The Most Beautiful Lakes in the World
Reflected mountain peaks, pink-hued waters, and white sand shores are features of some of the world’s most beautiful lakes. These pools vary in sizes, altitudes, and multicolor shades from Taiwan to Tropical North Queensland—but although our world’s waterscapes are each uniquely distinct, they all share the power to uplift our emotional and mental well-being. Don’t just take our word for it. Each of these lakes can be visited, albeit some more easily than others.
Whether you’re searching for a tropical beach vibe, a skyscraping alpine lake, or balmy water filled with golden non-stinging jellyfish, there’s a lake to suit every imaginable personality. We’ve even included recommendations for waterside stays for you to soak in the soothing atmosphere for more than one afternoon. From a lake in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps to a Kenyan pool decorated with a flamboyance of flamingos, these are the most exquisite pools of water worldwide.
This gallery has been updated since its original publish date.
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Artur Debat/GettyDead Sea, Israel and Jordan
Don’t let the name fool you—the Dead Sea is, in fact, a saline lake with palm tree-lined mountains and white, serpentine salt formations. The amount of salt in the electric-blue water makes swimming difficult (not to mention, inadvisable), but floating is a breeze. Stay within walking distance of the Dead Sea and luxuriate in the hotel's signature mud treatment at Prima Oasis Spa Hotel.
Jorde Angjelovik/GettyMelissani Lake, Greece
With its two chambers—one dark and covered with stalagmites, the other sunlit through a huge opening to the surface—the Cave of Melissani on the island of Kefalonia is an unforgettable sight. While the caves and subterranean Melissani Lake were discovered several hundred years ago, the area only opened to the public in the early 1960s, and plenty of travelers have been rowing through its stunning blue water since then. Relax above a secluded beach oasis at Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa in southern Kefalonia island.
Agusta Vop/GettyLaguna Colorada, Bolivia
High up in the Bolivian mountains, about a three-hour drive north of Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama, is where you’ll find the crimson-colored Laguna Colorada, whose water gets its distinctive hue from red algae (although folklore attributes it to the spilled blood of the gods). Try to visit between December and April, when the shallow but beautiful lake is full of water and light pink flamingos are gathered for breeding season. In San Pedro, the new Our Habitas is a restful landing pad.
Posnov/GettyLake St. Clair, Tasmania, Australia
After dipping in the clear blue water of the deepest freshwater lake in Australia, explore the blooming forests around this 11-mile-long lake. Tasmania’s Lake St. Clair is also a celebrated hiking and bushwalking destination for all levels, with the opportunity to spot iconic Tassie wildlife, such as wallabies, platypuses, quolls, and wombats. Blend into the surroundings by spending the night at Pumphouse Point, a remote wilderness retreat with just 18 rooms.
Ankit Sood/UnsplashJökulsárlón, Iceland
Located in Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland, the glacial lake of Jökulsárlón and its frozen beach are considered one of the country’s natural wonders, and for good reason: Black volcanic sands are brilliantly juxtaposed with chunks of ice that wash ashore. The spot earns even more visual bonus points when reflecting the Northern Lights.
Minden Pictures/GettyLake Natron, Tanzania
This salt lake sure is beautiful to look at, but its hellish 120-degree temperatures and dangerously low pH levels mean you can only admire it from afar. There is one major upside: The surplus of scarlet-hued algae attracts millions of flamingos, making the area one of the species’ major breeding grounds.
Alice Bunke/GettyLake Kayangan, the Philippines
Known as the cleanest lake in Asia, this popular tourist destination offers crystalline, emerald waters. Masses of towering granite rock formations jut out of the deep water, making this lake one of the most famous photography spots in the Philippines. Coron Island’s Lake Kayangan is only boat accessible, and you’ll need to endure a challenging ten-minute stepped ascent, but it’ll be worth the effort.
Igor Prahin/GettyThale Noi, Thailand
Commonly referred to as “Lotus Lake” (can you guess why?), the Thale Noi wetlands and waterfowl park in southern Thailand is one of the loveliest spots in the entire country. Aside from the millions of pink lotus flowers skimming the lake’s surface, the protected wetlands contain some unique wildlife, including box turtles, storks, and water buffaloes.
Matteo Colombo/GettyLake Eacham, Tropical North Queensland
Part of Crater Lakes National Park in Queensland, Lake Eacham is a maar, a volcanic crater caused by groundwater explosions. The over 200-foot-deep lake is lush with tropical rainforest fronds and greenery. Its beauty is ideal for a stroll around the almost two-mile track circling the peaceful azure lake—keep an eye out for endemic wet-tropics birds or dinky musky rat-kangaroos.
