Slovenian Beauty - Lake Bled & Ljubljana
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.
Lake Bled
Our first stop was Lake Bled on the foot of the Karawanks mountain range.
Mountain House
We crossed this wodden house on the hike up to Mala Osojnica, one of the best viewpoints over the lake.
Up
The hike is in fact quite steep - so steep that this staircase was installed near the top.
Mountain Tops
The lake is situated in the Julian Alps range.
Church Tops
The tip of the 53m high tower of the famous church in the lake.
Lake Shores
The colour and clarity of the lake was incredible in the summer light.
Assumption of Mary Church
The famous church on the island in the middle of Lake Bled is a very famous photographic spot.
Views
The ascent to the viewpoint on the southern side of the lake is rewarding.
Trio
Lake Bled, the church island, and the Julian mountains.
Summer Greens
The forest was positively glowing with the greens illuminated by the sun.
Light & Shade
The late afternoon sun shining into the woods.
What's up!
A dragonfly was roaming around a small puddle in the forest.
Baby Frog
The same puddle was also home to this little amphibian - who was surprisingly curious.
Afternoon Rays
The last views of the sun in the forest before it set behind the mountain range.
Layers
Green forests, rocky mointains, blue skies, fluffly clouds - welcome to the Alps.
Waterways
The only way to visit the church is by crossing the lake.
Bled Castle
The castle on the western side seen through some trees on the lake shore.
The Right Way...
... to enjoy the end of a summer day at the lake.
Clarity
Some tree branches under water near the eastern shoreline.
After Sunset
The lake is dotted with patches of water lilies by the shore.
Transport
The traditional transportation to Bled Island is a wooden boat known as a pletna.
Opposite Views
The view over the lake from the other side, looking south from Bled castle.
Cliffs
Looking down from the castle walls.
Bled Castle
The lower courtyard of the oldest castle in Slovenia.
Abandoned
The castle seen with Villa Rikli, an abandoned old house on the shores of the lake.
Villa Rikli
The inside of the building, which is supposed to be renovated and rebuilt. Who can spot the alien like shape on the wall?
Ljubljana
We made it to the capital next, walking along the beautiful promenade of the Ljubljanica river.
Trees
Another defining feature of the city are the skinny tall trees dotted in various places, such as here near St Jakob's church.
Gornji Trg
A row of houses near this famous street in Ljubljana's old town.
St. Nicholas's Cathedral
The roof paintings of the largest church in the city with frescoes by Giuglio Quaglio from the early 18th century.
Window Views
Looking northwards from one of the castle windows, with the pink 17th-century Franciscan church visible at the bottom.
City Panorama
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).
Slovenian Flag
The country is relatively young, emerging from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Stairs
The double staircase leading up and down the panoramic tower of the castle.
Castle Walls
A couple enjoying the view from the castle walls.
Selfie
My lack of focus skills resulted in this shot.
The Dragon Bridge
The Dragon is the symbol of the city, although the origin of this myth isn't fully clear.
Butchers' Bridge
One of the many bridges attracting tourists in Ljubljana, this one features the all too common padlocks.
Prešeren Square Rain Installation
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.
Rainy Portrait
Of course, it also makes for a great Instagram photo, although this girl did ignore her dedicted photographer for this shot.
Instagram Boyfriend
...I'm sure she did get a good photo in the end though.
Raindrops keep falling on my lens...
A boy runs through the rainy installation, illuminated by the afternoon sun.
Ljubljana Rooftops
Anyone knows what this dome is?
Castle Views
The Nebotičnik Skyscraper terrace provides a good 360 degree view of the city.
Shadows
The late sun is the best time for street photography in my view.
Evening Drinks
A view of some of the many promenade restaurants along the river.
Tripe Bridge
Looking towards the 19th-century bridge with 2 adjacent 20th-century footbridges that cross over the Ljubljanica River.
Nice Try
Don't we all wish to be invisible sometimes?
Graffiti with a Heart
Spotted on the Stari Trg street.
Rock 'N' Roll Cat
A vinyl shop in the city centre.
Nightly Walks
A couple walking through the city centre. The city seemed quite young and casual.
Performance
Two women watching a street musician.
Market Scenes
The city has a beautiful market square, which was full of food, produce, and craft stalls on this Friday morning.
Maintenance
Ljubljana is well kept and clean - a pleasant city to walk around.
Bird Attack
Hunger overcomes all fears.
Green Shores
The river walls are covered with greenery, making the city feel quite lush. Definitely recommended for a summer visit.