August 29, 2026:
Pletna Boat to Bled Island (Blejski otok)
In the late afternoon we walked from our Lake Bled accommodation to Lake Bled to take a Pletna Boat to Bled Island (Blejski otok).
Shrine by our Accommodation
Fresco of Anthony the Great by our Accommodation
Pletna Boat to Bled Island (Blejski otok)
The views on Lake Bled from the Pletna Boat were spectacular.
View of Bled Castle
View of St. Martin’s Church
View of Bled Island
View of Another Pletna Boat
View of Electric Boat
View of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Finally, after about a 25-minute Pletna Boat ride, we docked and climbed ninety-nine steps on Bled Island.
Ninety-Nine Steps to the Top
About halfway up, we saw the Little Chapel of Mary on the left.
Little Chapel of Mary
Little Chapel of Mary (detail)
At the top of the steps, we visited the House of the Provost (on the left) to view Slovenian souvenirs.
Top of the Ninety-Nine Steps
House of the Provost
Souvenir Shop in the House of the Provost
Painted Beehive Panels for Sale
We next visited the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There was a statue of Mary Magdalene in front of the church.
Statue of St. Mary Magdalene in Front of the Church
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Main Doors
View from Church Atrium
Nave
Nancy took her turn at ringing the Bell of Wishes of the church.
Nancy Ringing the Church Bell of Wishes
There were a couple of medieval graves under the Church Bell of Wishes.
Medieval Grave
There were frescoes on both sides of the High Altar. The one on the right contains the bris (Jewish circumcision ritual) of Christ.
High Altar
Frescoes to the Left of the High Altar
Frescoes to the Right of the High Altar
The bris (Jewish circumcision ritual) of Christ
There were several side altars.
Side Altars
And an ornate pulpit.
Ornate Pulpit
The back of the church had several paintings and the organ.
Back of the Church
There is a Hermitary located behind the church.
Hermitary Behind the Church
We took the northern stone stairs down beside the Hermitary.
Northern Stone Stairs Down from the Hermitary
At the bottom of the stairs, there were kayaks, row boats, and swimmers.
Kayaks, Row Boats, and Swimmers at the Bottom of the Stairs
Family Rowing on Lake Bled
View of Bled Castle and St. Martin’s Church from Northern End of Bled Island
To the right we found the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes
Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes (detail)
Next we took a path along the shore to return to our Pletna boat.
Path Back to the Pletna Boat
Pletna Boat Rower Waiting for Our Return
While waiting for our Pletna boat return, we saw a paddleboarder and three swimmers.
Paddleboarder
Swimmers
Our return from Bled Island was uneventful.
View of Bled Castle and St. Martin’s Church
View of St. Martin’s Church and Electric Boat