N. Umnajwannaphan/GettyLake Kawaguchiko, Japan
Of all the Fuji Five Lakes (aka the five lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji), Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the most accessible to reach from Tokyo—and easily the most beautiful. On a clear day, you can see the iconic mountain reflected perfectly in the lake’s water, and come springtime, the surrounding promenades become filled with the country’s signature cherry blossoms.
Grant Faint/GettyLake Nakuru, Kenya
Located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is known for attracting a wide diversity of wildlife to its algae-packed waters, including lions, leopards, and swarms of feeding flamingos. Although rising water levels over the past few years have led to a drop in salinity, and therefore, fewer lanky pink visitors, the protected area is still a sight to behold.
Joshua Paetkau/GettyLake Winnipeg, Canada
This popular local getaway is about an hour outside Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Its pristine white sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing, and its waters are popular for windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. Lake Winnipeg is also a special place for the many First Nation and Métis communities calling the shores their home. Another perk is that its over a thousand miles of beaches and shorelines shelter one of the world's largest freshwater lakes from crowds and overtourism.
Amy Rollo/UnsplashLake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia
The largest lake in South America (3,200 square miles) and highest navigable lake in the world (12,500 feet above sea level) is a place of sparkling water, welcoming people, and snow-capped mountains. The main attractions here are the floating villages near Puno, Peru, which you can easily reach via kayak or boat tour. (Bed down at the lavish Titilaka, where all stays include excursions.) In October 2024, Belmond and Veuve Clicquot will launch the Solaire Journey, a luxurious train journey from Cusco to Arequipa. The journey includes a sunrise visit to Lake Titicaca.
Max Shen/GettyHutt Lagoon, Australia
Lake Hillier may be the most famous of Australia’s pink lakes, but we find Hutt Lagoon in Western Australia equally striking—and miles more dynamic. This extremely salty body of water can transition from bubblegum pink to purple or red, depending on the season and time of day. If you drive along the salt flats between Port Gregory and Kalbarri just before sunset, you might even see the water change color right before your eyes. Take the Swan River Seaplanes’ Ultimate Pink Lake and Abrolhos Islands Seaplane Adventure for a stunning bird's eye view of the lake.
Pola Damonte/GettyLake Bacalar, Mexico
You’ll find Lake Bacalar in the extreme south of Quintana Roo, Mexico (near the border of Belize), but its varying shades of turquoise and blue might make you think you’ve landed in French Polynesia. With a white limestone bottom and clear water, the lake is perfect for snorkeling and diving—and snapping a few dozen photographs.
Brinley Clark/EyeEm/GettyCrater Lake, Oregon
Reaching depths of 1,949 feet, the awe-inspiring Crater Lake (about a four-hour drive south of Portland) is the deepest lake in the United States—and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Its contents are supplied entirely by glacial runoff and precipitation, hence the water’s clarity and intense blue hue.
Maryna Patzen/GettyLake Lucerne, Switzerland
Just a 40-minute drive south of Zurich, Lake Lucerne is the fourth largest lake in Switzerland, sitting at an elevation of 1,424 in the central part of the country. It’s part of a stunning fjord landscape (yet maintains a mild lake climate), and during the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a steamer cruise across the lake’s relatively calm waters. Dating back to 1873, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is a grand wellness resort where you can take a dip in one of the three luxe spas with views of Lake Lucerne below.
Ante Hamersmit/UnsplashPlitviče Lakes, Croatia
The 16 terraced lakes that make up Croatia’s Plitviče Lakes National Park are connected by waterfalls, each a different shade of blue. The result is a magnificent (and in the last few years, too popular) natural attraction that almost defies imagination.
Luckii Zhang/GettyAttabad Lake, Pakistan
In 2010, the village of Attabad in northern Pakistan was buried by a landslide. The event was a major natural disaster that stopped the flow of the neighboring Hunza River, causing the site of the former village to rapidly fill with water and displacing thousands of people in the region. In the past decade or so, the resulting turquoise lake—Attabad Lake—has become a destination in and of itself. With water sports and boat tours, locals have been able to build hotels and campsites around the lake in an effort to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Della_Liner/GettyLake Saimaa, Finland
While European countries like Italy and France are known for their glitzy lakes, Finland has some equally stunning bodies of water that you probably don’t even know about. We’re fans of Lake Saimaa (Finland’s largest) for its impeccably clean water, tree-lined shores, and gliding waterways dotted with about 14,000 tiny islands. Surrounded by Lake Saimaa, the Kanava Resort offers summer canoe trips through the lake.
