Bled Island

Bled Island is the tiny, picture-perfect islet at the centre of Slovenia's Lake Bled, the only natural island in the country, crowned by the baroque Church of the Assumption and its bell tower, framed by the lake and the Julian Alps. It's the image that defines Bled. The classic way to reach it is by pletna, a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat rowed by a local boatman (a centuries-old guild), though you can also rent a rowboat. From the jetty, 99 stone steps lead up to the church, and tradition says a groom should carry his bride up them.

Inside the church, you can ring the 'wishing bell' for good luck. The island is small (a 20-minute wander), but the boat trip, the steps, and the setting make it an unforgettable, quintessentially Slovenian experience. Combine it with Bled Castle on the cliff above for the complete picture.

Don't miss

• The baroque Church of the Assumption and bell tower
• The traditional pletna boat trip across the lake
• Climbing the 99 steps to the church
• Ringing the church's 'wishing bell'
• The unbeatable lake-and-Alps setting

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Bled Island

Cheapest way inDay Tour to Lake Bled from Ljubljana4.7★ · 164 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$57 per personSee dates →Best full daySlovenia in One Day: Small-Group Bled, Postojna Cave & Predjama4.9★ · 921 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$151 per personSee dates →Top ratedLake Bled 7-Line Alpine Zipline Adventure5★ · 178 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$115 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The pletna boat round-trip includes time on the island, it's the classic way across.
• It's 99 steps up to the church; ring the wishing bell at the top.
• Morning gives the calmest water and best reflections.
• Combine with Bled Castle on the cliff for the full Bled experience.

A bit of history

The island has been a place of worship since pre-Christian times, later home to a succession of churches; the current baroque Church of the Assumption dates to the 17th century. The pletna boats that ferry visitors are operated by a traditional local guild passed down through generations.