The Brdo Estate, mid-way between Ljubljana and Bled, has a rich and illustrious history dating back over 500 years. Dominated by the 16th-century, Renaissance Brdo Castle, home to numerous noble families over the centuries, the estate’s more recent claim to fame is as a favourite residence of the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito. For the last 25 years, the 500-hectare estate has been administered by the Protocol Office of the Republic of Slovenia and as such is the nation’s primary venue for important diplomatic events including previous visits by Queen Elizabeth II, the late Pope John Paul II and former American president George W. Bush. Open to the public and featuring a fine hotel, a magnificent park and other attractions, the Brdo Estate is a recommended place to visit for a few hours or even an overnight stay.

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 and the richness of its biodiversity, the park has been designated an official 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
Among other things, the Brdo Estate is renowned for its top cuisine. The prominent, four-star Brdo Hotel, just outside the entrance to the park, boats some of the country’s best chefs who churn out a fine sample of exquisite culinary delights based around the use of local ingredients. The fine food on offer is accompanied by wines from the best Slovenian wineries and, during the weekends, a special four-course menu is prepared which is served on the hotel terrace during good weather, an event made even more special thanks to the 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 & 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 hotel’s Wellness Centre which is one of the most beautiful in the vicinity.