Bled Castle, rising on a 139‑meter cliff above Lake Bled, is the oldest castle in Slovenia and one of the country’s most recognizable cultural icons. Its location is strategic, offering a view over the lake basin and surrounding mountains, while at the same time serving as a natural defensive stronghold.
The castle was first mentioned in 1011, when the German Emperor Henry II donated the Bled estate to Bishop Adalbero of Brixen. Originally a Romanesque tower with walls, it was later expanded with additional towers, fortifications, and a drawbridge. Earthquakes in 1511 and 1690 damaged the castle, leading to its reconstruction with added Baroque elements.
Museum and Heritage
Today, Bled Castle houses the Museum at Bled Castle, managed by the National Museum of Slovenia. The exhibition presents the history of Bled from prehistory to the present. Highlights include the castle chapel dedicated to St. Albuin and St. Ingenuin, the old printing press, and the castle forge.
In 2025, a new permanent exhibition titled "Stoji, stoji tam Blejski grad" was opened, showcasing the natural and archaeological heritage of the Bled area. Beyond its museum function, the castle is a living cultural center hosting concerts, knightly days, and wedding ceremonies.
Chronology of Ownership
- 1004: German King Henry II donates the estate to Bishop Albuin of Brixen.
- 1011: Castle donated to Bishop Adalbero; becomes administrative center of Brixen bishopric.
- 1803: Dissolution of the bishopric; the castle passes into Austrian state ownership.
- 1952–1961: Extensive renovation under architect Anton Bitenc.
- 1999: Declared a cultural monument of national importance.
