A medieval fortress crowns a hill above a sapphire blue lake in the Julian Alps of northwestern SloveniaA medieval fortress crowns a hill above a sapphire blue lake in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia . The origins of Bled Castle date to the 11th century, and it's said to be the country's oldest castle. The lake itself, lying amid some of the highest peaks in the region, has attracted visitors to its superbly picturesque shores for centuries. Traditional gondola-like boats known as 'pletnas ' ply the water, and a good number of the oarsmen are descended from the original 22 men given royal decree to pilot the boats in 1740 by Empress Maria Theresa . Most pletnas make stops at Bled Island—seen in the upper right side of the lake in our image. It's considered good luck to be married in the island's 17th-century church, so weddings are common here, although the incredible setting is also a big part of the draw... See more See less
