Mountains, Lakes and Celebrations in Austria and Slovenia

As forecast, temperatures dropped to 6°C overnight on the little Aire we had been stopping on at Altenmarkt im Pongau (N47.37043 E13.42903) in Austria and snow capped mountains appeared as we left and headed south towards Slovenia.

 Love what they do with the roundabouts in these parts - making things out of hay

The weather slowly got worse as we made our way towards and through the Tauern Tunnel – 6.8 kms long, at a height of just over 1,400 metres

We had a few short tunnels and then it was through the Katschbergh Tunnel (5.8kms long).  Even though you have to buy a vignette to travel on the motorways, they still charge for going through the tunnels - a toll fee of €11.80.  We had thought about staying off motorways today, but the weather was so bad it wasn’t worth risking it on the winding, mountainous roads.

Our next stop was Rosegg (N46.59003 E14.02042), right next to a Gasthof Pension who maintain the Aire.  It has all the facilities including Electric and Wi-Fi for €13.90, and is a lovely setting, surrounded by mountains and sunflowers.  The Aire was lovely but unfortunately the town clock chimed every quarter past, half past, quarter to and on the hour throughout the day and night!  Thank goodness for ear plugs!

The Aire at Rosegg

After a bit of lunch we navigated our way towards the sound of oompah music in the town and found ourselves in a beer tent being entertained by music, dance and of course beer!

It was then a quick walk around the deer park, you can pay to go into the park and see an array of wildlife but we gave it a miss.

And then it was out for an evening meal!  We had forgotten that in Austria you are allowed to smoke inside but luckily the restaurant had two rooms – one for smokers and one non-smoking.  No idea why they haven’t followed other EU countries with the no smoking rule.

The restaurant was old fashioned but the meal very tasty.

From here we made a short journey over the Slovenian border, through the Karawanken Tunnel, 7.9 Kms long), cutting through the Alps.  Like Austria, Slovenia charge for going through their tunnel (€7.20), on top of the vignette. Out of the tunnel it was a few kms to Camping Lake Bled (N46.3614 E14.08027). The campsite sits right next to the lake, with stunning views and the temperature had risen to 30°C - bonus!

Think we had the biggest plot on the campsite - plot 45!

The day we arrived on the campsite was our 30th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed a lovely romantic meal at a restaurant overlooking the lake, followed by champagne sat outside the motormhome, perfect.

Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary to us! Wow, how time flies when you’re having fun!

The next day we took a short scooter ride to Vintgar Gorge, a 1,600m long gorge.  The Radovna river cuts through the gorge and narrow walkways and bridges lead you to the 16m high Sum waterfall, the highest one in Slovenia.

People had built cairns across the water throughout the gorge

From the gorge we went around the lake to Bled, and stopped and had a drink overlooking the castle.

And then a few kilometres ride to Radovljica, considered the most beautiful small town in Slovenia, with its preserved houses from the 16th,17th and 18th centuries.

Linhart Square

Mel checking out which mountain he would like to climb.  The highest is Triglav at 2864m.

One of the many pretty houses in Radovljica

We had a lovely couple of days on the campsite at Bled.  Usually we go on campsites out of season and get an ACSI rate (between €13 and €19 a night) .  This one would be €19 in the ACSI period, as it is classed as 5* but as we are in high season it is €34.50 a night – a big difference when you are on a budget but well worth it.

From here we moved on to Ljubljana, to get an oil change on the motorhome, as the light had come on a couple of days ago on.  Even though the oil had been changed in December when it had a full service, so we weren't sure what was going on.  Arriving at the Garage, they were so helpful and spoke excellent English, and after doing a diagnostic check they informed us that we didn’t need an oil change, it just hadn’t been reset from when we had it done last.  So, it only cost us €28 and not a couple of hundred euros, which it would have cost for the service – thank you Slovenia!

We are now on an Aire (N46.03162 E14.60386), 11kms outside Ljubljana that we visited 6/7^th October, last year and nothing has changed and the owner is just as friendly.  The Aire has all the facilities, including electric and Wi-Fi for €12 plus a shower and toilet block but it is free to stay if you eat in the restaurant, so it's a no brainer for us.  A 3-course meal each and 6 glasses of wine less than 30 Euros.

The pot bellied pigs and goats on the Aire

Beer garden at the back of the Aire with lots of grape vines

Area to sit that's full of old empty beer bottles and old doors that the owner has collected.

Right outside the Aire you can take a bus straight in Ljubljana but as it was less than a year ago that we visited we have decided to just go for a long walk today.  It is a lovely relaxed city though and would recommend a visit - info and pictures of Ljubljana last year's blog [link] if you want to take a look.
Tomorrow we head off through Croatia and into Serbia.

Sally x