I visited a European town home to a lake so beautiful it doesn't look real

After years of waiting, I finally made the trip to see this beautiful lake that's been at the top of my list - and I can definitely say it didn't disappoint. I'm a big fan of lakes, so much so that I've started visiting all the most famous ones to see if they live up to expectations.

This little hobby began after I saw Lake Zurich in Switzerland. Since then, I've become something of an expert. Of course, I've visited the Lake District here in the UK. I even spent some time working as a lifeguard on a lake across the pond in Connecticut, USA. And so, I feel I'm a fair judge when it comes to lakes - I was blown away on my most recent trip when I visited a lake that felt more like a movie set green screen image than real life.

Lake Bled, in Slovenia, is home to waters so blue that they look like they've been dyed. Rest assured, though; they haven't. Instead, the bright turquoise glow is just a natural phenomenon.

To get to Lake Bled, I took a one-hour bus journey from Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana. The lake is very accessible as coaches leave from the main station in the city.

After getting off at the small bus station, there was quite a bit more around in the area than I'd expected. I hear the town has increased in popularity over the years, unsurprisingly, due to the beauty of the lake itself.

I dropped off my bags and headed down to the water as soon as possible to take a look. The entire town is spotless, featuring white stone pathways and meticulously pruned hedges. There's a small market where local traders sell handmade goods from wooden stalls.

Bled has the fairytale feel you very rarely see in such a pure form. I visited in mid-September, so there weren't too many tourists around, giving it an even more serene feel.

Through the trees, I could see the bright blue hue of the waters, which glistened in the evening sun. I'd tell anyone and everyone to visit this place if you can - there's nothing quite like seeing it for the first time.

You can swim in the lake at designated swimming spots. Or, if this isn't for you, you'll have the option to take a boat over to Slovenia's only island, which sits in the middle of the lake. It's the only natural island in the country, and, although it's small, it's worth taking a trip over to.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a paddleboard to float around the lake on.

One other thing you can't miss out on doing while you're there is taking a walk around the lake. There's a 6km path which goes all the way around, and you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the waters at different angles on your stroll.

You won't need too much time if you're hoping to visit Bled; it's small and sleepy. I'd recommend two to three nights, or maybe four if you plan to add a stop in Ljubljana to your trip as well. You'll likely travel from there, so it makes sense to see the city as well, with its classic European charm.

If you're wondering what else there is to do in Bled, you can visit the castle, which requires a steep hike, paraglide over the greenery or even take a toboggan down the mountains.

There's a huge range of activities to get involved in, from ziplining to trying the famous Bled cake.

If you're looking for somewhere to visit and you enjoy nature, Lake Bled should be at the top of your list when it comes to booking your next holiday.