September 4 - 7, 2026
Our First (jet-lagged) Days in Slovenia
After an overnight near the airport in Ljubljana on Wednesday, we stopped in Škofja Loka en route to Bled. The museum at the castle did not disappoint! We learned about this walled city's long history and puzzled over why Ljubljana became the country's capital.
Many artifacts from the country's agrarian roots were on display as well as numerous pieces of art dating from the 15th through the 20th century.
We were surprised to see artifacts and paintings displayed openly, without sensors, devices or signs reminding one to not touch. Having chaperoned school field trips in the past, we could only imagine how this model would fail in the States! There was even a drinking water station for humans and dogs.
Lesson of the Day
Print a weight sticker for your produce before going to the checkout!
We forgot about that; our cashier was very kind.
Sveta Katarina
Creative water bottle filling station
The Radovna river is home to Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout
Climbing helmets required
On our second day in Bled we enjoyed a guided walk through the magnificent Vintgar Gorge. It was formed during the last ice age when glacial meltwater and the Radovna River cut through the limestone. The Radovna empties into the Sava River which then flows to the Danube and out to the Black Sea.
From the bottom of the gorge we hiked up and out past the church of Saint Catherine (Sveta Katarina) through sloped pastures with sweeping views of the valley and Bled.
1) View of Kamnik from from the Mali Grad (Little Castle). The castle ruins date back to the 13th c.
2) Kamnik church and clock tower
3) We enjoyed a coffee in the town square
4) Entrance to the Kamnik Cemetery
Anda, one of Deb's teammates, came and spent a day and overnight while she was awaiting her group to arrive. We picked her up in Ljubljana then did some sightseeing and learned about her rowing career that started in Romania when she was ten years old!
We spent a few hours walking down Kamnik's medieval main street and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day before making our way to the regatta venue in Bled.
Our First (jet-lagged) Days in Slovenia
Getting settled in Bled
9/4/20263 min read