19 reasons Slovenia should be on your bucket list

WHAT'S that teensy speck on the map? It's the land of your dreams. Find out why this surprising destination should definitely be on your bucket list.

WHAT'S that teensy speck on the map between Italy and Croatia?

It's Slovenia, land of your dreams. And you should pay attention to this little country, because it will change your life. 1. In Slovenia, you can get married in a fairytale Bled Island, also called Fairytale Island, has a Baroque church where people tie the knot all the time. Imagine getting married here? Picture: T J Clarke, Flickr 2 . There's a castle in a cave Predjama Castle is smack in the middle of a 120-metre cliff. It's been chillin' there for 700 years. Predjama Castle. Picture: Shadowgate, Flickr 3. Slovenian cows are very friendly Janko Arlic's farm is worth a look - Janko and his wife Sonja have raised cattle for 20 years. 4. In Slovenia, you could feel on top of the world Hiking is big in Slovenia's many mountains. 5. Or go fishing in THAT It's called the Soca River. Soca river, Slovenia 6. In Slovenia, people grow their food When you stay on a tourist farm, you'll wake up to rooster crows and fresh bread before you "get to know the domestic animals." It's just another perfect day in Slovenia. 7. Christmas is simply magical in Old Town Ljubljana People call the village square "a mind and soul harbouring shelter." Preseren's square, Ljubljana. Picture: Thinkstock 8. Fog makes Slovenia brooding and mysterious It's just the Eastern European solitude you've been searching for. Morning fog over the hills. Picture: Thinkstock 9. People in Slovenia walk around vaguely disguised as llamas This creature is called a Kurent, and he waves a cowbell at evil spirits during Slovenia's springtime festival. Kurents roaming the streets. Picture: Camera on Autopilot, Flickr 10. Slovenian water is really, really blue You'll find it in the waterfalls, lakes, and streams of Triglav National Park. Kozjak waterfall in Slovenia. Picture: Thinkstock 11. The canals look like Venice, but they're much less crowded Triple Bridge is especially pleasant - three bridges connect a cute little medieval town with Slovenia's big capital. Triple Bridge. Picture: Vladimir Yaitskiy, Flickr 12. In Slovenia, THIS happens You'll want to be there when the Ski Jumping World Cup comes to town. The Ski Jumping World Cup. Picture: A. Nilssen Photography, Flickr 13. You'll also become one with nature There are a bajillion places to camp in Slovenia, and you'll fall asleep to a view of the Julian Alps. 14. Lakes May we suggest a boat ride on Lake Bohinj? The stunning Lake Bohinj. Picture: Thinkstock 15. In Slovenia, you will bound through an endless field of sunflowers ... and hit up the thermal spas in Stajerska after. 16. You can bike ride through a vineyard ... and snip a grape off the oldest grapevine in the world. 17. Slovenes know how to tan Grajska Beach is a classy version of spring break. Plus, there's a trampoline in the water. 18. Sunrise A winter morning. Picture: Thinkstock 19. Sunset What a sight ... Picture: WhatleyDude, Flickr This story originally appeared on the HuffingtonPost.