Looking down at Lake Bled from Bled Castle which is located at an elevated altitude of 130 meters was spectacular, looking at the lake from its shores was not less breathtaking but looking at the lake shores from the lake was really spellbinding!
A common quote in Bled says "One has not visited Bled unless he has taken a ride on its traditional Pletna boat". Fortunately I had the opportunity to do that or else I may never have known how much I missed as the panoramas of the lake shores and the Island from the boat are a real feast for the eyes.
I started the boat cruise from the Pletna Pier at Mlino. The boats which depart hourly (@12 Euro/adult and 6 Euro/child) come with colourful awnings. Each boat sits 20 and is rowed by an oarsman.
The Pletna boats have a history that dates back to 1740 when Empress Maria Theresa granted 22 local families exclusive rights to ferry religious pilgrims across Lake Bled to worship on Bled Island. The oarsmen today are mainly descendants of the original 22 families assigned for the task. A Pletna oarsman is an esteemed vocation not just meant for any Tom, Dick or Harry.
The lake has a bluish green colour that is exceptionally vivid and attractive. It is calm and gives a nice reflection of anything that stands around its shores.
We cruised to Bled Island which stands in the middle of the lake, a journey that took about half an hour. Bled Island which is just an acre in size is the only natural island and inherently a top tourist hotspot in Slovenia.
There are several buildings on the island, the main one being a 17th-century church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. A Baroque stairway with 99 steps, built around 1655 leads to the buildings.
A 52 meter tower stands in front of the church.
The church of The Assumption Of Mary is a functioning place of worship where local weddings are frequently held.
Every spot on the island is scenic.
Enough of soaking in the natural beauty of the lake, I took the Pletna boat back to town.
I appreciated the trip and our oarsman who deftly rowed the boat standing with two oars and always putting on a smiling face.
An unforgettable ride indeed!.
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Balkan Travel Pt 3: [Romania] Peles Castle , Dracula's Castle & Romanian Scenery
Balkan Travel Pt 4: Bulgaria Attractions
Balkan Travel Pt 5: [Bulgaria] Sofia Attractions
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Balkan Travel Pt 7: [North Macedonia] Memorable Moments In Skopje
Balkan Travel Pt 8: [North Macedonia] Ohrid Photo Gallery
Balkan Travel Pt 9: [Albania] Glimpses Of Albania and Its Capital City Tirana
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Balkan Travel Pt 12: The Charms Of Koto Montenegro
Balkan Travel Pt 13: [Montenegro] The Old Town Of Kotor Photo Gallery
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