Lake Bled & Bled Island
Blejsko jezero / Blejski otok
A jade-green glacial lake at the foot of the Alps. The Baroque church on the lake's island can only be reached by a rowed wooden boat, making it Slovenia's most iconic scenic spot.
Lake Bled is about 2 km long and 1.4 km wide. It is a high-altitude lake formed by glacial action, and its water is jade green. The lakeside loop trail is about 6 km and takes 1.5–2 hours to walk around. Along the way, you can photograph the island and the castle from different angles.
Bled Island is the only natural island in Slovenia. The Church of the Assumption of Mary on the island was built in the 17th century on the site of a medieval church. From the landing dock, visitors climb 99 stone steps. Traditionally, a groom carries his bride up these steps. Inside the church is a 'wishing bell.' Legend says that a wish will come true if you ring it, so visitors queue to ring it.
To reach the island, most people take a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat called a 'pletna.' A boatman stands at the stern and rows. This job has been passed down within a few families since the 18th century. The one-way trip takes about 20–25 minutes, and a round-trip fare costs about EUR 20. You then have about 30–40 minutes on the island. Entry to the church and bell tower costs about EUR 15 (check on-site for current prices). You can also rent a rowboat and reach the island yourself.
There is a swimming area by the lake (summer water temperature about 22–24°C). The Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica viewpoints on the west shore (20–40 minutes on foot, steep) offer the best panoramas of the island and castle. Don't forget to try the kremšnita, Bled's famous cream cake, at a lakeside café.
Opening hours
Lake area open all day; Pletna boats approx. 08:00 until sunset (fewer runs in winter, weather permitting)
Nearby sights
- Ojstrica & Mala Osojnica Viewpoints
- Bled Castle
- Straža Hill Bled
- Vintgar Gorge
- Pokljuka Gorge
- Radovljica
- Kropa
- Slovenian Alpine Museum