20 of the Best Lakes to Visit in Europe

From glacier-fed Alpine jewels to vast Nordic waterways, Europe's lakes are some of its most beautiful – and most relaxing – places to spend a holiday. Swim, paddle, hike the shores or simply sit with a coffee and the view. Here are 20 of the best, from famous names to quieter favourites.

The Alps

1. Lake Bled, Slovenia

A church on a tiny island, a castle on a cliff and a backdrop of the Julian Alps make Bled one of Europe's most photographed lakes. Row a traditional pletna boat to the island and try the local cream cake.

2. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Bled's quieter, wilder neighbour sits inside Triglav National Park. The water is clear and cold, and trails lead up to the Savica waterfall and the Vogel cable car.

3. Hallstätter See, Austria

The village of Hallstatt clings to the lakeshore beneath steep mountains. Go early or stay overnight to enjoy it before the day-trip crowds, and ride the funicular up to the salt mine and skywalk.

4. Attersee, Austria

The largest lake entirely within Austria is known for its turquoise water, sailing and swimming. Gustav Klimt spent his summers here and painted the lake many times.

5. Königssee, Germany

Electric boats glide across this narrow, fjord-like lake in Berchtesgaden National Park to the onion-domed chapel of St Bartholomä. Listen out for the trumpet echo off the cliffs.

6. Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Historic paddle steamers link lakeside villages and cogwheel railways up Mount Rigi and Pilatus. The views of the mountains rising straight from the water are classic Switzerland.

7. Caumasee, Switzerland

Hidden in the forest above Flims, this small lake glows an unreal turquoise. It's a summer swimming spot with a small beach and a lift down from the village.

8. Lago di Braies, Italy

In the Dolomites, this emerald lake with wooden rowing boats is breathtaking. In summer, access by car is restricted and parking must be booked in advance – check before you go.

Italy, France and Switzerland's big lakes

9. Lake Como, Italy

Elegant villas, terraced gardens and pastel villages such as Bellagio and Varenna line Lake Como's shores. Explore by ferry, hopping between towns.

10. Lake Garda, Italy

Italy's largest lake has something for everyone: medieval Sirmione with its castle and thermal spa, windsurfing at Riva del Garda and theme parks for families.

11. Lac d'Annecy, France

Often called Europe's cleanest lake, Annecy's water is a beautiful blue. Cycle the lakeside path, swim from the town's beaches and wander the canals of the old town.

12. Lake Geneva, Switzerland and France

Vineyards climb the slopes of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, above the lake. Don't miss the fairy-tale Château de Chillon near Montreux.

Central and south-eastern Europe

13. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Sixteen terraced lakes linked by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks make Plitvice one of Europe's natural wonders. Buy timed tickets online in summer and arrive at opening time.

14. Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia and Albania

One of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, Ohrid is lined with Byzantine churches and monasteries. The town of Ohrid, with its clifftop Church of St John at Kaneo, is the perfect base.

15. Titisee, Germany

In the heart of the Black Forest, Titisee is perfect for pedal boats, lakeside walks and cuckoo-clock shopping, with forest trails all around.

Northern Europe and the UK

16. Saimaa, Finland

Finland's largest lake is a maze of islands, forests and summer cottages – and home to the rare Saimaa ringed seal. Rent a cabin with a sauna and swim straight from the jetty.

17. Jökulsárlón, Iceland

Icebergs break off a glacier and drift through this lagoon towards the sea. Take a boat tour among the ice, then walk to Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice glitter on black sand.

18. Loweswater, Lake District, England

For a quieter side of the Lake District, small, peaceful Loweswater offers an easy circular walk through woods and fields, away from the busier lakes.

19. Llyn Idwal, Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales

A short walk from the road at Ogwen leads to this dramatic glacial lake below the Glyderau mountains – a classic Welsh walk.

20. Lake Vouliagmeni, Greece

On the Athens Riviera, this natural lake is fed by warm springs, so swimming is pleasant all year. Combine it with our guide to the best things to do in Athens.

Tips for a lake holiday

• Many Alpine lakes are cold even in high summer – check the water temperature before you jump in.
• Book ahead in summer: some popular lakes now limit cars or require parking reservations.
• Travel by train: many lakes are on scenic railway lines – see our pick of Europe's best scenic rail journeys.