As well as being known for its gorgeous lake, magical island and fairytale castle, the Slovenian town of Bled’s other claim to fame is its cream cakes. Be warned – do not read on an empty stomach…
The famous kremna rezina (also known as kremsnita) has been a staple part of the daily diet for both tourists and locals in Bled for over half a century. It consists of generous layers of vanilla custard and fresh cream, sandwiched between two crispy layers of puff pastry and covered with a dusting of icing sugar.
The cafe attached to Park Hotel claims to have made the first kremsnita in Bled back in 1953, and sold its 10 millionth slice in 2009, so I was looking forward to sampling my first one in its birthplace. However as we approached, there was a sign by the entrance that said: “Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties there will be no kremna rezina today”. (These technical difficulties went on for the duration of our stay, so we never did try the Park Hotel kremnsnita).
Instead we went next door to the Panorama restaurant with its outdoor terrace right on the lake shore, overlooking the castle. Although a restaurant, the staff are happy to serve you with just a cake and a drink, and after a couple of minutes the first of many cakes that week was delivered to my table.
Kat munching a kremsnita with Bled castle in the background
Heaven on a plate
The best cake display of all time?
The streets around this area make up Bled’s old town. You might find the odd youth hostel and pizzeria, but generally it is where people live. It’s sufficiently far from the lake and the main road to be pretty quiet. It’s also home to Slaščičarna Šmon, possibly the best cake shop known to man – there was no way we could fit another cake in so soon after our visit to Panorama, so we pencilled in a visit the next day after our planned mountain hike.
Like finding an oasis in a desert
I thought I’d give the kremsnita another go. There weren’t too many left on display – Šmon is very popular with locals who come in at tea-time for a cake and a gossip. My kremsnita was smaller than the one at Panorama (a good thing), and marginally sweeter, crispier and tastier too.
Apple strudel at Šmon
On our third and final visit to Šmon, well deserved after a long bike ride (honest), I went for a gibanica – a huge layered cake of some of my favourite puddings – chocolate, cheese, nuts and apple topped with poppy seeds.
The cafe is licensed, and as we soaked up the last of the October sunshine on the terrace, we considered staying for the evening with a bottle of wine (Šmon opens until 9pm).
After what should have been a healthy week of walking, cycling and swimming in the great outdoors, I came home a few pounds heavier thanks to those magical cakes of Bled.
abitofculture 
Sounds like my kind of place 🙂
One more place for your big trip around Europe!
Are you sure that you weren’t supposed to share that slice? Looks too big for one!
You could be right there! Dread to think how many calories in one – probably close to 1,000!
Why is it that cakes abroad are so much more exciting than our English stuff? I mean, Victoria Sponge I can live without,
Jo, the only thing we do well is a good cup of tea!
I’m in trouble then- I don’t like tea! No wonder Portugal feels like home.
Pudding heaven – I think I need to go there!
Do it! Just be prepared to come home a bit tubbier!
I love that cake! I had plenty of them when I was in Slovenia. Thank you for making me feel hungry and want a slice. The first photo of the cake makes it look so delicious- I want to reach into the screen and take a bite. The little story about the cakes being unavailable due to technical difficulties is hilarious.
It wasn’t so funny at the time – we were looking forward to trying the original recipe!
the kremsnita in Bled is the best!!
It certainly is (although it’s the only one I’ve ever tried!)
What an excellent blog! When my friend from the States comes to visit me we are going to go to Bled and spend a night there. Even though I’m from Slovenia I do not know the Bled area very well. Now I know how to keep us occupied for the whole day, thanks to you!!
Cheers! Have fun there, and if the toboggan on the slope overlooking the lake is open when you go, that is a must!