Apartments Koman Bled

A Romantic Ride with a Pletna to Bled Island

Kristina — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:31:51 +0000

Join us on a romantic ride with the traditional boat called pletna across Lake Bled. Today, we will explore one of the most beautiful corners of Slovenia – Bled Island. And what better way to experience its idyll than with the wonderful pletna? We invite you to settle comfortably on the traditional wooden boat and let yourself be carried by the lake waves as you cross the calm waters toward our beautiful little island.

What is a pletna and how does it differ from other types of boats?

Pletna is a traditional Slovenian vessel that has been used for transport across Lake Bled for over 500 years. It is a small wooden boat propelled by a single rower and can accommodate up to 20 passengers. Pletnas are now a symbol of Lake Bled and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bled. The operation of pletna is handled by the pletnar, which is still a highly esteemed profession today, not open to just anyone, as stated on the official Bled website. During the reign of Maria Theresa, the rights to own a pletna were granted to farmers who were allocated poorer farmland. The title has since been passed down through generations, hence pletnarstvo remains within families for centuries. There are a total of 23 pletnas on Lake Bled, and pletnars await guests at the Spa Park, under the Park Hotel, at Mlino, and in Velika Zaka.

The pletna ride and island visit take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The journey in one direction takes 30 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted for exploring the island. Tickets can be purchased from the pletnar with cash.

What does the small island in the middle of the lake hide?

Upon arrival on the island, you will be enchanted by its hidden paths, ancient church, and magical nature. Take a stroll around the island, admire the beauty it offers, and try traditional Slovenian potica at the Potičnica on the Island.

The church and other buildings, such as the walls and the monumental staircase consisting of 99 steps, have retained their appearance from the 17th century. A special attraction is the “wishing bell” in the upper roof ridge above the church ship. To this day, many visitors visit the island and ring the wishing bell, hoping their secret wishes will come true.

The so-called “wishing bell” was cast in 1534 by Franziskus Patavinus in Padua, Italy, as recorded on the official Bled website. Legend has it that at that time, a young, inconsolable widow lived in Bled Castle. Bandits killed her husband and threw his body into the lake, so she gathered all her silver and gold and had a bell cast for the chapel on the island. However, the bell never reached its destination as a severe storm sank the ship along with the boatmen. It is said that even today, it can be heard echoing from the depths on clear nights. The desperate widow sold all her possessions after this tragedy and went to a convent in Rome. Upon her death, the pope consecrated a new bell and sent it to Bled Island. Those who ring this bell and convey their wish to the merciful “Lady of the Lake” have their wish granted.

After the ride, around the lake or for a cream cake

A pletna ride to Bled Island will surely be an unforgettable experience in your life. After the pletna ride and exploring the beauty of Bled Island, it’s time to return to the shore, where you can choose to explore the rest of Bled, take a walk around the lake, or indulge in a delicious cream cake.

But if you’re looking for even more romance and pampering, you can book one of our comfortable apartments at Apartmaji Koman, not far from the lake.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW

4 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Bled

Kristina — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:13:19 +0000

Welcome to Apartmaji Koman – your dog-friendly haven in beautiful Bled! At our guesthouse, we’ve hosted countless dogs and their owners, creating unforgettable moments for all. Our commitment to canine comfort is reflected in our apartments, each featuring a private balcony or terrace for your dog to enjoy some fresh air. Additionally, our garden is open for short walks, ensuring your furry friend feels right at home. Join us on this blog for insights into the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Bled, heartwarming stories, and tips to make your Bled stay memorable – where every guest, including the four-legged ones, is family.

Nestled in the heart of Slovenia, Bled is a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and their four-legged companions. Beyond the iconic lake and castle, Bled offers a network of diverse and captivating hiking trails that are perfect for both you and your furry friend. In this blog post, we’ll unveil the four best dog-friendly hiking trails in Bled: Ojstrica, Bled-Koritno Village, Bled-Šobec Camping, and Bled-Hom Hill. Lace up your boots, leash up your dog, and get ready for a journey through Bled’s natural wonders, with scenic pit stops along the way.

