Deep blue lakes certainly provide the most mind-blowing views on the planet. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rugged peaks, or forest-clad hills, every single one of them has fantastic sun-kissed shorelines. Apart from that, the islands that stand at the heart of the sparkling water bodies are enough reason to visit them.
Of course, every single lake enchants with its beauty, but there are a bunch of them that completely enthrall their visitors. Find out the 31 most beautiful lakes in the world and pick your favorite one.
Moraine Lake (Canada)
Moraine Lake, which is famous for its azure blue waters, lies in Banff National Park. It is not only Canada’s most beautiful feature but also among the most eminent lakes on Earth. You have two ways to enjoy the magnificent view of the lake as well as its surroundings.
The surrounding area has multiple hiking trails that vary in length. No matter which one you choose, you will be able to see the picture-postcard vista of Moraine, which is nestled between numerous snow-blanketed Canadian Rocky Mountains, once you reach the viewpoint. Another way to enjoy the perfect scenery is by paddling.
Located in: Banff National Park, Canada
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
| 🏨 Accommodation | Booking.com |
Lake Atitlan (Guatemala)
Despite being generally unnoticed, Lake Atitlan is one of the most appealing lakes on the planet. The lake, set in a large crater, has a magnificent backdrop provided by three enormous volcanoes. Besides its spectacular setting, Atitlan is an excellent place to embrace Mayan culture.
Though it may seem improbable, some of the lakeside residents even now put on traditional clothes. There are also ancient historical sites that can help you learn about the mentioned culture. With so much on offer, this beautiful lake is probably the focal point of Guatemala.
Located in: Southwestern Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range
Lake Como (Italy)
Lake Como, encircled by yellow hills and huge mountains, is a place of nonpareil beauty and enchantment. Over and above that, Como’s sunshiny shore is full of jaw-dropping buildings, including villas and palaces, built for those who long to enjoy the lovely view for more than a day.
This deep blue treasure of Italy is a perfect destination for slowing down from all the hustle and bustle that school and work provide. Moreover, Como gives golden opportunities to do kite surfing and windsurfing. It also features spas that are not to be missed.
Lake Wakatipu (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s most far-reaching lake is situated in the isle of Te Waipounamu. Well-known for the jagged snow-capped mountains that gracefully ring it, Wakatipu is a finger lake with a picturesque backdrop and relaxing atmosphere.
If and if only you get a bang out of extreme sports, take doing bungee jumping or paragliding above the lake’s deep blue waters under advisement. Under other conditions, go for an exhilarating walk along Wakatipu’s fascinating shoreline. Furthermore, the lake features ski fields.
Crater Lake (Oregon, USA)
Crater Lake, as its name suggests, lies at the top of a collapsed volcano. The splendid lake, nestled between towering jagged cliffs, creates eye-popping backgrounds for your pictures. What is more, its clean waters and gorgeous islands make the spot look like heaven on Earth.
Being within Crater Lake National Park, the watery wonder and its surrounding area provide visitors with hiking, cycling, and camping zones. Keep in mind that the most eminent Inle meal, called htamin gyin, is made with fish and landed from Inle Lake.
Lake Bled (Slovenia)
Nestled between the Julian Alps and thick forests, Lake Bled embellishes northwestern Slovenia with its pristine clean look. The tiny island in the middle of the lake that one can reach by a wooden boat adds beauty to Bled. Being home to a Gothic church, Bled Island hosts numerous weddings throughout the year.
Although the area can get overcrowded during the hot months, it is still a go-to for a peaceful boat trip and super-duper photos. Do not hesitate to visit the spot in winter since the view of Lake Bled carpeted in the snow is priceless.
Inle Lake (Myanmar)
Bounded by ancient monasteries and striking temples, Inle Lake is a well-known tourist destination that gives the excellent opportunity to embrace Myanmar’s culture. The lake also boasts several spectacularly built fisherman’s villages that stand on bamboo stilts.
The second largest lake in the whole of Myanmar is home to countless festivals, including Hpaung Daw U Festival, which continues for 18 days. Cogitate about going on a boat trip to have a look at the unusual stores moving smoothly on the waters of Inle.
Lake Pehoé (Chile)
Lake Tahoe, which might make you think that somebody poured a tin of bright blue paint into its waters, perfectly reflects the looming Torres del Paine mountain range. Drop-dead bewitching glaciers, out of sight waterfalls, and adjoining massive mountains exquisitely hug the blue gem of Chilean Patagonia and enhance the already-glorious scenery.