Niklas Ohlrogge/UnsplashLake Tekapo, New Zealand
While plenty of lakes in New Zealand boast blue waters and mountainous backdrops, Lake Tekapo stands out for the purple, pink, and blue-hued lupins lining its shores. The colorful flowers (which reach peak bloom in mid-November through December) help create one of the most striking vistas in the entire country. The lake also lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places to stargaze in the entire southern hemisphere. It’s well worth booking overnight accommodations (plenty of villas and lodges are available in the area) just to experience the spectacular night sky.
Robert Canis/GettySørvágsvatn, Faroe Islands
Lake Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, looks like it’s perched hundreds of feet above the ocean and tilts outwards—but this is Mother Nature’s version of an optical illusion. In actuality, the lake sits in a deep depression about 90 feet above sea level. The steep cliff in front of the water (and high camera angles) gives the body of water its seemingly impossible “floating” appearance, further proving that the Faroe Islands are unlike anywhere else on earth.
Zhangshuang/GettyWest Lake, China
West Lake and the surrounding Hangzhou region (collectively dubbed the “West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou”) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011; in particular, the organization recognizes the landscape for “having inspired famous poets, scholars, and artists since the 9th century.” The freshwater lake covers about 2.5 square miles, with many lovely temples, pagodas, and islands peppering the surface.
Leila Kitlaeva/GettyLake Como, Italy
This 56-square-mile Lombardy jewel has been attracting summer vacationers since ancient Roman times. Today, it’s as popular for its natural beauty as it is for its luxury hotels (and George Clooney sightings, of course). Book a night or two at the still-buzzy Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como, set in an exquisitely refurbished 18th-century estate with epic gardens and old-school cocktails.
Lucy Brown/GettyLake Atitlán, Guatemala
Flanked by volcanoes and Mayan villages, this serene lake in the Guatemalan Highlands is a must for anyone considering a trip to Central America. Aside from enjoying the lake’s Eden-like beauty, travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities in the area, whether hiking to the nearby San Pedro volcano or shopping for Guatemalan textiles in one of the local villages, like San Juan La Laguna. Stay at the woman-owned boutique hotel Casa Palopo for stunning views of Lake Atitlán.
DieterMeyrl/GettyRakotzsee, Germany
In Kromlau’s Azalea and Rhododendron Park, just a two-hour drive southeast of Berlin, Rakotzsee (Rakotz Lake) is home to one of the most fairytale-like scenes you’ll ever see: Rakotzbrücke, a 19th-century stone bridge that creates a perfect circle when reflected in the waters below. It’s often referred to as “Devil’s Bridge,” since the dramatic structure seems so impossible that it must have been built by an otherworldly force.
Davis Ladd/GettyLake Tahoe, Nevada and California
Lake Tahoe is the largest of the alpine lakes in North America, formed millions of years ago during the Ice Age. Set in the Sierra Nevadas, it receives worldwide acclaim for its scenic mountain views, luxe ski resorts, and Nevada casinos—not to mention water so clear that you can see to the bottom. It’s no wonder the Corleone family held it in such high regard. (Except for Fredo, probably.) Stay at the lakefront Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, an extravagant oasis.
Byheaven/GettyLake Pichola, India
Located in the historic city of Udaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, this man-made freshwater lake is flanked by magnificent palaces and mountain peaks. It's one of Udaipur's oldest and largest lakes, located in the city's heart, sometimes called the City of Lakes. Built by Pichhu Bajanara in 1362, boat rides on the lake are a popular scenic experience. Stay at ultra-luxe Oberoi Udaivilas, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, which has won our Readers' Choice Awards for seven years in a row.
Connor Jolley/UnsplashMoraine Lake, Canada
Banff National Park has no shortage of beautiful lakes (Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka are standouts), but we opt for the aggressively blue Moraine Lake in the western part of the park. The lake owes its striking color to mineral-rich runoff from the surrounding glaciers, some of which you can spot on the Vally of the Ten Peaks—a row of ten mountains that once appeared on the Canadian $20 bill—in the distance. Visiting Moraine Lake also provides a handy excuse to book a stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, a cozy hotel with stone fireplaces and lake-facing balconies.