1. Ojstrica Trail: A Sunrise Spectacle for You and Your Pooch

Kickstart your Bled adventure with the Ojstrica Trail, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. This moderate 2-hour hike begins at Lake Bled’s edge and ascends to Ojstrica’s summit, providing a spectacular sunrise or sunset vista. The best part? This trail is dog-friendly, making it an ideal outing for both you and your canine companion. Capture the magical hues that paint the sky and create lasting memories with your furry friend.

2. Bled-Koritno Village Trail: Rural Charms and Pet-Friendly Paths

For a taste of Bled’s rural beauty, explore the trail from Bled to Koritno Village. This easy-to-moderate hike takes you through charming meadows, dense forests, and past traditional Slovenian houses. The village of Koritno offers a tranquil escape and, importantly, welcomes dogs. This pet-friendly trail is perfect for a peaceful nature walk with your dog, allowing both of you to enjoy the simplicity of rural life.

3. Bled-Šobec Camping Trail: Riverside Bliss for Paws and Feet

Experience the soothing sounds of nature on the Bled-Šobec Camping Trail, a route that meanders along the banks of the Sava Dolinka River. This easy trail is not only dog-friendly but also leads you to the Šobec Camping area, where your furry friend can roam freely. As you enjoy the serene surroundings, make a pit stop at the on-site restaurant and bar in Šobec Camping for some drinks and refreshments. Share the joy of the outdoors with your dog while indulging in a moment of relaxation.

4. Bled-Hom Hill Trail: Tranquil Heights with a Dog-Friendly Cottage Bar

For a more challenging hike with rewarding views, head to Bled-Hom Hill. This moderately strenuous trail leads you through forested paths and up to the summit of Hom Hill, offering panoramic views of Bled. The ascent is not just for you; it’s also a dog-friendly experience. Once at the top, treat yourself and your furry friend to refreshments at the cottage bar on Hom Hill. Revel in the tranquility and enjoy a well-deserved break.

Conclusion

Bled’s diverse and dog-friendly hiking trails promise an immersive experience into nature, shared with your loyal companion. Whether it’s capturing sunrise views on Ojstrica, exploring rural charms on the Bled-Koritno Village Trail, enjoying riverside bliss on the Bled-Šobec Camping Trail, or reaching tranquil heights on the Bled-Hom Hill Trail, these routes cater to outdoor enthusiasts and their canine friends. Embrace the adventure, breathe in the fresh air, and savor the joy of exploring Bled’s natural wonders with your beloved dog.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW

Our Green Key and Slovenia Green Accommodation certificates

Kristina — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 13:39:17 +0000

Commitment to sustainable tourism

In 2023, we obtained the Green Key and Slovenia Green environmental certificates for the first time for our accommodation. We strive for the most sustainable operation possible, and we want to express this through every corner our accommodations. Obtaining the green environmental certificate is a confirmation of our continuous efforts for careful handling of the environment and natural resources. In this spirit, we have introduced a number of measures.

Saving water and energy

We ensure that every drop of water counts. With smart solutions for saving water not only we reduce our water footprint, but also encourage guests to use water responsibly. Our premises are
equipped with energy-efficient equipment, which allows us to reduce energy consumption. Mine we build on this effort by raising awareness among guests about the importance of sustainable behavior in everyday life life.

Plastic minimization and waste recycling

Plastic is a global challenge that we are aware of. That is why we have introduced measures to minimize use plastic in our apartments. We offer our guests alternative, environmentally friendly materials. Besides, we are established a system of careful separation of waste, which enables recycling and reuse. With that we reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Environmentally friendly products for everyday use
We take extra care of our environment by using nature-friendly cleaning products, paper, towels and toilet paper. We understand that every detail is important, so we strive to make every aspect of our hospitality reflected respect for nature. In Apartments Koman, we want to emphasize that sustainable
the choice is not only part of our business philosophy, but a decision that manifests itself in everyday details and enables our guests to enjoy their vacation carefree and without a bad conscience.

