A Journey to Austria
Impressions of travelling through Austria in Summer 2021.
Lake of Bled
Bled is a somewhat remote lake in the Slovenian Alps. It is well known within the country and in neighboring Austria, yet not so much in other parts of the world. The lake itself is pretty tiny, but the views and the surroundings are spectacular. There is a small island with a church in the middle of the lake, making for a great panorama. Also, there is a castle on a steep hill, making the view even more memorable. The town itself is lovely as well, with a pleasant promenade and many cafes where you can enjoy a famous cream cake from Bled while enjoying the views.
Baroque Ljubljana
The Baroque architectural style became predominant during the 17th and 18th centuries in some parts of Europe. Essentially, it was a countermovement to the simplicity and inwardness of the new reformed movements north of the continent. The catholic church and ruling dynasties went the other way and showed their wealth and grandiosity by building monumental structures with rich and detailed facades housing countless precious artworks. As part of a Catholic nation, the Austro-Hungarian empire, Ljubljana underwent similar changes in this period. Many of the Baroque buildings from this era can still be seen today.
Discovering Bad Aussee
Bad Aussee is one of these unique spots on our planet you won’t forget having been there once. It will lurk you back eventually with its beauty and its remoteness. The lake is situated in the Styrian part of the so-called “Salzkammergut”, a region in Austria historically linked to the mining and trade of salt. Bad Aussee is a retreat town with a beautiful lake close by and distinguishable by a certain kind of Alpine architecture called Bad Aussee style. It is not too touristy and a perfect spot to spend one day or a more extended vacation.
Waters of Austria
A little-known fact about Austria is that it is one of the places in the world that is very rich in natural water sources. Water is used as drinking water and for agriculture, but also as an enormous source of power. Also, the water streams in the Alps are gorgeous, and there are numerous impressive waterfalls to be discovered.
Travelling Slovenia
Slovenia is a little country in the midst of Europe. Situated below Austria and on top of the Balkan peninsula, it is a gateway between Central Europa and Southeastern Europe. The little country is very mountainous and covered in thick forests. Nature roams (almost) freely here, and the culture is rich and with a lot of history.
Michael Hoffman Photography 