While travel restrictions with health and safety requirements are still omnipresent, trips within certain countries in Europe are manageable with the right precautions. A two day trip to Slovenia brought us to the picturesque Lake Bled with its famous church island, and the beautiful capital Ljubljana.
Our first stop was Lake Bled on the foot of the Karawanks mountain range.
We crossed this wodden house on the hike up to Mala Osojnica, one of the best viewpoints over the lake.
The hike is in fact quite steep - so steep that this staircase was installed near the top.
The lake is situated in the Julian Alps range.
The tip of the 53m high tower of the famous church in the lake.
The colour and clarity of the lake was incredible in the summer light.
The famous church on the island in the middle of Lake Bled is a very famous photographic spot.
The ascent to the viewpoint on the southern side of the lake is rewarding.
Lake Bled, the church island, and the Julian mountains.
The forest was positively glowing with the greens illuminated by the sun.
The late afternoon sun shining into the woods.
A dragonfly was roaming around a small puddle in the forest.
The same puddle was also home to this little amphibian - who was surprisingly curious.
The last views of the sun in the forest before it set behind the mountain range.
Green forests, rocky mointains, blue skies, fluffly clouds - welcome to the Alps.
The only way to visit the church is by crossing the lake.
The castle on the western side seen through some trees on the lake shore.
... to enjoy the end of a summer day at the lake.
Some tree branches under water near the eastern shoreline.
The lake is dotted with patches of water lilies by the shore.
The traditional transportation to Bled Island is a wooden boat known as a pletna.
The view over the lake from the other side, looking south from Bled castle.
Looking down from the castle walls.
The lower courtyard of the oldest castle in Slovenia.
The castle seen with Villa Rikli, an abandoned old house on the shores of the lake.
The inside of the building, which is supposed to be renovated and rebuilt. Who can spot the alien like shape on the wall?
We made it to the capital next, walking along the beautiful promenade of the Ljubljanica river.
Another defining feature of the city are the skinny tall trees dotted in various places, such as here near St Jakob's church.
A row of houses near this famous street in Ljubljana's old town.
The roof paintings of the largest church in the city with frescoes by Giuglio Quaglio from the early 18th century.
Looking northwards from one of the castle windows, with the pink 17th-century Franciscan church visible at the bottom.
Looking southwards from the castle, you can see St Jakob's church, and on the bottom left the tower of St Florian's church, which - obviously - I tried to visit, but it was unforuntately closed (as Florian's often are).
The country is relatively young, emerging from Yugoslavia in 1991.
The double staircase leading up and down the panoramic tower of the castle.
A couple enjoying the view from the castle walls.
My lack of focus skills resulted in this shot.
The Dragon is the symbol of the city, although the origin of this myth isn't fully clear.
One of the many bridges attracting tourists in Ljubljana, this one features the all too common padlocks.
A sprinker installed 10m above the ground produces a simple but effective focal point for the square, with people enjoying a few refreshing drops in the August sun.
Of course, it also makes for a great Instagram photo, although this girl did ignore her dedicted photographer for this shot.
...I'm sure she did get a good photo in the end though.
A boy runs through the rainy installation, illuminated by the afternoon sun.
Anyone knows what this dome is?
The Nebotičnik Skyscraper terrace provides a good 360 degree view of the city.
The late sun is the best time for street photography in my view.
A view of some of the many promenade restaurants along the river.
Looking towards the 19th-century bridge with 2 adjacent 20th-century footbridges that cross over the Ljubljanica River.
Don't we all wish to be invisible sometimes?
Spotted on the Stari Trg street.
A vinyl shop in the city centre.
A couple walking through the city centre. The city seemed quite young and casual.
Two women watching a street musician.
The city has a beautiful market square, which was full of food, produce, and craft stalls on this Friday morning.
Ljubljana is well kept and clean - a pleasant city to walk around.
Hunger overcomes all fears.
The river walls are covered with greenery, making the city feel quite lush. Definitely recommended for a summer visit.