The 20 Most Spectacular Lakes in the World
There is nothing more calm-inducing than standing near sparkling turquoise waters. In fact, recent studies have shown that those who live by the water have better physical health and mental well-being. Since the beginning of human civilization, we have been drawn to rivers, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water, and lakes especially can offer the untouched beauty and dramatic views we crave. Many have become top destinations for wellness retreats and the world's best luxury resorts. Here, you'll find the 20 most beautiful lakes in the world that offer mountain, medieval town, and red rock canyon views.
This stunning lake is void of life due to its extremely high salinity content. Always surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, Laguna Verde's electric waters look even more spectacular against such a grand backdrop.
Another beautiful salt lake, the Dead Sea is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world, attracting millions each year to the lowest point on earth. The area is home to public beaches where tourists float along the shore with ease. It has recently become a luxurious spot for boutique and spa hotels for those wanting to make the most of their stay.
Straddling the California-Nevada Border in the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies the idyllic Lake Tahoe, considered the best lake in the U.S. and one of the country's top ski destinations. On average, the sun shines 80 percent of the time in Lake Tahoe, so you're almost guaranteed to experience the lake in all its glory at least once upon visiting.
This inland lake is the third largest in the country and easily accessible from Queenstown. It's a popular swimming and trout-fishing destination for tourists and locals alike. Because of Lake Wakatipu's unique shape, it actually has a tide of sorts, which the native Maori people believe is from the heartbeat of a monster named Matau who they believe is sleeping at the bottom.
It simply doesn't get much better than Lake Como. This dreamy destination in Northern Italy is home to scenic mountain scapes, a charming town filled with Renaissance architecture, and a pristine body of water surrounding it. Located at the foot of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes on the continent with the central and northern areas offering the best beaches.
Seated in the Chilean region of the Patagonias, this crystal-clear lake offers plenty of wildlife sighting opportunities and breathtaking views of Cuernos del Paine Mountains—some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It's a popular destination for sailing, sport fishing, and hiking around Torres de Paine National Park.
Nestled in the magical Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is a glacially fed lake that has a spectacular turquoise hue. Surrounded by mountains, rocks, waterfalls, and evergreens, creating a breathtaking scene. Plus, that means there are plenty of exciting activities to do in the area, from hiking to canoeing.
Lake Bled is set in the swoon-worthy Julian Alps where a Medieval castle and picture-perfect church sit front and center on a central islet. Eastern European folklorists believe the lake was created by fairies and the church bell of the island's church grants the wishes of hopeful visitors.
This jaw-dropping marine salt lake can be found in Western Australia near the Indian Ocean. The color of Hutt Lagoon can change from a bright, bubblegum pink to a serene lilac and even a bright red depending on the day and season. The best time to see the lake in all its glory is at mid-morning or sunset.
This massive Siberian lake is thought to be the oldest and deepest lake in the world. Lake Baikal contains approximately 20 percent of the earth's lake and river water—comparable in volume to the basin of the Amazon. Additionally, about 1,500 species of animals live around the lake and 80 percent of them can only be found right here.
The newest lake on this list, Attabad Lake was created as a dam in 2010 after a major landslide occurred in the namesake town. This body of water is a lovely result of a tragic event, making this beautiful destination a popular spot for boating, fishing, jet-skiing, and more above this underground former village.
Surrounded by rice fields and grasslands, Thale Noi is an untouched slice of Thailand appropriately nicknamed "Lotus Lake." Hundreds of species of resident and migrant animals can be found in this delightful stretch of protected wetland that is Thailand's first non-hunting area.
This Swiss lake is one of the most famous in the world and for good reason. Nestled between two limestone mountains in the heart of the namesake city, Lake Lucerne is famous for fabulous summer resorts, particularly for wellness seekers and medi-spa obsessives.
The collection of Michigan's Great Lakes are all worth seeing, but Lake Superior offers some of the cleanest, clearest water of the bunch. Visitors will discover not only crystal waters but also sea caves, lighthouses, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs.
One of China's most beautiful sights, West Lake is a symbolic destination for the Chinese people. There are 10 scenic sites across this lake from peaceful pagodas to a lotus-laced flower pond. This glistening lake surrounded by majestic peaks makes for a serene, special destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Lake of Saint Croix is a man-made lake built in the early '70s and has attracted visitors near and far ever since. Gorges du Verdon is one of the area's largest attraction and the lake is at the end of the majestic gorge. Robin's egg blue waters that span 600 square miles and more than 1,500 hiking trails ensure there's always something new to explore upon each visit.
Lake Natron is one of the most inhospitable places on earth but is strangely home to many an endangered flamingo—about 2.5 million. The vividly colored salt marshes get their hue from algae and other organisms with an affinity for salt in this Great Rift Valley destination.
This man-made reservoir sits on the Colorado River between Utah and Arizona and is a top destination for tourists visiting the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. In between glimmering waters lie ancient red rock formations, making boat tours a popular activity for visitors to best enjoy the majesty of this area.
Loch Awe is the longest lake in the country and sits in the idyllic Scottish Highlands. It's home to one of Scotland's most photographed castles, Kilchurn Castle, which was built in the 15th century. It's also home to a fantastic gothic church, St. Conan's Kirk, that offers sweeping lake views.
Canada's most famous lake resides in Banff National Park, nearby to Moraine Lake. With Mount Victoria, glaciers, and a palatial hotel as a backdrop and crystal-clear waters, what's not to love? Don't miss a stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (shown here) to enjoy the views at every moment of your Canadian vacation.
The 20 Most Spectacular Lakes in the World
There is nothing more calm-inducing than standing near sparkling turquoise waters. In fact, recent studies have shown that those who live by the water have better physical health and mental well-being. Since the beginning of human civilization, we have been drawn to rivers, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water, and lakes especially can offer the untouched beauty and dramatic views we crave. Many have become top destinations for wellness retreats and the world's best luxury resorts. Here, you'll find the 20 most beautiful lakes in the world that offer mountain, medieval town, and red rock canyon views.
From Canada to China, you'll want to add these natural wonders to your travel bucket list.
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