A Lake to Remember: Slovenia

I am often asked about my favorite place in the world. This is easily one of them. Being from Minnesota, I grew up around many beautiful lakes in my lifetime. However few can match this stunner: Lake Bled is in northwestern Slovenia (locals pronounce it “Blade”). The tree-lined Julian Alps envelope this natural lake known for its impossibly jade green colored water and its iconic micro island, home to a famously steep staircase leading up to a storybook church and bell tower. The lakeside culture is very casual, we shared the warm lake with several families, seagulls, turtles, swans and rowboats while enjoying the local wine and sandwiches. We climbed up the hill for dinner one night and shot this photo looking down from Bled Castle built in 1004, a medieval relic that proudly crowns the stunning skyline above the lake.