Looking for a hideaway of breathtaking natural beauty? A place with an atmosphere of tranquil innocence?

Try Lake Bled. This quiet paradise in the northeast corner of Slovenia has been called “the second Eden” and is a spot that is beautiful, peaceful and fun all in one.

Deep-blue water contrasts with the bright green of the surrounding tree-covered mountains. A mighty castle sitting above the modern town stands silent watch as crews practice rowing techniques across the lake. An island in the lake is home to a tiny church, once a site to worship Zhiva, the Slav goddess of love. Today its bell is the only sound to interrupt the quiet restfulness.

But this is not a place to just sit and meditate. Outdoor activities around the lake are available in abundance. White-water rafting, hiking, cycling, fishing, boating, cave tours, golf and swimming are just samples of the fun to be found. In the winter, both cross-country and downhill skiing is nearby.

For the less adventuresome, there are paths to stroll around the lake — a complete loop is just more than four miles long. It is also an ideal distance for a morning run.

Travel less than 30 minutes to the village of Radovlicjia and you can learn about what was once one of Slovenia’s main industries. This is beekeeping country, and there is a museum and lots of apiaries to prove it. Beekeeping took hold as a big business in the mid-1700s after Anton Jansa learned how to keep bees — and to keep them productive — in manmade hives.

One of the country’s most charming genres of folk art is hand-painted scenes on wooden beehives. Find colorful examples on display at the museum.

Another good side trip is a 20-minute drive to the iron museum in Kropa. This beautiful mountain hamlet is where the nails that hold together the wooden piles that make up the foundation of Venice were forged. Throughout the village, iron street lamps, porch railings and mailboxes attest to the skills of local artisans. Don’t pass up the chance for an excellent meal here at a delightful restaurant and bar called Pri Kovac.

The Bled Casino sits directly on the waterfront and offers a wide choice of evening distractions. A restaurant terrace above the game room offers a wonderful spot to watch the sunset. Other restaurants are scattered throughout town.

Lake Bled is a popular resort in Slovenia, so prices are higher than elsewhere in the country, but still considerably lower than than in western Europe.

Jim Sajo is a freelance writer living in Italy. E-mail him at: james_sajo@ yahoo.com.

If you go ...

Getting there: Lake Bled is in the Triglav national park. From Austria, take Autobahn A10 through the Karavanke Tunnel. Bled is about 21 miles after the border crossing. A toll sticker is required to use the Austrian autobahn.

From Italy, use Autostrada A23 to Tarvisio, and cross the border on Italian highway 54, which turns into Slovenian highway 1a. Signs direct you the 30 miles from the border into Bled. Passports are required to cross the border.

Lodging: There are many hotel possibilities, from the majestic five-star Grand Hotel Toplice, complete with a full health spa (a double room in high season may reach 200 euros), to simple pensions (for as low as 35 euros for a double, breakfast included). The full-service campground on the west end of the lake is a very economical option. Find booking information on the Bled tourism Web site.

Communicating: Not a problem. Everyone we met spoke excellent English and was very friendly and helpful.

Money: The official currency is the Slovenian tolarjev, but euros were accepted everywhere. The exchange rate is $1 to about 185 tolars.

— Jim Sajo

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