The world over, there are millions of small and large lakes dotting the land masses supporting a plethora of flora and fauna in and around it. But there is something unique about the European lakes.
There are hundreds of beautiful lakes in Europe, each with its unique charm, elegance, natural beauty, cultural significance, and other features that you won’t find elsewhere.
Some of these lakes are volcanic lakes estimated to be millions of years old. European lakes are known to be the cleanest lakes in the world. Of all the lakes of Europe, Lake Ohrid is the oldest lake dating back millions of years.
Let’s take a look at some of the largest lakes in Europe to visit if you are into water sports and planning to go globe-trotting.
Here is the list of 12 Must Visit Lakes in Europe
- Lake Bled
- Lake Como
- Lake Garda
- Finnish Lakeland
- Lake Bohinj
- Lake District Wild Swimming
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Lake Ohrid
- Lake Balaton
- Lake Bolsena
- Lake Bracciano
- Lake Lucerne
Table of Contents
Top 12 Must-Visit Lakes in Europe
Lake Bled
The very first lake to be visited in Europe is Lake Bled. This is one of the finest destinations that one can ever visit in Europe. The aura of this spectacular place is just beyond words. I am sure once you are here there is no turning back. I mean you are gonna be overwhelmingly interested in this place.
Lake Bled located in Slovenia is famous for an island standing in the middle of it with a 17th-century church on the island dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. This lake is famous for being one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Visitors can ring the bell in the premises of the church which is supposed to bring good luck.
Adjacent to the lake, stands the medieval Bled Castle which gives a panoramic view of the surroundings as well as a spectacular view of the lake thus giving it the title of being one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
The lake itself is surrounded by the picturesque Julian Alps and has millions of visitors flocking to each other to enjoy the beauty of the locales. The lake is famous for its lush, crystal-clear green waters, the forests dominating the region around the lake, and the striking peaks of the Julian Alps.
The lake has well-maintained paths around it, idle for walking and cycling. One can also go boating and swimming in the lake. For the adventurous folks, there are hiking trails across the lofty mountains.
The region around the lake also hosts many historical sites and ruins that are a delight for historians. Various cultural and sporting events take place around the lake most of the year making it a must-visit among the list of European lakes.
Lake Como
The next Lake that you can visit in Europe is Lake Como. Some of you might have heard of this place for sure. There are many things that you can see at this place. If you are heading to Europe and not getting over this place then you are gonna miss out on a lot of fun. Lake Como spread over 146 square kilometers is the third-largest lake in Italy and one of the largest lakes in Europe.
Located in the Lombardy region, Lake Como is famous for its spectacular natural landscapes, flora and fauna, quaint and charming lakeside villages, and historic villas. The lake itself with its deep blue waters, offers ample opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing which attracts millions of visitors every year. One can also take a ferry ride to explore the various towns and villages bordering the lake.
The shores of Lake Como are dotted with historic villas, most of them architectural marvels, and gardens which are a major tourist attraction in Europe. Lake Como has many luxury hotels and restaurants that attract the affluent and celebrities. One of the most visited landmarks around Lake Como is a villa in Laglio town owned by Hollywood actor George Clooney.
The villages and towns surrounding Lake Como host numerous cultural events festivals such as art exhibitions, music festivals including festivals that celebrate local culture and heritage, throughout the year. Located just 50 km from Milan, Lake Como is easily accessible to visitors by road and rail.
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Lake Garda
Located in Italy, Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and counts among the largest lakes in Europe. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rugged mountain regions, vineyards, its rich cultural heritage, and the diverse recreational opportunities that it presents to visitors.
Beautiful picturesque towns and quaint little villages dot the shorelines of Lake Garda and offer ample scope for history and art lovers. Some of these towns like Sirmione and Malcesine are known for their medieval castles – Rocca Scaligera and Scaliger Castles respectively.
The town of Desenzano del Garda is another vibrant town with a bustling harbor and a chilled-out and lively nightlife. It also has the Roman Villa which dates back to thousands of years.
Lake Garda is a water sports lover’s delight as it offers opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boating, and swimming. The hills surrounding the lake offer hiking and biking trailers for the land adventurers while for the more adventure sports lovers, there is always paragliding and mountaineering on offer. And for the elites, there are gold and wine tours that are a must.
Lake Garda hosts multiple cultural events, music festivals, food and wine festivals, and traditional festivals throughout the year.
Lake Garda is near major cities like Milan, Venice, and Verona making it easily accessible by road, rail, or car. This is one of the most amazing destinations that one can select when on a Europe tour. This stunning destination will take you for an experience out of this world.
You will have the privilege to experience some of the best feelings of your life at this royal destination. If you are including this place in your itinerary then you are gonna be one of the most fortunate people on the Europe tour.
