Have you seen pictures of Lake Bled? If you haven’t, well…you’re in for a real treat. This place is gorgeous beyond words! Lake Bled is a pristine mountain lake nestled at the base of the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. Not familiar with Slovenia? Check it out here, you won’t be disappointed!
The centerpiece of this beautiful lake is, of course, Bled Island (Blejski Otok). It’s the most iconic view – when you see it, it’s unmistakably Slovenia.
The tiny island, with its ancient church rises out of the turquoise water as the crowning jewel of Lake Bled, and in many ways of Slovenia itself. It’s Slovenia’s only natural island, and according to folklore – it was created by fairies. Yes, fairies. No wonder this place looks magical!
Naturally, no visit to Lake Bled would be complete without a visit to this island. And you wouldn’t be the first to make this journey. Folks have been making pilgrimages to the island since the Middle Ages. A testament to how important this place is! Whether you are staying in Bled for a few days, or just visiting the lake on a day trip from Ljubljana (Slovenia’s capital). A trip to the island is a must!
What to see
The Church of the Assumption
Of course, the main attraction on the island is the church. This island has some serious history! Long before the current church occupied this spot, there stood a temple to Živa, the pagan goddess of love. But after the conversion to Christianity around 745, the pagan temple was replaced by a church dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary. The 170ft (52m) tall bell tower was added in 1465 – and it still stands! Of course, the church has undergone many renovations in the centuries since, but it’s current baroque appearance dates from the 17th century.
Entrance to the church and bell tower is 6€. If you climb the tower, you’re rewarded by some great views! Inside the church, there are some pretty frescoes that date from 1465. You also have the opportunity to ring the wishing bell. Legend has it, if you ring the bell three times (and believe in God) your wish will come true. It takes a little bit to get your momentum, but ringing the bell is a must.
The 99 Steps
Approaching from the southern end of the island, you are greeted by 99 stone steps up to the church. These steps date from the 17th century. Tradition demands that a groom must carry his bride up the stone steps if they wish to marry in the church. Although we didn’t get married in the church on the island, when we visited Slovenia on our honeymoon in 2015 – my husband bravely carried me up all 99 steps. I was impressed!
The Provost’s House
In the past, this building housed priests and pilgrims on the island. Now, this building holds a gift shop filled with traditional and modern Slovenian crafts. There are some very beautiful things here! Its worth a look.
The Potičnica
After you’ve climbed the 99 stairs, rung the bell in the church and admired the view from the bell tower, its time to relax with a slice of potica. Potica (pronounced poh-TEET-sah) is a traditional Slovenian rolled pastry, usually served at Easter, Christmas and other holidays. Often referred to as “nut roll” as it is usually made with walnuts. But there are other varieties too: poppy, almond, hazelnut, or even savory flavors like tarragon. You can taste several varieties at the Potičnica on Bled island. It is SO GOOD! Wash it down with a Slovenian lager, like Laško or Union. Mmmmmmmmmm
How to visit Bled Island
The journey to Bled island is just as lovely as the destination. There are no motorized ferries or boats on Lake Bled, but are still many ways to get there. Depending on how much time you have, your fitness level, and the time of year.
Pletna boat
This is the most traditional way to get to the island. Pletna boats are flat-bottomed wooden boats with colorful canopies, propelled by a pletna oarsman with two long oars. It takes considerable ability to row a pletna boat, a skill that has been passed down from oarsman to oarsman for generations – as far back as 1590. Wow!
You will find many pletna boats around the lake for hire. Since a pletna boat holds about 20 people, often the oarsman waits until a boat is nearly filled up before departure. Once on the island, the oarsman waits for you. Therefore your time on the island is limited to about 45 minutes. If there’s a line to ring bell in the church, you might not have enough time to see everything on the island.
Cost: Around 14€ per person. Available near Camping Bled, Grand Hotel Toplice and several other locations around the lake.
Row boat
A more economical alternative to the pletna boat, is to rent your own rowboat. You’ll have to put some muscle into it, but that’s part of the fun! There are multiple places around the lake where you can rent a boat. Keep in mind, if you rent a boat from the western end of the lake, you are in for a shorter row. 😉
Cost: Approx. 15€ per hour for a row boat that fits about 3 people. Available at Rent-A-Boat (western shore), the base of the castle, and other places around the lake.
Kayak/ SUP (stand-up paddleboard)
In the summer months, this is a fun way to experience the lake. Getcho self a little bit of exercise paddling, and then jump in to cool off. The water is warm (enough) and so refreshing! If you plan on visiting the church though, you’ll need to bring some clothes. No shirt, no shoes, no (church) service.
Cost: SUP rentals run about 10€ per hour. You can find them behind the grocery store at Camping Bled.
Swim
If you’re a good swimmer, why not try swimming to the island? The closest shore line to the island is at the west end of the lake and is 600m away, so you’re in for a lengthy swim. But it is so worth it! I had the pleasure of doing this on my last trip to Bled, a bucket list item! Remember, you can’t walk around on the island in just your swimsuit. So if you plan on visiting the church or café, you’ll have to have someone follow you in a boat or SUP with something to cover up with once you get to the island.
Cost: FREE! Or the cost of renting a boat/ SUP to follow you. 🙂
Walk
Yes, walk! In the dead of winter, the lake is known to freeze over, allowing the unique experience of walking to the island. I’ve yet to experience Lake Bled in the dead of winter, but I would probably express extreme caution in walking across a frozen lake!
Cost: FREE!
No matter how you choose to get to Bled Island, it is a breathtaking experience you will not soon forget! I mean, look at this place! The turquoise water, the dramatic castle on the cliff, the fairy-tale church on the island, and the endless mountains in the distance. It’s a place that’s truly magical. 😍.
Peep’s Pointers
Need help planning your vacation? I got you! Click HERE to check out my Trip Planning Services!
Visit the island’s official website here.
Getting there
Lake Bled is easily accessible from Slovenia’s Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU).
- By car – Whether you rent a car, or take a taxi, Bled is just a short 36 km (about 25 min) drive from the airport. The airport has many rental car companies to choose from. On the flipside, a taxi will run about 50€.
- By bus – During the summer months, a bus runs hourly from LJU Airport, and every 30 min from Ljubljana’s main bus station. Check the time tables here.
- By train – Connections from Ljubljana and further afield will get you to the Lesce-Bled train station (4 km from the center of Bled). Check the time table here.
Getting around
There are several ways to get around Bled, but the best way is by foot or on a bike. If you arrive by car, park in one of the many car parks and walk. There is a lovely 6 km (3.5 mile) path that goes around the entire lake. Bikes can be rented at several vendors: 3glav Adventures, Mamut Slovenia, and more. Other options include a tourist train (from June to September) or a carriage ride around the lake.
Where to stay
Although Bled is a common day-trip from Ljubljana and other cities, I’d totally recommend spending a few days here. One day just doesn’t do this amazing place justice! You can also easily visit Lake Bohinj from Bled, another beautiful alpine lake.
Here’s a few recommendations for accommodations in Bled:
- Apartment Bledea Chili – Balcony view of the mountains, and bikes to lend!
- House Gabrijel – Adorable apartment overlooking a stream and garden, and very accommodating host!
