The idyllic Alpine gem Bled, famous for its gorgeous lake with an enchanting island and mysterious cliff-top castle, tops the list of Europe’s 15 most breathtakingly beautiful villages, according to Thrillist.

The travel portal notes that “nothing speaks more to the notion of serenity and quaintness than rural Europe. Think Lord of the Rings-style English villages, with relics dating back to a pre-industrial age, thatched-roof cottages, windmills, and market squares. Yes, these places still do exist, and they are what give modern Europe its rustic charm. And what’s more, Europe’s rich cultural diversity provides the modern traveler with a veritable mix of locations and cultures to select from — all replete with forts, castles, and local delicacies.”

It describes Bled as follows: “You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque setting than Bled, in Northern Slovenia near the border with Austria. It’s picture perfect in every sense. The Julian Alps dominate the background, while in the foreground, a 17th-century Baroque church sits on a remote island, adrift in the middle of a glacial lake. It’s the stuff of fairytales. With waterfalls, castles, and remote caves all within the area, it makes for a vivid and character-filled landscape.”

The complete list of the 15 most picturesque villages that are worth going out of your way to visit when you’re in Europe includes:
1. Bled (Slovenia)
2. Quedlinburg (Germany)
3. Zermatt (Switzerland))
4. Aigu?ze (France)
5. Lacock (UK)
6. Reine (Norway)
7. Procida (Italy)
8. Sintra (Portugal)
9. Korčula (Croatia)
10. Bickensohl (Germany)
11. Vejer de la Frontera (Spain)
12. Hallstatt (Austria)
13. La Roque-Gageac (France)
14. Portree (Scotland)
15. Oia (Santorini)

Lake Bled (photo: Bojan Kolman)