The fairytale Lake Bled

Slovenia's Julian Alps are Europe's undiscovered jewel. The snow-capped mountains, placid lakes, raging rivers and dense forests are as picturesque as anything you'll find in the Swiss Alps. Still, with the prices lower and the crowds thinner, there's far more bang for your buck to be had here. 

The Julian Alps – which encompasses the Triglav National Park - is one big outdoor adventure playground. The hiking, rafting, paragliding, canyoning, fishing, swimming, cycling, caving, canyoning, skiing, boating and climbing here are all exemplary. Even in appalling weather, the Julian Alps' charms are undeniable, and there are a number of quaint towns with good pubs and eateries where you can slurp soup and knock back beer until the downpour ceases. 

Most travellers to the Julian Alps base themselves or at least start their explorations in the fairytale resort town of Bled. The town is positioned on a shimmering sky-blue lake that has a church on an island in its middle. Throw in a cliffside medieval castle and a backdrop of some of the Julian Alps' most majestic peaks, and you'll think you've stumbled upon paradise. 

Embarking on the 6km stroll around the lake is a great way to take in all that beauty from a number of angles. In the summer, there's a designated lakeside swimming spot, although there's nothing stopping you hurtling yourself into its waters anywhere, anytime (except of course, in the winter, when the lake usually freezes over). Most visitors also make a beeline for the church on the island in the middle of the lake; to get out there, jump aboard a gondola or hire a rowing boat. 

The Vintgar Gorge - a short bus ride from Bled - makes another solid half-day distraction. A wooden pathway lines the sheer walls of the gorge, affording hikers breaktaking views of tumbling waterfalls and the river gushing below. 

From Bled, it's a 25km journey to the delightful Bohinj Valley. Centred around a picturesque lake, the region offers formidable views to Triglav - Slovenia's highest peak (2864 metres). The Bohinj Valley makes a more logical base for serious adventure junkies, although accommodation and restaurants around Ribcev Laz - the valley's main town – teeters on the expensive side.