Lake Bled

 

Lake Bled is a lake in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia, where it adjoins the town of Bled. The area is a tourist destination. 

The lake is 35 km (22 mi) from Ljubljana International Airport and 55 km (34 mi) from the capital city, Ljubljana. 

Bled lake surrounds Bled Island (Blejski otok). The island has several buildings, the main and tallest one being the pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary (Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja).  It was built near the end of the 17th century. 

The church (shown at dusk) has a 52 m (171 ft) tower and there is a Baroque stairway dating from 1655 with 99 stone steps leading up to the building. The church is frequently visited and weddings are held there regularly. Traditionally it is considered good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the steps on the day of their wedding before ringing the bell and making a wish inside the church.