Our planet is pretty damn lovely, isn’t it? Coasts are lined with gleaming beaches, cities are full of beautiful buildings and the landscapes are dotted with lakes and mountains so glorious that you’ll wonder if you’re looking at a stock desktop background.
Plenty of the world’s most beauitiful places are in Europe, and that’s why Time Out regularly updates its list of the most scenic destinations on the continent. And sitting in the number one spot after a recent overhaul of the ranking? It’s Lake Bled.
Yep, Slovenia’s flagship lake, which sits serenely in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region, has beat out the likes of Zermatt, the Hagia Sophia, and Alberobello (though those all made our ranking, too) to claim the crown as the most beautiful place in Europe. So what’s so magical about it?
‘On a clear day, the glassy water reflects the trees and green mountains that flank the lake, as if it’s brushing the clouds away.’ writes Time Out’s head of commercial content, Rose Johnstone. ‘Your eyes are instantly drawn to the little island in its centre, which is home to the Church of Mary the Queen. And that soft chiming sound? That’s the wishing bell in the 52-metre bell tower, rung by tourists as a reward for climbing the 99 steps to the top.’
Around the lake, you’ll find plenty of water sports, biking routes, canyons and hiking trails, but one you shouldn’t skip is Vintgar Gorge.
It’s around 4km northwest of Bled village, and is a particularly beautiful spot to visit on your trip. You’ll journey past pools, rapids and streams as well as over a wooden walkway up to Šum Waterfall.
Fancy another tip? ‘Look up and you’ll spot the terracotta-coloured rooftop of Bled Castle, built in the sixteenth century,’ says Rose. ‘Its terrace café alone makes it worth a visit, especially if you order their speciality, a slice of Bled cake – a light cream cake topped with flaky pastry.’
But there’s plenty more where that came from, whether it’s striking polygonal basalt pillars in Northern Ireland or the planet’s longest and deepest fjords.
Check out the most beautiful places in Europe, as selected by Time Out’s travel writers.
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