Victoriya89/GettyLake Bohinj, Slovenia
Travelers are quick to add Lake Bled to their Slovenia itinerary, but that means the impossibly charming town can get a tad overtouristed during the summer months. While Bled is always worth visiting, you can find similar beauty and far fewer crowds at Lake Bohinj, tucked away in the northwest corner of Slovenia. There are plenty of photo ops here—including snow-capped mountains, wooden boats, and a cute little church, just like at Bled—but be sure to devote some tech-free time to sitting with your thoughts and listening to the emerald water lapping at the shore. Stay at almost century old luxury chalet Fox on the Rocks and take a dip in the open air jacuzzi.
Mihai Lupascu/UnsplashLac de Sainte-Croix, France
If you follow France’s Verdon River—a turquoise Alpine river snaking through the Gorge du Verdon—you’ll eventually reach Lac de Sainte-Croix, an artificial lake that is just as stunning as its surroundings. The lake is a hot spot for kayaking and paddle boating, but we’d just as likely throw down a towel on its white sandy shores and spend a few hours sunbathing.
Luca Bravo/UnsplashLago di Braies, Italy
The Dolomites afford some of the best mountain views in all of Europe, especially when you throw in a glittering lake. You may have already seen pictures of Lago di Braies while scrolling through Instagram—the lake is extremely famous among photographers, thanks to its clarity and surrounding mountains, but seeing it in person is far more incredible. Get there first thing in the morning and rent a wooden rowboat to admire the body of water from every angle.
Steph Smith/UnsplashInle Lake, Myanmar
Hidden in the central Shan Hills of Myanmar, Inle Lake is a welcome respite from the crowded streets of Yangon and temples of Bagan. Here, people use horse-drawn trishaws to get around town and live on floating villages built directly on the lake—but the most unique sight is the leg-rowing technique used by local fishermen, in which they balance on one leg and guide their oar with the other. The hyper-local traditions, paired with centuries-old monasteries and pagodas on the shores, make Inle Lake a sort of time warp that any traveler should experience. Many travelers trek to the lake, with local companies like Ever Smile, for an immersive—and rewarding—arrival.
Maria Zardoya/UnsplashLake Malawi, Africa
Crystal-clear Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in all of Africa (it touches Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania), which makes its coastline feel more like a tropical beach than anything else. Perhaps that’s why the lake is an under-the-radar favorite of honeymooners—particularly ones who enjoy unfussy accommodations and adventures like diving and kayaking.
AtomicZen/GettyLake Pehoé, Chile
Practically every square inch of southern Chilean Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park is breathtaking, and that description includes Lake Pehoé. Surrounded by jagged mountains and lush vegetation (and oftentimes a few llamas and alpacas, too), any views of these frosty blue waters are guaranteed to impress you.
Titas Gurung/UnsplashPhewa Tal, Nepal
The second-largest lake in Nepal, Phewa Tal is surrounded by beautiful Hindu temples and some of the country’s most iconic mountains, including Machhapuchhare. On clear, calm days, you can see the mountains reflected perfectly in the lake’s surface, and colorful boats lining the shores. Stay at boutique hotel The Pavilions Himalayas for lake views and a slice of traditional Nepalese life.
Mariusz Prusaczyk/GettyLake Retba, Senegal
Like most other curiously pink bodies of water, Lake Retba (also called Lac Rose) gets its color from a species of red-pigmented algae. The algae thrive thanks to the lake’s high salt levels, which also allow people to float in the water with ease, similar to the Dead Sea. The salinity is so intense, however, most people recommend limiting contact to under 10 minutes; when Senegalese locals harvest salt from the water, they usually rub their skin with oil to protect it from damage. It may be best to take a quick dip, then admire the bubble gum-pink lake from the white sandy shores.
Charlie Wollborg/UnsplashLake Superior, US and Canada
Arguably the greatest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior feels more like an ocean than your typical fresh body of water—it boasts a massive 2,900-mile shoreline and surface area of 31,700 square miles, after all. (It even has shipwrecks, for crying out loud.) The midwestern site boasts a variety of landscapes, ranging from sandstone cliffs and sea caves to towering waterfalls, and you can spend countless vacation days exploring the waters from the seat of a kayak. Sleep atop this body of water on a Viking Great Lakes cruise, which crosses its entirety.
Abenteuer Albanien/UnsplashLake Ohrid, North Macedonia
The Balkans are famous for their Adriatic beaches, but don’t sleep on the region’s lake towns. Case in point: Ohrid, a lakeside town in North Macedonia (and one of the most underrated cities in Europe). Not only does the town have a cobbled Old Town and delicious local restaurants, but it offers direct access to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes on the continent. It’s a perfect spot to swim and sunbathe during the summer months, or take a boat ride and check out the surrounding biodiversity and historic architecture on cooler days.
