The lakes in Europe hold some of the continent's most picturesque scenery, from their shimmering turquoise-blue waters and imposing frames of the Alps, to scenic trails, and beautiful beachy shores—there is everything to love about these lakes. Once here, it is easy to lose track of time while getting mesmerised by the beauty that meets the eye. We’re going to make things easier with our list of the top 10 most beautiful lakes for you to start filling your adventure journals and photo albums with. While you're here, explore our collection of European Walking Holidays that take you across some of Europe's most celebratesd lakes.
1. Lake Garda, Italy
Italy's largest lake, Garda, is striking and awe-inspiring. Perched against the backdrop of the Garda mountains in the Italian Alps, wonder and admiration is the pervasive mood for everyone who visits this lake. Around the lake are quaint villages, picturesque mountain scenery, and cascading vineyards complementing the lake's beauty. You can savour the lake's beauty by cycling and hiking, or get adventurous by swimming and boating on the waters. Otherwise, promenade along its laid-back, picturesque shores, watching the beautiful sunset, taking Instagrammable pictures, and sunbathing.
2. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is one of Italy's prominent lakes and courts the attention of travellers, societal elites on vacation, and just anyone who appreciates nature’s allure. It is the third-largest lake in Italy, but you will be more stunned by the lake's ability to hypnotise the mind, thanks to its exotic beauty marked by the background of the Italian Alps and its unique Y shape known as the Larian Triangle. Relax at the waterfront on one of its shores to drink in the seductive views of its inviting blue waters, or embark on a ferry tour of the lake.
3. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a picture-perfect lake on the Julian Alps and a prime tourist destination in Slovenia. The bluish-green waters of this lake are framed by mountains draped in greenery, and the scene appears like a picture cut out from a travel magazine. The highlight of the lake is its small island at the centre known as Bled Island. Visitors can reach this island via pletna boats to see its magnificent baroque castle church and 52-metre (170-feet) tower, among other buildings on the small island. Back on the shores, hike around, watch the sun impose its glow on the waters, and enjoy picnics.
4. Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Beauty meets magic in the seductive landscapes of Switzerland, and Lake Lucerne is a highlight. This irresistible lake is fenced by towering green mountains and scenic trails for hikers and mountain climbers, as lake views from the peaks are not just panoramic but dreamy. Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus are famous mountains whose peaks continue to attract mountain climbers. On a relaxed exploration, stroll around the Baroque and Renaissance architectural buildings on the shores, or hike around the lake, paddle, and take boat trips.
5. Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Lake Geneva is the largest in Switzerland and also big on charm. Shaped like a half-moon near the border with France, Lake Geneva steals the heart of tourists with its glimmering waters overlooked by the Alps and overlapped by quaint architecture. The lake is deep enough for any kind of boating adventure, while its shores are home to several gorgeous sand beaches for laid-back relaxation and sightseeing. While swimming is possible with caution, you can also enjoy scuba diving, water skiing, sailing, and rowing.
6. Lake Annecy, France
The French Alps has one of its natural bridges in Lake Annecy, the third-largest lake in France, and the cleanest in Europe. It is also one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, surrounded by greenery, flowers, beaches, and mountains. The lake is shallow, inviting safe swimming in its crystal-clear waters to soak up its sparkling beauty. Afterward, meander into the surrounding quaint villages where time slows to a crawl, hopping its cobblestone streets and interacting with locals.
7. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Slovenia is home to yet another magnificent lake named Bohinj in the Julian Alps. The lake is the largest in Slovenia and part of the Triglav National Park, making the experience more sensational. While the lake is beautiful enough to keep you charmed, go on a cruise, swim, paddleboard, kayak, and hike around it. After enjoying the lake's beauty, the rest of the park is an outdoor paradise to explore, with forests, meadows, waterfalls, and caves.
8. Lake Hallstatt (Austria)
Lake Hallstatt is one of the finest water bodies in Austria, overlapped by the village of the same name, which is as stunning as the lake in beauty. The colourful houses of this village reflect on the glossy waters of the lake, creating a postcard-perfect image that clings to the mind. Meanwhile, it's impossible to ignore the Karst mountains around the lake and the small beaches on the shores. Rent a boat and row, sunbathe on the shores, wander inland to the village, hike, and create memories around this gorgeous aquatic beauty at your pace.
9. Lake Maggiore, Italy
Again, Italy corners the hearts of tourists and nature lovers with Lake Maggiore, which it shares with southern Switzerland. The lake is the second-largest in Italy and one of the largest in Switzerland, with abundant photogenic sights to relish. The lake's shores are overlapped by dramatic peaks, with the highest being Monte Rosa, worthy of hiking around. There are many islands on the lake to explore, including botanical gardens, imperial villas, and promenades decorated with flowers on the banks.
10. Saimaa Lake, Finland
Saimaa Lake is remarkably beautiful and large, featuring islands and canals. It has the world's longest coastline of any lake and is the fourth-largest, natural freshwater lake in Europe. The lake is not only beautiful but also in diversity, featuring diverse animal species, notably the Saimaa ringed seal - an endangered species with only 400 left. Visitors can embark on boat cruises to explore the lake, explore the islands split by canals, roam its surrounding forest for wildlife sightseeing, and maybe see the Northern Lights.
