Church of the Assumption of Mary Bled Island
A fairytale island church on a serene lake, accessible by traditional boats, offering stunning alpine views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Church of the Assumption of Mary Bled Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale island church on a serene lake, accessible by traditional boats, offering stunning alpine views.
"Simply beautiful and fun, a must-visit for its picturesque charm and unique island experience."
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds by visiting before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
💰 Budget for Boat & Church
Factor in ~16 EUR for the boat and ~12 EUR for church entry per person.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Church of the Assumption of Mary
Bled Island
Iconic church on a picturesque island, famous for its wishing bell and stunning architecture.
Pletna Boat Ride
Lake Bled
Traditional wooden boats offering a scenic and charming journey to the island.
Wishing Bell
Church of the Assumption of Mary
Ring the bell for good luck and make a wish at this famous island attraction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to the Island
Boat & Church Access Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds by visiting before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
💰 Budget for Boat & Church
Factor in ~16 EUR for the boat and ~12 EUR for church entry per person.
I was lucky to visit Lake Bled last summer. I was wondering what you locals call the church in the middle of the lake. I found a name online that I used in the video, but I thought it was a bit long..
🚶♀️ Walk the Lake Loop
Enjoy scenic views on the 6km path around the lake, takes about 3 hours.
🔔 Ring the Wishing Bell
A must-do on the island for good luck and a memorable experience.
Reddit inspired me to visit Lake Bled in Slovenia; here are a few photos I took today
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds by visiting before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
💰 Budget for Boat & Church
Factor in ~16 EUR for the boat and ~12 EUR for church entry per person.
🚶♀️ Walk the Lake Loop
Enjoy scenic views on the 6km path around the lake, takes about 3 hours.
🔔 Ring the Wishing Bell
A must-do on the island for good luck and a memorable experience.
🚗 Parking is Paid
All parking around the lake is paid and can be busy; consider public transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Bled is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking natural beauty and the iconic island church. Visitors love the scenic boat rides and the picturesque setting. However, some find the crowds and the cumulative cost of boat and church entry fees to be a drawback.
"1 | Lake Bled is a glacial lake in the Julian Alps, known for its small island with a church accessible by traditional wooden boats called pletnas (16 EUR per person in July 2025). A 6-kilometer walking path circles the lake, offering scenic views of Bled Castle, the island, and the surrounding mountains.
2 | Lake Bled is the largest and most popular attraction in all of Slovenia. You absolutely shouldn’t skip it, even though you’ll be navigating through crowds of people.
3 | All parking around Lake Bled is paid or reserved for hotel guests. The lots are usually packed with cars. We managed to find a spot near the Union bus stop, where parking costs 2 euros per hour.
4 | We walked all the way around the lake, stopping often to enjoy the views. The full loop took us 3 hours.
5 | The church in the middle of the lake is only accessible by boat — there’s no bridge. A round-trip ticket costs 16 euros per person. Entry to the church and tower is an additional 12 euros per person. You’ll have about 45 to 60 minutes to explore the island before the boat takes you back."
Petr Novák
"Simply beautiful and fun. We rented a rowboat for an hour, which was enough for a short visit to the island, to go around it and return. There are also organized boat tours that depart from various points around the lake. The church and climbing the tower require an additional fee."
SeeingPlacesWithLior
"The island on which the church is located is accessible by boat, either rented or via a tour boat (with the tour you get 40-minutes to walk around the island before meeting up to return to mainland and cost 20 euros pp). The island is small and has a museum, cafe, and the church. To go inside the church and the viewpoint, you must pay extra."
Charlotte McHugh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by bus from Ljubljana, as parking in Bled can be difficult and expensive. Buses are frequent and a more stress-free option.
Yes, you can drive, but be prepared for paid parking lots that fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Walking the 6km path around the lake is highly recommended for scenic views. For the island, you'll need a boat.
While car-sharing services exist, many travelers find buses from Ljubljana to be more practical due to limited parking in Bled and Bohinj.
Yes, you can rent rowboats for a more private experience, which can be enough time for a short visit to the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket on a traditional Pletna boat typically costs around 16 EUR per person.
Entry to the Church of the Assumption of Mary and its tower usually costs an additional 12 EUR per person.
Boat tours usually allow about 40-60 minutes to explore the island before the return trip.
Yes, you can enjoy the island's atmosphere, seating areas, and viewpoints even if you choose not to enter the church.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth checking at the ticket counter for any potential offers.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lake offers stunning views. Key spots include viewpoints from Bled Castle, the island itself, and along the walking path.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds.
Photography inside the church may be restricted. It's best to check for signage or ask permission before taking pictures.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and island scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the castle.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider a drone (if regulations permit) for truly unique aerial perspectives. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Lake Bled: Boats and Beyond
While Pletna boats are organized tours, you can also rent rowboats for a more independent exploration of the lake. This allows you to set your own pace and spend more time enjoying the tranquility of the water. However, rowing to the island and back might take longer than the allotted time on organized tours.
Beyond the island, the 6-kilometer walking path encircling Lake Bled is a must-do. It offers continuous, breathtaking views of the island, Bled Castle perched on the cliff, and the majestic mountains. This loop typically takes about 3 hours to complete, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or simply soak in the scenery.
The Church of the Assumption of Mary: History and Legends
Visitors can climb the 99 steps leading up to the church, a symbolic journey that adds to the spiritual atmosphere. Inside, the church boasts a beautiful Baroque altar and ornate decorations, reflecting its rich artistic heritage. While entry to the church and its bell tower incurs an additional fee, many find it a worthwhile experience to connect with the site's history and legends.
Even if you choose not to enter the church, the island itself offers a serene escape. You can wander around the grounds, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and take in the panoramic views of the lake and mainland. There are also amenities like a cafe and seating areas, making it a pleasant place to relax and appreciate the unique setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit