Bled Island

Anyways we reached Bled around 9:30 am and then we went to the Bled Island Electric boat. The first one of the day departed at 10 am. There was about 12 of us on it. It was funny because the driver is like, you really only need 10 minutes on the island but I’ll come back in an hour. To be honest, he was definitely right!

After hearing so much about the famous Lake Bled in Europe, I finally got to see its beauty today. Visiting in mid-February during the off-season, the lake wasn’t its usual bright blue, but it was incredibly peaceful, allowing us to fully appreciate its natural charm. We rented a wooden paddle boat from a nearby restaurant and B&B for €25 per hour, and the owner was absolutely helpful. It took us about 15 minutes to reach the island. While there aren’t many attractions on the island itself—entering the church costs €12.50—the most magical part was simply drifting in the middle of the lake. There’s also a hiking trail that takes you halfway up the mountain, offering a stunning panoramic view of the lake. I highly recommend it!

Getting to Bled Island itself is a memorable experience. You'll take a traditional pletna boat, which adds a touch of old-world charm. The skilled pletna rower will guide you smoothly across the calm waters of Lake Bled, offering stunning views of the lake, Bled Castle perched high above, and the surrounding mountains. The Church of the Assumption of Mary, a Baroque beauty, is the heart of the island. Its striking white facade and distinct bell tower make it hard to miss. Inside, the ornate altars and lovely frescoes invite contemplation. The real highlight is ringing the church bell—it’s said to bring you good luck, and it adds a delightful touch of tradition to the visit. Make sure to climb the bell tower for sweeping views of the lake and the mountains. The ascent is well worth the effort, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best photo opportunities around. The island itself is small but lush, with pathways winding around its gardens. I enjoyed the peaceful walk, listening to the sounds of nature and absorbing the serene atmosphere. The island offers plenty of benches to rest and admire the surroundings.

Bled Island is truly a gem nestled in the heart of Slovenia, offering visitors an enchanting blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As you glide across the serene waters of Lake Bled on a traditional *pletna* boat, the island's picturesque silhouette grows ever more captivating, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival, the island welcomes you with its lush greenery and a sense of timeless tranquility. However, it's important to note that your time on the island is somewhat limited if you arrive via the boat tours, which typically allow for just one hour on the island, as you are required to return on the same boat that brought you. While this may seem brief, it’s more than enough to explore the island's key attractions and absorb its serene atmosphere. For those who prefer a more leisurely visit, there is also the option to rent a rowboat from the other side of the lake and reach the island independently. If you choose this option, your time on the island is entirely at your discretion, allowing you to linger and explore at your own pace, free from the constraints of a scheduled return. A visit to the Church of the Assumption, perched proudly at the island’s highest point, is an absolute must. The church’s interior is awe-inspiring, with its baroque frescoes and the famous wishing bell, which legend says grants wishes to those who ring it. However, be aware that there is an entrance fee to enter the church, and it's worth considering the family ticket option if you're visiting with loved ones. The island also boasts a charming souvenir shop, filled with a delightful array of handcrafted items. Each piece is a testament to the local artisans' skill and creativity, making it the perfect place to pick up a memento of your visit. The exquisite craftsmanship of these souvenirs ensures they are as meaningful as they are beautiful, making them a wonderful way to remember your time on this magical island. In summary, Bled Island is a destination that enchants all who visit, offering a peaceful retreat with just a few logistical considerations to keep in mind. Whether you choose the structured boat tour or the freedom of a private rowboat, the island’s overwhelming charm and beauty will surely leave a lasting impression. It’s a place where memories are made, and where the soul is nourished by the stunning interplay of nature and history.

The highlight of the island is the boat trip, which includes a 40-minute stop to explore at your leisure. During your visit, you can enjoy a charming souvenir market offering unique keepsakes. Beyond this, however, the island itself doesn’t feature many extraordinary sights.

It's most beautiful from the outside when looking at it from a lake path or especially from a boat which you can rent on the mainland.😃 Then you can park the boat at a designated spot on the island and explore a little bit, which is a magical experience.

Bled Island is the focal point of every beautiful Photograph of Lake Bled and it calls to you. It is as beautiful as it looks in the pictures, though there isn’t a ton to do on the tiny island. The front of the island has 99 stone steps, but if you have trouble with stairs you can take the path around to the back of the island and then the gentle incline up to the church. At the top of the island is Church of the Mother of God on the Lake with its bell tower, a shop, and a small café. We skipped the inside of the church. It didn’t seem worth 6 euros a person with two teens who were already burnt out on churches. (Though in hindsight I wish I had left them at the café and taken a quick look). Instead we snagged a cute little table outside with a beautiful view for coffee, Slovenian cola (no American soft drinks here), and two kinds of potica cake (they had 5). They also served beer and wine. I can’t say the potica was my favorite (not like Bled Cake at the castle) but it was fun to try a traditional treat while sipping excellent coffee. After our treat, we took the trails behind the church to the dock out back and walked the parameter to the front of the island. We took a traditional Plenta boat to the island for 12 euro a person round trip (f you don’t buy ahead, remember to bring enough cash). They say it’s 45 minutes on the island but no one is timing you so no need to stress. You can also rent a rowboat to get there.

The island is very small. There is a small coffee shop and a souvenirs shop. And a church :) We got a motor boat that took us to the island - its' cheaper and quicker than the manual one. We spent 1 hour on the island - had icecream and took some amazing photos.