Finnish Lakeland
The next amazing lake that you can visit in Europe is Finnish Lakeland. This is yet another magnificent lake that you should include in your itinerary. Being one of the most popular lakes in Europe I am sure you are gonna have some of the best moments of your life at this destination.
Finnish Lakeland also known as ‘Land of Thousand Lakes’ is home to thousands of lakes both big and small with the biggest being Lake Saimaa. These lakes are interconnected by rivers and canals making it one of the biggest waterway networks. These lakes are dotted with multiple islands which are home to lush forests and beautiful beaches.
The entire outskirts of Finnish Lakeland is heavily forested and is home to diverse wildlife like the elks and bears including numerous bird species making it one of the top lakes in Europe to visit.
The lakes offer numerous opportunities for boating and sailing enthusiasts where one can indulge in activities like boating, parasailing, etc, or simply go fishing or on a tour of the villages, towns, and beaches that line up on the shores.
For adventure seekers, there are numerous hiking and biking trails surrounding the lakes where one can indulge in biking or hiking, especially during the summers.
In the winter season, the whole region witnesses a transformation, and winter sports like skiing, ice skating, ice skiing, and snowshoeing take over. The Finnish Lakeland is dotted with numerous historical towns and villages which boast historic castles and buildings. Some of these towns and villages hold various cultural and other festivals throughout the year.
The Finnish Lakeland is easily accessible by road and rail from major Finnish cities like Helsinki.
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Lake Bohinj
Located in the Julian Alps in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj is a beautiful natural lake and a part of the only national park in Slovenia – Triglav National Park.
The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters surrounded by natural landscapes, heavy dense forests, towering rugged peaks, and lush green meadows marking it as one of the European lakes to visit when globe-trotting.
Compared to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj has relatively fewer visitors, and hence, a visit to this lake is divine. The lake and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer to its visitors.
There are a number of hiking and biking trails for both amateurs and experts around the lake. The lake itself offers ample opportunities to go boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming.
The lake’s crystal clear water reflects the surrounding mountains and forests distinctively, making it very picturesque. One can also go fishing in Lake Bohinj which has a variety of fishes like the Trout and Char among other species.
Lake Bohinj also boasts one of the famous natural attractions located nearby – the Savica Waterfall. During winter, one can also go skiing and indulge in snow sports on the nearby mountain range.
Lake Bohinj is easily accessible from Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana which is 80 km away by car, bus, or train.
Lake District Wild Swimming
Located in North West England, the Lake District is known for its stunning natural landscapes, numerous lakes, forests, and mountains and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. Lake District has 16 major lakes that offer Wild Swimming options to its visitors. The largest natural lake is the Windermere which is the most popular among all lakes and offers boating and other water sports facilities.
Some of the places in the Lake District that offer Wild Swimming include Rydal Water, a small picturesque lake located near the town of Ambleside and is surrounded by woodlands and meadows.
Other lakes such as Grasmere, Ullswater, Buttermere, Wastwater, etc. are also good for wild swimming, both for beginners and experts.
The lakes in the Lake District offer fantastic opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Europe, providing both physical and mental relaxation.
The Lake District is accessible by car, bus, and train easily accessible from cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
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Plitvice Lakes National Park
The next great lake that you can visit in Europe is the Plitvice Lakes. This place has a royal experience to offer. If you are heading to Europe then you must include this place in your itinerary. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park located in central Croatia and measures 295 square kilometers.
It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. Walkaways and hiking trails winding around and across the lakes link the upper 12 and lower 4 lakes making it to the list of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
The park is filled with lush green forests hosting diverse plant and animal species such as deer, wolves, bears, wild boars, etc., and more than 120 bird species. The lake boasts crystal clear waters made up of different hues and Veliki Slap, the highest waterfall in the park standing at 78 feet is a major tourist attraction.
Electric boats are available at Lake Kozjak, the largest lake at Plitvice Lakes National Park that takes you on a ride of a lifetime as you soak in the scenic beauty of the shorelines around you.
Plitvice Lakes National Park can be accessed from Croatia’s capital city Zagreb and the coastal city Zadar via car or bus.
Overall, Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most beautiful European lakes, offers a magical experience to its visitors with its breathtaking beauty, serene atmosphere, and diverse ecosystem. This is one of the most frequented places in Europe. Touriaratand visitors love to be at this destination to enjoy a thrilling experience.
Lake Ohrid
Now we have another great destination to visit in Europe. Lake Ohrid is a spectacular lake to visit in Europe. You can easily find something interesting at this place. If one counts some of the historical lakes in Europe to visit, Lake Ohrid will feature right on top. Lake Ohrid is a picturesque lake located in the Balkans and shared by Albania and Macedonia.
