Legend of the Sunken Bell 2024 in Slovenia

Every year on the 25th of December people gather around Lake Bled to witness the sinking of the bell. In complete darkness the luminous bell slowly sinks into the lake creating a truely magical spectacle.

Legend of the Sunken Bell History

This tradition celebrates an old, sad Slovenian legend. Once, robbers killed an honorable man, and his body was thrown into Lake Bled. His grieving widow who lived in the castle near the lake, to honor her beloved husband, ordered a big bell to be made from all the gold and silver she owned.

But due to a huge storm, the boat that carried the bell sank into the lake. The widow could not take it—she sold all her belongings and, with this money, paid for the construction of a new church. And then she left Bled and became a nun in Rome. Long after her death, the Pope heard the sad story of her life and gave the order to make the new bell.

Today's Interpretation

To this day, it is believed that the bell, presented to the island by the Pope himself, still has a special power. Newlyweds ring it in the hope that their wishes will come true. Legend has it that the bell, which sank to the bottom of Lake Bled, still rings occasionally. To show that it is still in the lake, divers lift it out of the water during a special event takin place on Christmas Day.

So, pay your respects to the true virtuous widow of Bled Lake and witness the spellbinding spectacle of the sinking bell. Nestled in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is a serene oasis of natural beauty. Visitors can row to the iconic island in the lake's center or explore lush forest trails nearby, immersing themselves in the peaceful, enchanting atmosphere.