Situated in Torres del Paine National Park, the lake’s area is known for its diverse flora and fauna. With its breathtaking backdrop and brilliant blue waters, Lake Tahoe is an attention-grabbing masterpiece day and night. Nevertheless, it is quite divine when shimmering in the sunlight.
Lake Titicaca (Between Peru and Bolivia)
With an elevation of 12,507, Lake Titicaca exists as the biggest lake in South America. This deep lake resides in Andes – a mesmerizing chain of snow-blanketed mountains. Situated between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is more than a place to unwind and enjoy the stunning view; it allows you to learn something new about the area’s history.
While hiking, you can see Inca ruins along the shoreline, which may easily make you feel like you went back in time. Luckily, one may go on boat trips to have a closer view of the countless islands that the lake owns.
Lake Baikal (Siberia, Russia)
Have you ever wondered where the largest freshwater lake on Earth lies? Russia is the proud owner of an enormous watery wonder that comprises 5,670 cubic miles of freshwater (the total volume of the Great Lakes is 5,439).
What is more, Baikal is the deepest and the earliest born lake in the world. “Pearl of Siberia” offers multiple activities to its guests ranging from clambering and hiking along its coast to ice skating on its icy skin. In other words, this miraculous splendor is the holy grail of every nature enthusiast.
Lake Pichola (Udaipur, India)
The artificial body of water that bedazzles every passerby with its alluring look derives its name from the adjacent Picholi village. Located in the center of Udaipur, Lake Pichola hosts several islands of peace. Each of the four pieces of land is home to magnificent palaces.
The most eye-catching structure within the boundaries of the lake is Lake Palace on the isle of Jag Niwas. Its bright white walls and multiple long windows make it aesthetically appealing. Initially, a property of the Mewar family, the building came up to be a 5-star hotel in the 19th century.
Dead Sea (Jordan, Israel)
Enclosed by Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest lakes in the world. The watery wonder, which is about 10 times saltier than the ocean, throws down the gauntlet to its guests, inviting them to try swimming in its crystal clear blue waters.
Being the lowest location of all, the Dead Sea is not a new tourist attraction. On the contrary, this outstanding natural beauty was folk’s favorite relaxation point millenniums ago. However, the main reason why ancient people bathed in the lake was to take advantage of its healing power.
Laguna Colorada (Bolivia)
Laguna Colorada, viz., Red Lagoon is the red pearl of Bolivia. According to an ancient legend, Colorada’s red waters are the gods’ blood. If truth be told, the salt lake owes its reddish color to red sediments and algae that call the water body home.
Wildlife in the area includes pink flamingos, which love cooling off in the lake’s shallow waters. Guests can also observe borax islands that prettify the picturesque scenery all the more. Situated in close proximity to Chile, within the boundaries of Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, this fairy-tale lake should be included in your bucket list.
Lake Tahoe (Between California and Nevada)
Lake Tahoe, encircled by forests and mountains, shimmers calmly in the sunlight in Nevada, a state in the Western region. The largest alpine lake in North America was shaped ages ago. Today, it is a magnificent destination for those who get a buzz out of doing water sports.
Top activities to do in winter are skiing and snowboarding, while hiking is the best entertainment in summer. Moreover, lakeside casinos, posh hotels, and ski resorts enhance the appearance of the lake. With so many things to do, Lake Tahoe appears to be a must-see.
Lake Kawaguchi (Japan)
Be familiar with the second-largest Fuji Lake. Kawaguchi, in all its glory, entrances hundreds of visitors annually. What attracts many is Mount Fuji that capped with snow, lies in the background, and contributes to the idyllic scene of the lake.
Set in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Lake Kawaguchi can be reached by a train that runs up from Shinjuku Station on a daily basis. Supposing you pay a visit to the spot in spring, you may well see the colorful cherry blossoms surrounding the watery wonder.
Hutt Lagoon (Australia)
Lake Hillier, located in the far north of Australia, is perhaps the most famous of the pink lakes in the country, but we find Hutt Lagoon, located in the southwest of Western Australia, just as fascinating. Depending on the season and time of day, this very salty body of water can appear in one of three colors: pink, purple, or red. You may see the ocean change color right before your eyes if you travel through the Saline Flats, between Port Gregory and Kalbarri before sunset.
Attabad Lake (Pakistan)
A landslide buried the small village of Attabad in northern Pakistan in 2010. The site of the former village was filled with water and the neighboring Hunza River was stopped from flowing, resulting in a major natural disaster that displaced thousands of people in the area. Attabad Lake has, in the last decade, become an actual destination. While locals were able to build hotels and campsites around the lake to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, water sports and boat tours also played a key role in the redevelopment.
