Reaching Bled Island
Bled Island (Blejski otok) has no bridge, so you arrive by boat. The traditional way is a Pletna boat from one of the landing stages on the shore. You can also hire a rowing boat and make your own way. The boat and the island's cultural sights are sold separately: a boat ticket is not an entry ticket for the church.
For an adult, the Pletna return and the cultural admission add up to €32 in 2026, before parking, food or the castle. Pletna boats leave when they are full, so there is no minute-by-minute timetable. If you prefer a guided day, compare the Lake Bled tours.
The island is small, so most of your time goes to the boat ride and the church. From the water you also get the view of the castle on its rock. If you want that view from above afterwards, the castle is open from 08:00 to 20:00 between April and October.
Our picks: to Bled Island
Both include the boat to the island. The private half day starts in Ljubljana; the island trip with church entry starts at the pier in Bled.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private half day with a pletna ride
- Pletna ride
- Private local guide
- Private transport
Private transport from your address, your own local guide and the pletna ride to the island. The castle visit is not included.
Check availability →Bled Island by wooden boat with church entry
- Wooden boat to the island
- Church and bell tower entry
- Local guide
The traditional wooden boat to the island, entry to the church and bell tower, a local guide and a slice of potica.
Check availability →Lake Bled boat trips and tours
Guided trips that include Bled Island, with live prices and availability.
Pletna boats: fares, hours and landing stages
Fares for summer and autumn 2026.
Fares
The return trip costs €20 for each adult and €10 for children aged 4 to 12. The price is per person, not per boat.
Departures
A boat leaves when it is full. There is no guaranteed timetable. Service hours are shorter from November to March.
Landing stages
You can board at Kazina, Mlino, Vila Bled and Velika Zaka. The Pletna no longer sails from Zdraviliški park. Choose the stage closest to where you park or stay.
Time on the island
There is no set time limit on the island. You return with the next free Pletna or with an electric motorboat.
Opening hours by month
Pletna service and the church, potičnica and gallery, 2026.
| Months | Pletna | Church, potičnica and gallery |
|---|---|---|
| January and February | 10:00 to 15:00 | Mon to Thu 08:30 to 16:00, Fri to Sun 08:30 to 17:00 |
| March | 10:00 to 15:00 | 08:30 to 17:00 |
| April and October | 10:00 to 18:00 | 08:30 to 18:00 |
| May to September | 10:00 to 19:00 | 08:30 to 19:00 |
| November and December | 10:00 to 15:00 | Mon to Thu 08:30 to 16:00, Fri to Sun 08:30 to 17:00 |
The church has no weekly closing day. For most visitors, May to September gives the longest hours for both services. In winter, plan to be back at the stage before 15:00.
What you see on the island
The Church of the Assumption is the island's main sight. Inside hangs the wishing bell. By tradition, a wish is made when you ring it, and whether it comes true is a matter of belief. The island also has a bell tower and a small museum in the provost's house.
The cultural admission in 2026 costs €12 for adults. Students, seniors and people with a disability pay €10.50 with proof, and children up to and including age 15 pay €5. A family ticket is €24, and groups of more than 20 pay €10.50 per person. The stone staircase from the south has 99 steps, which is different from the climb up the bell tower.
Rowing boats and the rules on the lake
The alternative to the Pletna.
Hiring a rowing boat
Boats can be hired at several points on the shore. Prices differ by operator, so ask before you take a boat.
Navigation hours
Boats may be on the water from 06:00 to 23:00 between 1 March and 31 October, and from 08:00 to 17:00 from November to February. Recreational boating has no individual fee. Organised groups of more than 5 people pay €10 per boat.
Landing and stand-up paddleboards
On the island, only qualified wooden rowing boats with a shore berth may land. Paddleboards cannot land on the island. Launch points for private boats and paddleboards are at Mala Zaka and Velika Zaka.
Clean your own boat
If you bring a boat or gear, check it for mussels, plants and mud before and after you use it. Clean it and let it dry. Hot water of at least 45 °C helps stop invasive mussels.
Combine the island with the view from above. The castle page lists tickets and hours, and the things to do page shows how to fit both into a day.
Bled Island: frequently asked questions
How much is the Pletna to Bled Island?
The return trip costs €20 for adults and €10 for children aged 4 to 12 in 2026. It is a per-person fare.
Is the church ticket included in the boat fare?
No. The island's cultural admission is separate: €12 for adults, €10.50 for students, seniors and people with a disability, €5 for children up to age 15 and €24 for a family.
How long can I stay on the island?
There is no set time limit on the island. You go back with the next free Pletna or an electric motorboat.
When does the Pletna run?
From 10:00 to 19:00 between May and September, 10:00 to 18:00 in April and October, and 10:00 to 15:00 from November to March. Boats depart when full.
Can I ring the wishing bell?
Yes, the bell hangs in the church. A wish coming true is a matter of tradition and belief.
Is lake-bled.org the official site of the island?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the island operator, the boat crews or the municipality.