Detailed interactive map Bled
On the island in the middle of the lake, the ancient Slavs revered Živa, goddess of love and fertility. Pilgrims later came to the church of St Mary on the island. The traditional way to reach the lake's island is by pletna boats. The small church on the island dates back to the 10th century, but the present building was built in the 17th century. According to local tradition, a husband who can carry his newly married bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage, and ringing the bell in the church will fulfill one of your wishes.
On 10 April 1004, the town of Bled was referred to for the first time when the Holy German emperor, Henry II, gifted it to the Bishop of Brixen. At that distant time, a Roman tower already stood at the top of the cliff rising vertically 100 m above the lake, and it still forms part of the powerful castle that now houses a museum collection. Due to its mild climate, Bled has been visited by aristocratic guests from all across the world. Today it is an important convention centre and tourist resort, offering a wide range of sport activities (golf, fishing, horseback-riding) and is a starting point for mountain treks and hikes. The town is known in Slovenia for its vanilla-and-cream pastry called kremna rezina or kremšnita. The name is derived from the German word Cremeschnitte, literally meaning 'cream slice'. The town is also a popular access point for Triglav National Park.
