To truly experience the beauty of Lake Bled, a trip to the church on Bled Island is a must. Travelers can combine a visit to Bled Island with a Bled Castle tour or hiking adventure in Vintgar Gorge. Day trips to Lake Bled typically leave from Ljubljana or Zagreb, Croatia, and include round-trip transportation, allowing you to enjoy a scenic drive through the Slovenian countryside.
The most popular way to reach the church on Bled Island is via a traditional Pletna boat. These handmade wooden rowboats are made by locals and depart regularly for the island from several lakeside locations. You can also rent a boat and row out to the island yourself.
Lake Bled’s Church of the Assumption can be visited year-round as long as the lake doesn’t freeze in winter. The island is quite small so it does get crowded. Visit first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds especially if you’re visiting during the peak tourist season from mid-June through August. With fewer tourists and mild weather, April/May and September/October are great times to visit.
The neo-Gothic Church of the Assumption dates back to the 17th century, although the first church was built here in the 9th century and there is even evidence that the island was once home to a temple of the pagan goddess of love. Inside the church, you’ll find fragments of 15th-century frescoes and a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. Weddings are held at the church regularly and it is tradition for the groom to carry his bride up the 99 steps leading to the church to ensure a happy marriage.