According to written sources, the oldest castle in Slovenia, first mentioned in a 1011 donation deed as castellum Veldes. Perched atop a steep cliff rising 130 metres above the glacial Lake Bled, Bled Caste is a symbol of Bled and Slovenia. The image of the castle forming a dramatic backdrop to the romantic island and the church on it has earned the resort worldwide recognition through the centuries. Castle terraces offer spectacular views of the lake and the island, down the Dežela area with Lesce and Radovljica and over to the mountain ranges of the Karavanke and the Julian Alps.

You can ride on the lake and to the island in various ways, also on a traditional boat called pletna. Pletna boats are made by locals and are typical of Bled. Their origins date back to 1590. The boat is navigated by "pletnar", which is quite an esteemed vocation that cannot be done by anyone. During the reign of Maria Theresa the ownership rights for pletna boats were given to farmers who received poorer land for cultivation. The title of the pletna oarsman was handed down from generation to generation, which is why the profession of “Pletnarstvo” remained in individual families throughout the centuries. 

Bled is an image of paradise. This tourist gem of global dimensions on the edge of the Triglav National Park was nominated one of the seven new wonders of the world. It is distinguished by a mild, healing climate and thermal springs of lake water. Lake Bled and a castle perched on a cliff is one of the most beautiful Alpine resorts in Europe.

Novo mesto is the centre of Dolenjska, and it has an archaeological heritage of world importance. The town of situlae is surrounded by gentle wine-growing hills, where the typical Cviček wine is produced, and the mysterious Gorjanci Hills. Otočec Castle, the only “water castle” in Slovenia, is located on a small island in the River Krka.

The Škofja Loka area is dotted with numerous castles and mansions. The earliest date back to the 13th century, others were completely transformed after the great earthquake of 1511, and the 'youngest' among them were built as recently as the 17th century. There is a wealth of history and legends amongst them. The castles and mansions were built in carefully chosen locations, which visitors from far and wide still find breathtaking today. Some also contain museums that invite visitors to acquaint themselves with the history and way of life in the Škofja Loka area in past centuries.

Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is Ljubljana's main attraction. The castle's Outlook Tower and ramparts offer some of the most beautiful views of the city, while the castle houses a museum exhibition on Slovenian history, a puppet museum, and a number of historical rooms such as the Chapel of St George, the Prison, and a video presentation room called Virtual Castle. Ljubljana Castle, which can quickly be reached by funicular railway, also provides space for art exhibitions, houses a café, a nightclub, and two restaurants.