Here are ten of the most beautiful lakes in the world, from an ex-volcano in Oregon, USA to a glassy lagoon in Hangzhou, China…
1. Lake District, UK
Rainy old England doesn’t often scoop prizes for nature tourism, but the globe’s photographers and Instagrammers are flocking to the Lake District in their millions. Ok, so it’s not technically one body of water, but its total area is still but a fraction of some of the behemoths further down this list.
2. Lake Tahoe, US
The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is famed for its crystal clear waters. Located along the border of California and Nevada, the lake’s 72 miles of shoreline offer tons of water-based activities from sailing to kayaking. It’s also home to several ski resorts making it a popular destination in the winter as well as the summer.
3. Lake Bled, Slovenia
One of the most picturesque spots in Slovenia, Lake Bled is found in the Julian Alps in the north west of the country. A fairy-tale church with a soaring spire sits on the tear-shaped island in the middle of the lake, which itself is surrounded by forested hills complete with a medieval castle perched atop a craggy cliff.
4. Lake Como, Italy
One of the most photographed beauty spots on Earth – and we’re not just talking about lakes – Lake Como is one of only a few places that is genuinely as pretty as its postcards. It would be a travesty were Lake Como not on this list.
5. Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan/Palestine
Yes, it’s a lake – before you send us angry letters – although the Dead Sea is almost unique, both in the world and on this list. Notorious for its high salt content, things floats in the Dead Sea, including people, and it’s thought ancient Judean rulers used it as perhaps the world’s first ever health spa.
6. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
A UNESCO world heritage site, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination for those traveling to Croatia. The park’s main attraction are the 90 stunning waterfalls that cascade into a terraced series of 16 lakes and pools – the colour of which change according to the mineral content and range from emerald green to deep blue and turquoise. Enjoy the view as you stroll along a series of wooden pathways and bridges or take a pictureque hike through the surrounding forests.
7. Moraine, Canada
Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Lake Moraine may be only half the size of its beautiful neighbour Lake Louise, but its setting is far more scenic. Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, this glacier-fed lake’s water are the most intense and vivid shade of turquoise blue.
8. West Lake, China
Finally breaking the Europe-North America duopoly, West Lake in China is awash with temples, islands and pagodas. For generations, the lake has inspired Chinese poets, painters, and garden designers – now it’s doing the same for photographers.
9. Lake Pehoé, Patagonia, Chile
Lake Pehoé in Chilean Patagonia may not be the easiest place to get to but it’s worth the effort. Surrounded by the jagged beauty of the Torres Del Paine range – and part of the national park of the same name – the turquoise coloured waters of this lake are simply stunning. Enjoy the scenery along the lakeshore or walk the cornice for elevated views of the lake and mountains.
10. Crater Lake, US
We’ll give you three guesses at where Crater Lake got its name. Yep, got it in one. The deepest lake in the US, this Oregon landmark fills a millennia-old collapsed volcano, and is nearly as popular with geologists as it is with photographers and Instagram users.
Best-selling books about lakes
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- Preston Natasha (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages - 03/02/2021 (Publication Date) - Random House USA Children's Books (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Fortune, Carley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Berry, Oliver (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 03/25/2019 (Publication Date) - Lonely Planet (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Redland, Jessica (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Patchett, Ann (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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