Perched atop a steep cliff above Lake Bled stands one of Slovenia's oldest castles—Bled Castle, first mentioned in 1011. Its exceptional location, preservation, and the stunning view over the lake and its island have fascinated visitors for centuries. Historically connected with Central Europe, the castle remains a vibrant cultural hub today.
Bled Castle, along with the town of Bled, has become recognizable both locally and globally over the centuries. This sentiment was poetically captured by Slovenia’s greatest poet, Dr. France Prešeren: "The land of Carniola has no finer place than this, its surroundings the image of paradise."
1004–1011
Castellum Veldes – Bled Castle
On April 10, 1004, the German King Henry II gifted the estate of Bled in Carniola to Bishop Albuin of Brixen and his diocese, as gratitude for their support in solidifying German rule in northern Italy. A Romanesque tower likely already stood on the steep white rock above Lake Bled, although the castle was not specifically mentioned in this deed.
Bled Castle among the oldest in Slovenia
The subsequent mention of Bled in 1011, in another gift deed by King Henry II, references it as castellum Veldes. This record places Bled Castle among the earliest documented castles in Slovenia.
1011–1371
Bishop’s Ministerials manage Bled estate
Since the bishops of Brixen rarely visited Bled, the castle and estate were managed by their ministerials, known as the Knights of Bled. Under feudal law, caretakers and castle residents also oversaw operations. The journey from Brixen to Carniola required six days by horseback and was fraught with danger
1371–1574
Bishops of Brixen relinquish direct administration
In 1371, the bishops abandoned direct administration of Bled, leasing it to Konrad von Kreigh. The Kreigh family managed the estate for nearly 200 years. Harsh treatment of serfs led local peasants to join the pan-Slovenian peasant revolt in 1515.
A major earthquake in 1509 severely damaged castle structures, causing residents to flee, fearing the castle would collapse into the lake. Repairs were completed more than six decades later.
Baron Herbard Auersperg of Turjak, known for his anti-Ottoman stance and Protestant faith, took over the castle. He hosted Primož Trubar at the castle in 1561. Due to religious conflicts, Auersperg left Bled in 1574.
1597–1622
Castle managed by governors
The bishops ceased leasing, instead appointing governors. Initially, these were nobles and later included townspeople. Notable families such as the Eggenbergs, Turjaks, Petschachers, and Gallenfels served as governors. Some lived in Bled, while others managed through caretakers.
Natural disasters frequently affected the castle, with lightning strikes causing major fires and an earthquake in 1690. The Gallenfels family oversaw renovations that made the castle habitable again. Architectural plans from 1695 are preserved in Brixen diocesan archives.
1803–1813
The end of 800 years of Brixen rule
In 1803, after 800 years under Brixen control, the Bled estate, including the castle, was nationalized by decree from the Viennese court commission.
Bled Castle under the Illyrian Provinces
Napoleon occupied Carniola in 1809, and Bled became part of the Illyrian Provinces. From 1809 to 1813, the castle was owned by the French state, with revenues going to Marshal Auguste Marmont, the general governor.
1838–1937
Numerous ownership changes
The Diocese of Brixen regained possession in 1838 but sold it after the abolition of feudalism in 1848 to industrialist Viktor Ruard. Ruard maintained the castle and lakeside property but sold forests to the Carniolan Industrial Company. In 1882, the castle was sold to merchant Adolf Muhr.
Hotelier Ivan Kenda later acquired the property, planning a hotel and restaurant. Due to financial issues, he failed, and ownership passed to the Cooperative Economic Bank and later the Drava Banovina.
1945–1961
The castle received a more modern appearance
Bled Castle deteriorated until an extensive renovation began in 1952 under the National Museum and architect Tone Bitenc, a student of Jože Plečnik. Supported by the state and municipality, renovation concluded in 1961, adapting the castle for tourism.
1999–
National cultural monument
Bled Castle was declared a national cultural monument on September 9, 1999. Since 2007, the Institute for Culture Bled manages the castle.
Renovation and Accessibility
Starting in 2008, substantial parts of the castle were renovated or expanded with new facilities. A tactile guide for the visually impaired and audio tours in 19 languages are available.
Renovation and Accessibility
Events The castle hosts diverse programs including concerts, exhibitions, performances, and events that revive history and enrich cultural experiences.
