and colours, with numerous sections serving the same dishes to prevent any concentration of people and hold ups. Myself and girlfriend like our food and wine very much and appreciate good service, we often find ourselves disappointed on these resort summer holidays with buffets. This was not the same. It was very well done, great food and no stress. It worked!

At various points in the evening the band was playing, it was a full band, as in musicians and singers, and they were playing classic pop songs, easy listening. Fleetwood Mac, Queen, I don’t know, I can’t remember. It was songs that were known and easy listening, but it wasn’t a cover band, they sang in their style rather than mimicking the original. Good or bad? It was appropriate. Background music while dinning that was familiar and fun, but not over powering to prevent conversation.

The kids club animators came out at some point, complete with Quacky, like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, to round up the children and usher them to the kid’s club hall. Our son always stays with us; we are the 3 Musketeers. He will dance and be independent up to a point, as long as he sees us. Not tonight! The pull of Quacky proved too much and off he went to join the kids club for some colouring and games.

As dinner pushed on, people getting through the different dishes and finishing with dessert, young and old found their dancing feet, and like Quaky dragging the kids off, the beat of the live band managed to drag the hotel guests up to the dance floor for a boogie. Once the first one sets the trend there is no stopping the flow after that, the evening pushing on and quickly the dance floor filling.

It was a wonderful evening. And I hear you cry in anticipation, what did the hotel organise for the strike of 12? Well, the answer is, we don’t know! We had this incredible view from our hotel room onto the lake and the town of Bled. We knew there was a sort of street party in Bled (do think tiny village rather than London), we faced the castle and had seen on the website there was a full program with fireworks and lasers. We decided to be prepared and had some bubbles chilling on our alpine view balcony, we had New Years party hits on the iPod and speaker, and so whisked our son from the kid’s club, retreated to our room and prepared to see New Year in, the 3 of us, from our balcony on Lake Bled.

We had our own music; we could hear the music from the party in town in the distance. Bled organised a not overly impressive Laser show onto the castle and the cliff it sits upon, we joined the count down, popped the corks, poured the bubbles and toasted midnight, goodbye to the old year and welcome to an exciting new one. Fireworks from the town and public display popping off, and here we were. Cheers!

Do I regret not being in the hotel gala dinner party for the strike of midnight? Absolutely not!! We saw midnight in, the 3 of us, with this view, safe, fireworks which were not overly loud and scary for our young child, it was incredible. If you are 20 years old, doing it quite the same way as we did, I doubt it would leave such an impression, and that is fair enough, I would suggest for you to be down in the town or village and join the party. I can imagine if you had young teenage children, allowing them some freedom to venture down to the lake and to the main party might be a good option, allow them to have a great time, which I am sure they will have; Bled is from what I witnessed safe. Light traffic, no crazy youths. I would be comfortable with older teenage children venturing around the area alone.

For us, we did toast the New Year from our balcony, safe and comfortable, as a family, and with a great amount of joy. We finished our drinks, enjoyed the firework show, decided to make a very brief return to the hotel party down stairs to see the band play a couple more songs. And despite the Bled town and lake party, as well as the hotel party, both going on until really the small wee hours of New Years day, we could not continue, we had a full and long day and evening, we retreated to our room for a well-deserved sleep and reflection on the closing of the year.

Waking to a new year, and a lovely sunny morning, slowly making our way downstairs to breakfast, the hotel had laid on an even better breakfast for the 1 January, than they had prepared the other mornings, the standard going a notch or two higher, as I think it should for such a significant breakfast, start as you mean to go on right!

Conclusion

Lake Bled for New Years Eve, at the time of writing, has been our favourite. I do not think we will stay anywhere as beautiful as where we did. Opening the hotel room patio door and going on to the balcony to see the lake, low clouds and fog, the mountains and castle, it was stunning. Whether you go to Bled for New Year or any other time of the year, put it on your list of must-see destinations. It is stunning.

The hotel, I cannot fault, with or without kids, the location is great, the view is arguably unbeatable, the pool caters for all and complete with slides, shallow kids pool, heated outside area. The rooms are large with balconies. Dinner and breakfast are buffet style but still very fine delicious cuisine. There is a kids club which perhaps could have better funding, however they still have one! And Quacky, the hotels mascot, bringing smiles and happy faces to the tiny ones each time he/she appears.

I cannot stress enough; you must at some point visit Lake Bled. Our New Year there was amazing.

Slovenia, and particularly Lake Bled, depending your age, or what you perceive or remember of ‘Eastern Europe’, it’s not as cheap as you may think. The package we had was sort of more expensive than what we had in Germany some years before. But that’s what has happened, the world has moved one, we are global and prices are more aligned. You may find it a little expensive. I can tell you, and this is coming from a very well-travelled person. I would add this to your bucket list and suggest you go with top priority. For me, my girlfriend, and if you asked my son within 3 days of his return, it was the best time.

It was and to date still is, our best New Years Eve, or New Years vacation. If you do ever experience it, I do genuinely hope you share the same experience. It is a New Years for friends, family, and or children of any age. There is something for everyone here. If we were left without a plan for New Year, without a doubt we would return. We do not plan to beat this one or are in the quest to better it with our next trip. We enjoy all our celebrations, which we make together as our small family. I say it is our best, but if hypothetically we were ever told categorically, destination X, is and will be the best New Years destination you will ever have, certainly it would not make us go there every year, we love the new adventure, the new experience and the pioneering/exploring, showing our son new places and the world. Bled was incredible, we loved it, have fond memories, can call it the best, however, we have had lots of great New Years, so continue to explore and make it our thing to go somewhere new each year.

Tips

• Make sure you try Bled cake during your stay here, ideally in Park Hotel Cafe the home of it

• Take a local boat to the island and visit the Church of the Assumption of Mary – Ring the bell 3 times – Do remember to make the wish. Sometimes you can be a bit caught up in taking pictures and the excitement of ringing, you forget to wish

• Heading away from the lake back towards the highway is a super market to get some provisions if need be