Zero waste please: is Bled in Slovenia Europe's greenest destination?
21.07.2023 - 07:44
/ roughguides.com
Bled in Slovenia really is the stuff of fairy tales. Snow-capped mountains surround a miraculous, mirror-like, emerald green glacial lake. In the middle of the lake floats a small tree-covered island cradling a pretty, white church. High above, stationed on a dramatic rockface, a medieval castle presides over the whole scene.
Dreamlike in its picture-perfect appearance and inviting atmosphere, you can understand why those who live in, look after and visit Bled want to preserve its beauty.
For many years now, Bled has been at the forefront of sustainable travel and a leading example of green tourism. A proud recipient of the Gold Label of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, Bled is leading the way to the future of environmentally friendly travel, showing how tourism can benefit, rather than inconvenience, local communities and help to protect the environment, not harm it.
They think of everything here, from green transportation to zero waste initiatives. And each innovative idea has been dreamt up to keep locals wanting to stay and tourists wishing they never had to leave – all while unburdening nature and letting the natural jewels of Bled sparkle and shine. European destinations don’t get greener than this.
Bled in Slovenia is big on soft-mobility © Jost Gantar
Located in the northwest of Slovenia near the border with Austria. Bled is situated at the foot of the Julian Alps and just a skim of a stone away from Ljubljana – an hour on the train, 40 minutes by car. Despite its close proximity, Bled is lightyears away from the hustle and bustle of Slovenia’s capital.
The serenity of the resort town and the unmarked, limitless beauty of the scenery make Bled a fresh breath of alpine air, of calm relaxation, of honeymooning romance, peaceful bike rides and gentle walks.
But plunge a little deeper, climb a little higher, and Bled’s attractions get a little more exhilarating, a little less breath-giving, a little more breath-taking. Ice climbing, canyoning, ziplining and a host of other thrilling adventures await those looking for a more active itinerary.
Exploring fairy tale gorges in Bled © Jost Gantar
Well, let’s take you through a typical holiday in Bled:
You arrive, preferably by public transport, but if not, you are encouraged to park your car at your accommodation or one of the designated parking areas. You wave goodbye to your car… and then you don’t see it again until you leave Bled.
This concept is called ‘soft mobility’ – favouring man-powered travel or public transport over cars to explore the area. All of Bled’s main attractions are within a comfortable walking or cycling (there are many places to rent regular and electric bikes in town) distance for most visitors. Those who need a little more