Me and my Van: October 2026

This is follow on to Part 1 that covered Edinburgh to Paris to Venice.

Day 6:

Ljubljana generally gets a “where’s that”? The same question I asked when I was searching for places to visit near Lake Bled after seeing it on YouTube. This was an interesting journey in initially a very old train, but incredible scenery and very friendly staff. First train left at 07:26 and had two changes. After almost being on the wrong end of the train (it separated enroute…) I arrived at Udine safely with a 2 minute buffer, thankfully the next train to Villach was on the platform straight over from arrival, so easy to swap over. A much nicer train, and a free coffee, bonus.

The entire journey had pretty much excellent views out the windows. Villach was no exception and really enjoyed the journey, and with me being in first class I was brought any food I wanted (had to pay although first coffee/drink was free).

Arrived in Ljubljana and stayed at the IBIS Fuzzy Log, mainly booked as I couldnt get the jail hotel (Need too book well in advance) and I liked the name. Due to my previously mentioned ‘fuzzy’ head after Sam died (part 1) id made a mess of the bookings and didnt have anything booked for my first night, thankfully I got one of the rooftop tents, also thankfully it was only one night as these really were not very good. The other nights I was staying in an actual room, it was an upper bed room and the design of these was awful, hey ho, did the job the days I was there.

Tent for the night, basically a mattress in a waterproof tent, in summer these things would be horrible.

Day 7/ Day 2 in Ljubljana

A tour visit to Lake Bled. The tour started very early morning as quite a bit of driving involved to take in three stops in total.

Stop 1 was Lake Bohinj. Id never heard of this place but it was stunning. A historic bridge which seems to be bit of a thing in this country, brilliant, although exhausting walk up the mountain, and stunning views over the lake, and in the lake as could see various fish.

Rather famous and incredibly pretty bridge/church

This lake was very awesome, so clear you could see various fish in it. I had a short paddle, it was a roasting day so nice to wet the feet.

Waterfall stop:

Next up was a stop at Savica Waterfall area. A very steep walk up to the higher area (although it was well marked out with various rest/viewing areas. Once up some pretty amazing views over the mountains and down to the waterfall. I only seem to have one photo of it but know I took more, will see if I can find them and add.

After the waterfall visit I had a while before we were leaving so went to a little cafe and had an excellent macchiato and pastry. Then had a nice chat with a couple from the US now based in Tokyo so that was really interesting.

Then it was the main event (for me anyway). Off to Lake Bled.

On arrival we had the option of going to a restaurant for lunch, as we had been travelling and walking for over 5 hours by this time I was pretty hungry and took the option. Often following a guides recommendation when they are also going to the same place can be pretty uninspiring, however this place was great. I had a local speciality (Big sausages with a cabbage veg horseradish thing and home made bread. It was all amazing.

After that I was refuelled and ready to spend roughly 3 hours beside lake Bled.

Church on the island middle of the Lake

This guy has the right idea for paddle boarding

I initially went along to the castle, walked up the what felt ike never ending stairs and paths up to it and then had a walk around. Really nice place with some great views. This is the castle from the other side of the lake.

After the castle I just walked, and walked…. Walked round the lake which took a while and then went back to a few different sections when I realised I had some spare time. Had some home made ice cream, it was brilliant and only a couple of euro. Once I got near the pick up point I had a small paddle in the lake (only certain sections for swimming and paddling to preserve the eco system of the lake. Was a really good cool Down. Back up and took a wee selfie of myself beside the lake.

I walked up there….

Then it was into the mini bus and back to Ljubljana. A pretty excellent day that far exceeded expectations.

Day 8 - Zagreb

I decided to have a day trip to Zagreb, id never been to Croatia and this was the perfect opportunity. An early morning bus (Worked much better than train for the outward journey - FLIXBUS) and some really nice scenery on the way. Arrived in Zagreb and jumped onto the tram into the centre from the bus station. The service was excellent.

Zagreb wasnt as expected. After my initial view of Ljubljana which I think is a stunning city Zagreb seemed very run down and very much stuck in the 80s (Fashion etc, lots of padded shoulder outfits)

Zagreb Square (Ban Jelacic) had a lot of ongoing construction, as did most of the city. I initially thought it was from the war but turns out they are still rebuilding after the earthquake in 2020 (and another in 2026). Shame as so many building looked as though they would have been pretty amazing.

Went to the Cathedral after a very nice breakfast at a small cafe.

The smallest Fenicular in the world. I didnt bother going up in it (to visit the castle and other buildings) but no queue to go back down. Had the carriage to myself

A small praying area. Quite a few people just to the left in a seated area.

This building was closed off for revnovations which was a shame but the roof tiling was pretty amazing.

The end of my day after quite a lot of walking. Im glad I visited but doubt id return. The outskirts of Zagreb are stunning, mountains and lakes, I was in the centre though. I walked through the city along to the train station, train was running 40 mins late which was fine as it meant I could spend sometime in the nearby square, and also grab a bite to eat.

The train was direct to Ljubljana which was good (Morning train had required two changes). The train was great, picture the 1970s British rail trains with the individual cabins and metal framed slide opening top windows. I had a cabin to myself and really enjoyed the journey back, was a couple of hours and the views were stunning

Stopped off for a burger on way back to hotel, was very yum, then back to hotel and sleep.

Day 9 - Ljubljana centre