Lake Bled Island Church

Also known as Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja

The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption on the island in the center of Lake Bled. Reached by traditional pletna boat. Ringing the wishing bell inside is the tradition. The 99 stone steps from the landing to the church are part of the experience. The island church against the cliff-top castle backdrop is the defining image of Slovenia.

Slovenia’s only natural island holds a Gothic pilgrimage church with continuous pilgrimage traffic since at least the 12th century. You reach it by pletna, a traditional rowing boat operated by families holding licenses that go back to 1590. The 99 steps from the landing to the church door are part of the ritual, as is ringing the wishing bell inside. Allow 1.5-2 hours including the boat ride. Approximately EUR 15 per person including boat. Combine with Bled Castle and the lake promenade loop.