Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The island has long been a sacred site with a romantic twist. On summer Saturdays, a
steady procession of brides and grooms, cheered on by their entourages, heads for the is-
land. Ninety-nine steps lead from the island's dock up to the Church of the Assumption on
top. It's tradition for the groom to carry—or try to carry—his bride up these steps. About
four out of five are successful (proving themselves “fit for marriage”). During the com-
munist era, the church was closed, and weddings were outlawed here. But the tradition re-
emerged—illegally—even before the regime ended, with a clandestine ceremony in 1989.
Cost and Hours:
Freetovisitisland,church-€6,ticketincludestowerclimb,dailyMay-
Sept 9:00-19:00, April and Oct 9:00-18:00, Nov-March 9:00-16:00.
Getting There:
The most romantic route to the island is to cruise on one of the distinct-
ive
pletna
boats (€12/person round-trip, includes 30-minute stay on the island; catch one
at several spots around the lake—most convenient from in front of Grand Hotel Toplice or
just below Hotel Park, might have to wait for more passengers to fill the boat; boats gen-
erally run from dawn, last boat leaves one hour before church closes; replaced by enclosed
electric boats in winter—unless the lake freezes, in which case there are no boats; mobile
031-316-575). Other places to catch a
pletna
include the village of Mlino, partway around
the lake; the bottom of the grand staircase leading up to Vila Bled (it's a shorter trip from
here, but the same cost); and at the campground. For more on these characteristic little ves-
sels, see the “
Pletna
Boats” sidebar. Note that
pletna
boatmen stick close to the 30-minute
