Lake Bled
布莱德湖 · Bled, Slovenia
An alpine lake at the foot of the Julian Alps, with the Church of the Assumption on its small island and Bled Castle on the clifftop above the north shore. Crossing to the island by traditional pletna boat is one of the best-known experiences of a visit to Slovenia.
Know before you go
- Entering and disturbing a Mass or wedding in progress
- making noise at night in the lakeside residential areas
- throwing anything into the lake
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Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Henry II's Grant
In 1004, Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor, granted the Bled area to the Bishop of Brixen. For centuries afterwards, Bled remained church territory.
Source: AroundUs: Lake Bled; Wikipedia: Lake Bled
History
The Island Church and Its 99 Steps
The Church of the Assumption on Bled Island took its present form around the end of the 17th century, and its chancel still holds remains of Gothic frescoes from about 1470. From the landing, you reach the church by a Baroque stairway of 99 stone steps built in 1655. By local tradition, the groom carries the bride up the steps before they ring the bell in the church and make a wish.
Source: Wikipedia: Lake Bled
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Lake Bled lies in the Upper Carniola region of northwestern Slovenia, at the foot of the Julian Alps, right beside the town of Bled and about 55 km from the capital, Ljubljana. The lake is of mixed glacial and tectonic origin, about 2,120 m long and 1,380 m wide, with a surface elevation of 475 m. Bled Island at its centre holds the Church of the Assumption, and Bled Castle, on the cliff above the north shore, houses a museum. A thermal spring of about 23°C feeds the lake, warming the surface water to 22–26°C in midsummer, so swimming here is very popular. The lake hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, 1989 and 2011. In the Bronze Age the lakeside was already an important cult centre, and gold appliqués from the 13th–12th centuries BC have been found near the shore. For centuries, visitors from across Europe have come to the lake for rest and recreation.
Local customs
- Take a traditional wooden pletna boat to the island, climb the 99 stone steps to the church and, following local custom, ring the wishing bell
- go up to Bled Castle for a view over the lake and the island
- walk or cycle around the lake
- swim and go boating at designated spots in summer
- try the Bled cream cake, kremšnita, which became a protected speciality of designated origin in 2016.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Entering and disturbing a Mass or wedding in progress
- making noise at night in the lakeside residential areas
- throwing anything into the lake
Locals appreciate DO
- Keep quiet inside the church
- the island steps and the castle paths are steep, so go at your own pace
- take your litter with you
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Getting around the lake is mostly on foot, so wear comfortable shoes
- UV levels by the lake are high in summer, so protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of water
- the lake may freeze in winter, and whether you can walk on the ice depends on notices on site.
- From Ljubljana you can take a train to Lesce–Bled station (about 4 km from the lake) and change there, or travel by bus or car
- the town and the lake area are explored on foot. For specific routes and services, check the latest local information. Late spring to early autumn is best for boating, walking around the lake and swimming, and summer is the peak season
- in autumn and winter the lake is quiet and good for photography and walking, but watch for slippery roads in winter.