7Bled, Slovenia

Bled is the most popular tourist destination in Slovenia, thanks to its exceptionally pretty location on the banks of Lake Bled. One of Europe’s best-kept secrets, when you see this lake that’s surrounded by alpine mountains, you’ll feel as if you’re in a Disney movie. Bled Castle sits on a tiny isle at the center of the glacial blue waters, calling photographers, artists and travelers of all types from across the globe to capture it at sunrise, when the first rays of sunshine break through the morning sky, or at dusk, when the light is golden and the shadows cast by the setting sun provide particularly moody images.

Of course, with all of those mountains, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy numerous opportunities for hiking or backpacking too. The most beautiful view of the lake, the island, and the surrounding peaks is from the castle overlooking the lake on a cliff. The 12th-century castle is also home to a museum collection, a castle printing works, a cellar, where you can bottle wine and seal the bottle with wax, and a restaurant.