Lake Nakuru (Kenya)
Lake Nakuru is located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, where animals of many kinds congregate due to the high concentration of algae in the water. Lion, leopard, and flamingo colonies are among the other creatures that are drawn to the lake. The lower levels of salinity have to lead to fewer lanky pink visitors, but the protected area is still a sight to behold due to the rising water levels.
Lake Bacalar (Mexico)
When you reach Lake Bacalar in the southern Quintana Roo region of Mexico, you might have the sensation of having landed in French Polynesia. Snorkeling and diving are ideal in the lake because of its white limestone bottom and clear water. Snapping a few dozen photographs while you’re at it would also be highly enjoyable.
Thale Noi (Thailand)
Thale Noi is known as “Lotus Lake” (maybe you can guess why?). However, the wetlands protect some wildlife that is more unique than pink lotus flowers, such as box turtles, storks, and water buffaloes.
Melissani Lake (Greece)
On the Greek island of Kefalonia, the Cave of Melissani has two chambers – one covered in stalagmites, the other filled with sunlight – and is a memorable sight. The caves and Melissani Lake have been well-known to the public for a few centuries, but the area was only opened to the public around the early 1960s when people began coming through in rowing boats.
Lake Lucerne (Switzerland)
Lake Lucerne is located at an elevation of 1,424 feet, in the central part of Switzerland, just 40 minutes south of Zurich. Tourists can take a steamer cruise in this relaxing lake environment, with water that is both calm and breathtaking.
Lake Natron (Tanzania)
A beautiful-looking salt lake, but its heat and extremely low pH levels make it an undesirable vacation destination. A significant advantage is that there is an excess of scarlet-hued algae, and thus millions of flamingos congregate there, making it a significant breeding ground for the species.
West Lake (China)
The West Lake and Hangzhou’s surrounding Cultural Landscape have been part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site program since 2011; in particular, the program recognizes the area for being the “incubator of some of China’s most prominent poets, scholars, and artists, and a premier tourist destination for generations.” At almost 2.5 square miles, the freshwater lake is full of beautiful temples, pagodas, and islets scattered across its surface.
Lac de Sainte-Croix (France)
To get to Lac de Sainte-Croix, follow the Verdon River, a turquoise, Alpine river snaking through the Gorge du Verdon. When you reach the lake, you will be amazed at the beautiful surroundings and the clear waters. While paddle-boating and kayaking are two popular activities at the lake, we’d prefer to lie down on the white-sand shores and relax for a few hours.
Buttermere Lake (England)
Stretched out across the northwest of England in the Buttermere Valley, Buttermere Lake is about as lovely and charming as its English lake cousins. One can walk around the perimeter of the lake in under two hours on footpaths, and for even longer on the popular mountain routes of Haystacks and Red Pike.
Lake Saimaa (Finland)
Unlike in Italy and France, where glitzy lakes are well-known, Finland has some beautiful lakes that are unknown to many. The unblemished, tree-lined shores and flowing waterways of Lake Saimaa, dotted with about 14,000 tiny islands, make it a paradise for water enthusiasts like us.
Jökulsárlón (Iceland)
Jökulsárlón, a glacial lake located in the Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland, is one of the country’s natural wonders due to its beautiful black volcanic sand that is interspersed with massive chunks of ice that wash ashore. It further enhances the visual appeal when the Northern Lights are reflected in it.
Lake Powell (Utah and Arizona)
Mother Nature has a hand in creating beautiful things, and we as a species also have a hand in creating them. Additional context: One excellent example is Lake Powell, a reservoir that straddles the borders of Utah and Arizona. The “lake” has drawn millions of tourists each year thanks to its convenient location next to a large number of grand canyons, dams, and natural bridges.
Plitviče Lakes, Croatia
Croatia’s Plitviče Lakes National Park is formed of 16 terraced lakes that are connected by waterfalls of a different blue shade. In short, it’s a breathtaking and, in recent years, even more popular attraction that boggles the mind.
Rakotzsee (Germany)
Rakotzsee (Rakotz Lake) is the hidden gem in Kromlau’s Azalea and Rhododendron Park, about an hour southeast of Berlin. In the heart of Rakotzsee is one of the most magical places you’ll ever see: When a rakotzbrücke, a 19th-century stone bridge, is reflected in the water below, it forms a perfect circle. In popular culture, the structure is often called “Devil’s Bridge,” as it looks so impossibly difficult that it was built by some sort of supernatural power.