Green welcome

Enter our oasis of hospitality, where a special green sustainable welcome awaits you. Upon arrival at the village will be greeted by delicious walnut delicacies – potica and brandy. This unique welcome is the fruit of work and local traditions, and we use walnut fruits that grow right in our garden.

A sustainably landscaped garden

Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop inside the guesthouse. We carefully arrange the garden and everything around it.

Our garden hosts ancient, indigenous varieties of trees and flowers that they not only enrich the environment but also preserve biodiversity. We do not use it when maintaining the garden aggressive fertilizers and sprays, which ensures a natural balance and supports the ecosystem.

We proudly invite guests to immerse themselves in our green paradise, where every flower, every tree is part of our
sustainable mission. “Apartments Koman” are not only a place to rest, but it is our piece of Bled, where we build a sustainable community together and connect with nature.

The Most Instagrammable Spot In Bled

Kristina — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 09:50:46 +0000

The giant heart stautue or monumenet has become favorite spot for taking photos in Bled. It was erected in 2015 and has since attracted many influencers and visitors to take photos behind the red heart. It stands on a little pier at Bled promanade walk by the lake, just a few meters further from Hotel Park Caffe.

It offers beautiful views over the lake, the island and the castle. It is especially festive during the Christmas season when it is richly decorated. In the summer you may experience a queue of people waiting for their perfect shot.

The heart symbolises love and relationship and is therefore especially popular among copules and newly weds. Recently even some love-locks have began to appear on the small pier.

There are lots of other great photo spots, we @Apartmaji Koman would be happy to advise them!

Potica- the queen of slovenian desserts

Kristina — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:54:37 +0000

Lots of guests ask me on arrival to our guesthouse Apartmaji Koman, which is the most typical slovenian dish. Slovenia has a variety of excellent dishes, but I always put slovenian famous dessert- potica first. We can say that potica is a real ambassodor of our gastronomy. There is an anectode that promoted our potica greatly worldwide. It was in 2017 when former US president Trump and his slovenian wife Melania visited the Pope in Vatican and the Pope asked Mrs. Melania if she serves her husband potica.Because every visitor should taste a piece of potica when visiting Slovenia, we serve all our guests at Apartmaji Koman a piece of walnut potica, made form a local bakery from walnuts that grow in our garden.

What is potica?

Potica is a traditional slovenian dessert and was once a typical cermonial dish, served at Christmas and Easter. Today potica is served on most slovenian holidays and celebrations. It is a festive dessert, popular throughout Slovenia and even outside its borders where Slovenian expats live.

Symbolic meaning

Potica has represents an important element of festive aboundance. Also the shape- of ring cake- represents infinity, perfection and a symbl of the divine. It is a very rich cake, therefore served on special occasions. It is also a popular protocol gift.

Around 500 years old

The earliest notes on potica go back to 1575 when Primož Trubar mnentioned potica or povitica in in his book Kathekizem, the first printed Slovenian book. A century later, potica is mentioned again in the book The Glory of the Dutchy of Carniola, by Janez Vajkar Valvasor. The first book entirely dedicated to potica (Poticas of Slovenia, 2013) was written by Dr. Janez Bogataj, a famous Slovenian ethnologist.

More than 120 different versions of potica

Potica is baked with leavened dough and rolled out, then covered with filling and rolled up. It is quite difficult to make. The name potica or povitica comes from rolled up cake. Potica can be made with sweet or sallty fillings, most popular are: walnut, hazelnut, tarragon, poppy, raisins, bacon, cracklings, chocolate and cottage cheese.

A special potica is made at Bled island Potičnica cake shop and consists of hazelnuts and fig filling. In a small village near Bled, called Podbrezje, a potica with dried apple and pear is made and sent every year as a gift to the pope in Vatican.