Island wonderland for communist autocrats.

One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters is still used today, but for less brutal events.

The fairy tale castle of the "fairy-tale king."

An abandoned train station in Munich constructed for the 1972 Olympic games.

Macabre astrological automaton clock dating to the late 1400s.

Vienna's giant wonder wheel had a starring role in one of the greatest noir movies of all time.

Originally envisioned by King Ludwig II to rival Versailles, Herrenchiemsee's "New Palace" remains half-gilded for lack of funds.

Soaring over 6,000 feet in the Bavarian Alps, this beer garden was once Hitler's 50th birthday present.

The world's most important buildings shrunk to a tiny size.

The costumes depict the Kurent, the star character of the annual Kurentovanje festival.

This was the second largest mercury mine in the world and one of the oldest preserved mine complexes in Europe.

This beautiful 14th-century castle perched on a promontory overlooks the Bay of Trieste.

One of the largest caves in the world open to the public.

A crumbling World War I fort that is reached through a series of concrete tunnels.

An unmistakable facial pareidolia in the Julian Alps also includes a fantastic tale.

Castle and secret tunnel withstood a siege until its owner was killed by the Holy Roman Empire, while sitting on the toilet.

The world's oldest grape-producing vine has survived four centuries of turmoil and even has its own anthem.

A miniature train-ride through Slovenia's largest cave system.

Apparently, Hell has waterfalls in Slovenia.

Strange rumors surround the artist who created these solemn metal guard dogs.

An otherworldly alpine pasture with its own unique microculture that recalls Middle Earth.

This small Slovenian town has become a magnet for microbreweries.

This abandoned Slovenian military barracks has become a punky-political art squat.

A cemetery for Slovenian notables also serves as a popular recreation space.