Lake Bled and Its Island

Lake Bled hides a small island inside its glacial waters.

The lake sits in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia.

Lake Bled stretches 2,120 metres long and reaches 29.5 metres deep.

A thermal spring feeds the lake water at 23 degrees Celsius.

Medieval Bled Castle stands above the north shore since 1004.

The church on Bled Island has a 52 m tower.

Wooden pletna boats ferry passengers across Lake Bled to worship.

Each hand-built pletna seats 20 passengers under colorful awnings.

Maria Theresa granted 22 families exclusive ferry rights in 1740.

Many modern oarsmen descend directly from those original 22 families.

Rowers compete here because Lake Bled suits regattas perfectly.