Hungary feels a little different from what I expected. There’s a rugged charm to it, but it’s more run-down in parts than I imagined. It has the air of how I’d picture the UK in the 1960s – a mix of fascinating history and lots of concrete, with a lingering Soviet-era influence in some places.

On our first day, we visited Festetics Palace by Lake Hévíz. The palace itself is truly beautiful and well-maintained. While not all rooms are open to the public, the ones you can explore are impeccably clean, thoughtfully presented, and include English translations, which was a nice touch.

The library was a standout moment – a stunning two-tiered space that felt like something out of an ancient university or monastery. It’s the kind of place you’d want to spend hours soaking in the atmosphere.

That said, not everything lived up to the grandeur of the palace. The bird enclosures left a lot to be desired, and the greenhouse could definitely use some love.

In the evening, we ventured out to Lake Hévíz, and it was absolutely stunning. The calm waters, bathed in the soft evening light, were a sight to behold. But goodness, it was freezing! We bundled up as best we could and braved the cold, which added a bit of adventure to the experience. Instead of ice skating, which we skipped this time due to the bitter chill, we had fun playing in a nearby play area, which made for a lovely end to the evening.

On our way back, we even spotted a couple of old Ladas, which gave us a good chuckle – we haven’t seen those in about 20 years!

All in all, it’s been a decent couple of days here. While some aspects fell short of my expectations, the charm and history of the place made it worthwhile and Georgia enjoyed it. Anyhow, now, it’s on to Budapest, which I suspect will offer a stark and fascinating contrast.

Looking forward to seeing how the city shapes up!

Learn more about Hungary Travel Experience!

Learn more about Hungary Travel Experience!

The post Hungary: First Impressions a rugged charm appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Our visit to Lake Bled felt like stepping into a postcard. The serene turquoise waters, framed by snow-capped mountains, created a magical backdrop for our family adventure. Topping it all off was the majestic Castle Bled, perched high on a rocky hill, offering panoramic views that took our breath away.

We began our day at Castle Bled, exploring its rich history and marvelling at the stunning vistas of the Julian Alps and Lake Bled below. The castle itself was a treasure trove of medieval architecture, museums, and even a wine cellar where you can bottle your own wine. The sunshine lit up the lake, creating an ethereal glow, and we couldn’t resist taking dozens of photos from every angle. We spent a couple of hours immersing ourselves in the castle’s charm before heading down to the town for the next part of our adventure.

The Christmas market on the edge of the lake was pure festive magic. Stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and delicious local treats lined the waterfront. The aroma of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional Slovenian dishes filled the air. We decided to have lunch at the market, enjoying a hearty plates of festive food and warming up with cups of hot chocolate.

After lunch, we strolled along the lake’s shoreline, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The lake was like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and the iconic island church at its centre. The walk was peaceful yet invigorating, a perfect way to work off our meal and take in the beauty of Lake Bled from every angle.

As the day wound down, we reluctantly said goodbye to this enchanting place, knowing it had given us memories to treasure.

If you ever find yourself in Slovenia, make sure this gem is at the top of your list!

Learn more about Lake Bled Beauty!

Learn more about Lake Bled Beauty!

The post A Winter Wonderland: A Day at Lake Bled and Castle Bled appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.