Alejandra Cifre González/UnsplashMondsee, Austria
It’s hard to choose just one beautiful lake in Austria, but our vote goes to Mondsee, about 20 miles east of Salzburg. The site is a popular stop on the original Sound of Music tour (which departs from the city center of Salzburg), as the town’s basilica served as the filming location for Maria’s wedding in the 1965 film. Film buffs should certainly visit the church, but be sure to save time to admire the lake’s reflective waters from the end of one of the seagull-lined piers.
Augustine Fernandes/GettyLake Tagimaucia, Fiji
This volcanic crater-embedded lake sits 2,700 feet above sea level and is a stunner. Find balmy clear waters, coral reefs, and colorful marine life beloved by divers and swimmers. This stunning lake is also the only home to Fiji’s rare red and white national flower, the tagimoucia. The elusive blossom only graces the land with its presence for three months at the coast of this high-altitude lake on Taveuni Island. While you’re there, overnight at family-owned luxury resort Raiwasa Private Resort Taveuni.
jiamiao linYeongnangho Lake, Korea
The most popular time to visit this romantic South Korean lake is in the spring, when pink cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Bike trails and walking paths encircle the almost five-mile lake, which is embellished with reeds and azaleas. Make sure to climb atop Beombawi Rock, shaped like a tiger, for gorgeous lake views.
Manfred Gottschalk/GettyLake Annecy, France
This lake’s pristine waters are filled with pure mountain spring water. Lake Annecy, or Lac D’Annecy, known affectionately as the Venice of the Alps, is a popular swimming, picnicking, and hiking destination. Explore any part of the over 26-mile walking route encircling the lake and find old-world charm by wandering off-route to discover one of the many surrounding villages. About 30 minutes from the lake, retreat to Château de Candie, a restored 14th-century, 25-room romantic gem.
GettyLake Bachalpsee, Switzerland
It’s a stunning cable car ride up to the one-hour easy hike to Bachalpsee, one of Switzerland’s many alpine lakes at 7,431 feet in altitude. Located in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, the “blue jewel” impresses with its glacial mountain backdrop of Schreckhorn. Stay at Hotel Glacier for their Instagram-famous, golden metal-girded private hot tub and dine at their Michelin-recognized restaurant.
Pascale Gueret/GettyLake Vaihiria, French Polynesia
Lakes aren’t usually on top of mind when picturing French Polynesia, but Tahiti does have one natural lake thats worth the trek. A popular way to visit is by way of a scenic ATV safari traversing the remote Tahitian wilderness. Cocooned in tapestries of greenery and mountainscapes, Lake Vaihiria’s clear waters make for an enjoyable swim, kayak, or shoreside picnic.
Giordano Cipriani/GettyJellyfish Lake, Palau
You may have seen the viral videos of swimmers floating through pools of golden jellies in this iconic lake. Located on Eil Malk island, Jellyfish Lake has been home to millions of stingless jellyfish, originally from the sea but isolated for centuries in this saltwater-filled limestone depression. Although millions of these gentle golden pulsating creatures—specifically moon and golden jellyfish—have died from extreme heat conditions, they are starting to repopulate. The best way to visit the lake and Palau is with the Four Seasons Explorer. Butlers will carry your snorkeling gear through the 15-minute jungle hike and greet you with iced hand towels after you emerge from the water.
Mlenny/GettySun Moon Lake, Taiwan
This calm, alpine (high-altitude) lake is part of Taiwan’s Yuchi Township in Nantou County. The Taiwanese herald its misty mountain views reflected in calm waters, and bikers worldwide come for the 1300-foot Shuishang Bikeway—which elicits the feeling of gliding on water. Visiting Sun Moon Lake is a great excuse to stay at The Lalu, a presidential favorite and one of Taiwan’s most beloved luxury hotels. Enjoy mountain views while swimming laps at the lakeside pool.
Muhammad Afzan/GettyMeromictic Lake, Malaysia
This rare phenomenon of a lake consisting of different layers of separated ocean water and freshwater lives in Penang National Park. It's the sole meromictic lake in Malaysia and only appears annually from early summer to about fall, resulting in mesmerizing shades of turquoise and tan waters. To reach the lake, take a jungle hike through the park. Find the lake near Kerachut Beach, also known as Turtle Beach.
