Magical Lake Bled

The Island and the Wishing Bell

One of Slovenia's most iconic sights is Lake Bled, surrounded by lush green mountains and with a tiny island in the middle. The fairytale setting is often referred to as one of Europe's most romantic destinations - and for good reason, as the Church of the Assumption (Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja) and its bell tower in the middle of the lake are a treasure trove of legends, customs and mystical stories.

Bled Island and the Church

The island of Lake Bled is the only natural island in Slovenia. Archaeological excavations prove that it was inhabited as early as the Stone Age, and a sanctuary was built here in the Roman period. With the spread of Christianity, the pagan cult of the place ceased, and in the 9th century a chapel was built on the island.

The present church was built in the Baroque style in the 17th century, but its foundations date back much earlier. There are 99 steps leading up to the church (at least that's how I counted them, but count them yourself!).

The legend of the "Wishing Bell"

The church's most famous treasure is the bell, which has a heartfelt story and tradition attached to it.

According to legend, in the Middle Ages, there lived a widow whose husband was killed in Bled Castle. The woman sold all her possessions and had a bell made for the church in memory of her husband. But when the bell was being transported to the island, a huge storm broke out and the boat was caught in the waves. The ship sank, and the bell fell to the bottom of the lake, where, according to legend, its ringing can still be heard from under the water to this day.

The unfortunate widow later made a pilgrimage to Rome, where she entered a monastery. The story moved the Pope to have a new bell made and placed in the island church. This is the “wishing bell”: according to tradition, if someone rings it three times and makes a wish with a pure heart, their wish will come true. It is no coincidence that thousands of visitors try this special ritual every year.

Traditions and weddings

The island of Lake Bled is a particularly popular wedding venue. According to tradition, the groom must carry his bride up the aforementioned 99 steps to the church gate, while the wedding party watches to see if he succeeds in the task. This gesture symbolizes the husband's strength and commitment.

The ringing of the bell is an essential part of wedding ceremonies: the newlyweds ask for blessings for their life together, happiness, and the birth of children.

What you should know before visiting Lake Bled

• You can get to the island by a traditional rowing boat called a "pletna" or you can rent a boat and row yourself.

• Visiting the church requires an entrance ticket, which also includes access to the tower - from here you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

• Ringing the bell is an almost mandatory experience, as locals say, "those who don't try will never know if their wish could have come true."

Bled is more than just a picturesque landscape: the symbolic power of the lake, the island and the church preserve traditions that are still alive today. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a spiritual experience, the wishing bell is a reminder that your heart's desires can come true.