Lake Bled, Wellness & Relaxation in Slovenia
Julian Alps Health Resort Offers Hot Springs and Natural Healing
Jun 21, 2009
Just an hour’s drive from the capital Ljubljana, Slovenia’s top health resort lies in the foothills of the Julian Alps on the shores of Lake Bled. Pioneer therapist Arnold Rikli set up the first Institute of Natural Healing in the 19th century and visitors still come from afar in search of wellness and relaxation.
Rikli recommended bathing in the beneficial waters of Lake Bled, walking in the Julian Alps for exercise and fresh air and adopting a healthy vegetarian diet of home grown food. New hotels have popped up around the lake but Rikli’s natural healing remains at the heart of this pretty Alpine retreat.
Wellness and Relaxation in Slovenia, Lake Bled and Hot Springs
Sheltered by the mountains at 475 metres, Lake Bled claims the longest swimming season of all Alpine resorts. The water can reach 24ºC in summer and designated swimming areas welcome people of all ages. It’s a great place to keep fit, bracing and fresh when the temperature drops a few degrees.
Swimming in the lake can be complemented by bathing in Bled’s thermal waters. The hot springs narrowly escaped destruction in the past and are now piped into the swimming pools of the resort’s top hotels. The Park and Golf hotels heat up the water to 28ºC but the Grand Hotel Toplice keeps to its natural and constant 23ºC.
Water from the hot springs is rich in natural salts and especially recommended for the treatment of stress related illnesses.
Julian Alps Health Resort, Fresh Air and Exercise, Natural Healing in Slovenia
Walking in the fresh mountain air was an integral part of Rikli’s natural healing and well suited to the great outdoors loved by all Slovenians. Numerous footpaths have joined the trails laid in the early days. They are clearly signposted and cater to all levels.
Among the favourites are the 6km walk around the lake, the climb through shaded forest to Bled’s castle and the spectacular Vintgar Gorge leading down to a 16 metre high waterfall. Mountaineering, cycling, golf and rowing (motorboats are not allowed) complete the picture, with plenty of fresh air for natural healing.
Winter brings its own outdoor activities from Alpine or cross country skiing to skating on the frozen lake.
Arnold Rikli Healthy Slovenian Diet
Arnold Rikli encouraged his patients to keep to a healthy vegetarian diet based on fresh produce. Vegetables and fruit are plentiful in Slovenia and mostly grown on small farms. Cabbage, beans, truffles and asparagus are popular in season and mixed salad is served with almost every meal. Fruit include strawberries, apples, pears, peaches and grapes and there’s a range of Alpine honey and herbal teas.
Most restaurants buy their produce from markets and farms but great places to sample genuine home cooking are the tourist farms and the rustic gostilna inns. It may not be vegetarian but there are some healthy temptations, maybe grilled trout from the river, baked polenta or a thin slice of tarragon and walnut cake.
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