Lake Ohrid is famous for its crystal clear water, its natural beauty, historical significance, and rich ecosystem. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance. Measuring 358 square kilometers, the lake is surrounded by lofty mountains and lush green vegetation, offering stunning landscapes and panoramic views all around.
The most significant part of Lake Ohrid is that it is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe and is estimated to be between 3 to 5 million years old. The lake’s clean waters and pebbled beaches make it an ideal lake for swimming and other water sports. One can also rent boats and kayaks and go sailing across the lakes or take a boat tour to explore the lake and its scenic coastlines.
The area around the lake also offers adventure seekers hiking and biking trails both for beginners and experts. One can also visit the ‘Bay of Bones’, a recreated prehistoric settlement that is also an open-air museum.
Lake Ohrid is accessible by bus or car from both Macedonia and Albania.
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Lake Balaton
Located in Hungary, Lake Balaton is one of the largest lakes in central Europe and a popular tourist destination famous for its natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance. One of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, Lake Balaton is surrounded by rolling hills, resort towns, and miles of vineyards, offering a picturesque view to visitors.
With its numerous beaches and resorts along the shores of the vast Lake Balaton, it is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing. The lake also offers ample scopes for water sports like sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Cycling and hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous hiking and biking trails that surround the lake.
Some of the towns and villages surrounding the lakes offer a blend of historic and modern architecture, amazing local cuisine, cultural attractions, and various festivals. Overall, Lake Balaton offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for all age groups
Lake Bolsena
Lake Bolsena is one of the largest and most beautiful volcanic lakes, almost 300,000 years old and measuring 114 square kilometers. It is located in the region of Lazio in central Italy. It is famous for its pristine waters, wonderful scenic landscapes, and historical significance.
The lake has pristine crystal clear water that is ideal for swimming and other water sports. Popular activities for the visitors include boating, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing among others. The lakeside towns and villages are known for their medieval architecture including the Rocca Monaldeschi Castle overlooking the lake.
Two islands – Isola Bisentina and Isola Martana are two main islands located in the middle of the lake and accessible by boat. Of the two, Isola Bisentina is more tourist-friendly with its beautiful gardens and historic ruins.
Other than the offer of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, the other highlight of Lake Bolsena is the Bolsena Fish Festival held in July every year and which celebrates local fishing traditions and culinary delights of the lake. Lake Bolsena is easily accessible by road from cities like Rome and Florence.
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Lake Bracciano
Lake Bracciano is another volcanic lake located in the region of Lazio in central Italy. It is the second-largest lake in the region and one of the major lakes in Italy offering clear pristine water, natural landscapes, and historical significance. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills, forested areas, and quaint picturesque villages.
Most of the area around the lake is rich in flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. Most of the designated beaches along the lake are ideal for swimming and other water sports. One can also indulge in fishing in the lake, home to various fish species.
In the vicinity of the lake, one can also take a guided tour of one of the best-preserved medieval castles – Bracciano Castle. The towns and villages are also home to some historical places and ancient churches. Lake Bracciano is easily accessible by car, bus, or train from Rome which is just 32 km away.
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Lake Lucerne
Located in Switzerland, Lake Lucerne is a beautiful lake with its breathtaking landscapes. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is known for its beauty, and recreational activities, and the historic city of Lucerne is situated in the vicinity that has some of the most beautiful medieval architecture on display.
Lake Lucerne has a unique, irregular shape creating a fjord-like landscape around it. The lake’s crystal clear water adds to the lake’s beauty and gives wonderful opportunities for various water sports. The lake is also famous for its boat cruises which offer picturesque tours around the lake.
Water sports like swimming, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing are quite popular on Lake Lucerne. For bikers and hikers, there are numerous hiking and biking trails around the lake that offer stunning views of the lake and the mountainside. The lake is well-connected by public transportation including trains, boats, and buses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these lakes in Europe are renowned for their crystal clear and pristine waters, beautiful landscapes, recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage they offer and are a must–visit destinations in Europe for visitors. Each of these European lakes is rated among the top lakes in the list of largest lakes of Europe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the purest lake in Europe?
Lake Annecy in France is the purest lake in Europe.
Which part of Europe is most beautiful?
The Norwegian Fjords are the most beautiful in Europe.
What European country has the best lakes?
Switzerland has some of the best lakes in Europe
What is the cleanest lake in Europe
Lake Annecy in France is the cleanest lake in Europe
What are the top 3 biggest lakes in Europe?
Lake Ladoga, Lake Onega, and Lake Vanern are the top3 biggest lakes in Europe
What is the oldest lake in Europe?
Lake Ohrid nestled between Macedonia and Albania is the oldest lake in Europe dating back several years