Lake bled

Slovenia is a hiker’s paradise. In this small country, you will find over 10,000 km (6,200 miles) of hiking trails.

It looks like a fairy tale. Out of the lake rises a stone staircase. Step delicately over the edge of your rowboat, and mount the stairs. The little island at which you’ve docked barely has enough space for a few trees and your destination: the medieval Church of the Assumption. The solemn peal of a bell and thin iron …