Just 30 minutes away from both Ljubljana and Bled, the spectacular Brdo Estate has a rich history dating back over 500 years.
Crowned by the Renaissance Brdo Castle, home to numerous noble families over the centuries, in more recent history, the 500-hectare estate served as one of the favourite residences of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito and also hosted the first meeting between the then newly elected presidents of the United States and Russia, George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin. Administered by the Protocol Office of the Republic of Slovenia, the Brdo Estate is the main venue for the state’s diplomatic events but is also open to the public, offering a wide range of romantic things to see and do.
PARK BRDO: For most of the year, the well-kept grounds of Park Brdo are open to the public. In addition to its amazing location at the foothills of the Alps, the estate is criss-crossed with pathways that wind through pastures and gardens, around several lakes and through a large area of forest, some of the reasons why the Brdo Estate is one of the region’s favoured wedding locations. Due to the beauty of the estate, it’s been declared as a natural value and a forest with a special purpose, and owing to its biodiversity it’s not only of ecological importance but also a designated Natura 2000 site.
LIPIZZANER HORSES: In keeping with the beauty and overall splendour of the estate, the horses who live and work here are all of the famed Lipizzaner stock. To traverse the park in style, a carriage drawn by white Lipizzaner horses can be rented, or, for those who want to really engage with the beautiful animals, visitors can enjoy horse-riding, manège or lunging, all under the watchful eye of the estate’s experienced riding instructors. More seasoned riders can take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy trail riding through the entire estate.
TOP CUISINE IN THE BRDO HOTEL: The Brdo Estate is renowned for its top cuisine. This prominent four-star hotel restaurant features spoiling the guests and visitors with their exquisite culinary delights from a menu based on local ingredients. The food is always accompanied with wines from first-rate Slovenian wineries and, during the weekends, a special four-course menu is prepared and if the weather is nice enough it gets served on the hotel’s terrace featuring stunning views of the park.
PICNIC HAMPER: A picnic hamper is the perfect choice for a romantic rendezvous in the estate’s natural surroundings. A delightful meal can be prepared by the restaurant chefs and couples or parties of four can drive it in a hamper by golf car to a favourite part of the park and enjoy a slightly different culinary meal in the warm embraces of nature.
HUNTING GROUNDS: Photo-hunting is an adventure for those who like to wake up in the small hours of the morning and wait patiently in the bushes. Photo hunters may be rewarded with a close-up view of the estate’s deer and take the opportunity to capture the wonderful sight on camera. There are also opportunities for bird-watching and/or fishing at one of the 11 lakes located on the estate.
GOLF AND WELLNESS: The estate also provides a pleasant nine-hole golf course. Distances between the holes are quite short and thus don’t require that much golfing experience. After such activities, guests and visitors can unwind in the Brdo Hotel’s Wellness Centre which is one of the most beautiful in the vicinity.
