Bled Island (Blejski otok)

Bled Island, in Slovene Blejski otok, is the only natural island in Slovenia, a small wooded islet in the middle of Lake Bled in the Julian Alps, and it carries one of the most photographed buildings in the country: the pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. Together with Bled Castle on its cliff above the shore and the ring of mountains around the lake, the island makes up the classic image of Slovenia on postcards and in travel guides, and it lives up to its reputation. It is a small place, but it has a long history and several traditions that make a visit rewarding.

Getting there is half the pleasure. There are no bridges or motor boats on the island, and visitors cross the lake in a pletna, a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat with a canopy, rowed by a boatman who stands to push the oars forward in the characteristic way. The art of the pletna oarsman is handed down in families, and the boats have been used on the lake for centuries to bring pilgrims to the church. The ride takes around twenty minutes, and the sight of the island growing larger as the boat draws near, with mountains behind it, is worth the fare. You can also paddle or row your own boat in the summer months, which is a more active way to reach it. Pletna Boats depart from several points on the shore, and they usually wait at the island long enough for a visit.

On the island, a flight of 99 stone steps leads from the landing stage up to the church, and tradition says that a groom should carry his bride up the steps on their wedding day while she keeps silent, a custom that is still followed by some couples. The church has medieval roots, and its present form is largely Baroque, with a slender bell tower. Inside, the walls and vault carry fragments of Gothic frescoes from an earlier period, and the Baroque altar adds richness. The best-known tradition is the wishing bell. A rope hangs inside the church, and visitors who ring the bell are said to be granted a wish, so the sound of the bell is heard often through the day. Tradition holds that the island was an ancient place of worship long before Christianity, with a temple to a Slavic goddess, though that story belongs more to legend than to proven history.

To enjoy the island, go early in the day or in the evening to avoid the crowds, and check the boat and church opening times. The lake is also surrounded by trails, Vantage Points offer views of the island from above, and Walking the Lake Loop, a flat path of a few kilometres, circles the water and gives constantly changing views of the church.

It suits couples, families and photographers. Allow about two hours for the trip. Slovenian wedding customs still play out on the steps, and the island holds the best of Bled’s legends.