Some waters ask you to sprint; these invite you to linger. From Canada’s glacier-blue showstoppers—think Lake Louise, Moraine, and mirror-still Minnewanka—to Argentina’s Patagonian giants like Lago Argentino and Nahuel Huapi, the world’s most beautiful lakes reward an unhurried gaze.
You’ll find thermal bliss in Iceland’s geothermal lagoons and Europe’s famed spa lakes, salt-lake dreamscapes from Utah’s Great Salt Lake to Bolivia’s flamingo-streaked Laguna Colorada, and vast inland seas where the horizon seems to breathe (Lake Superior, the Caspian).
We’ve gathered 20 that earn their place on any bucket list: emerald bowls tucked beneath Slovenia’s peaks, volcanic craters the color of sapphire, and high-alpine basins where stars feel within reach.
Go for the views, stay for the slower rhythm—sunrise ferries, shoreline walks, late lunches, and the quiet hum of water against rock.
If you’re plotting a trip that prizes time over tallying sights, start here—and pair it with our guides to slow travel, escapism, relax & wellness stays, and road-trip routes that turn the journey into the point.
Plitviče Lakes, Croatia
Central Croatia, in the mountainous karst region, is home to Plitviče Lakes. The UNESCO site is renowned for its natural beauty and has much to explore. There are 16 upper and lower lakes, connected by breathtaking waterfalls. Plenty of marked trails and routes help you get around, plus you can take a boat or train within the park to enjoy the views. You can also visit Hvar and other nice islands in Croatia.
Where to Stay
The four-star resort Fenomen Plitvice sits in the park. The Telegraph labeled it as ‘cozy and traditional with luxurious interiors’. Prices start at $427 a night for a studio deluxe room, but there are also suites and lodges on offer. The hotel has excursions to help you make the most of your visit, like trekking and e-bike tours.
“Beautiful. It is undoubtedly an indispensable place. You cannot miss a trip to the region. It’s like the pictures, but even better.” Eduardo K, TripAdvisor
Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid sits on the border between southwestern North Macedonia and eastern Albania. The lake is surrounded by mountainous terrain, and the east shore is home to karst springs. The water is clear, ideal for swimming, diving, and boating. Travel + Leisure recently reviewed the area and highlighted Ohrid Old Town’s history.
Where to Stay
Five-star Inex Olgica Hotel & Spa is perched right on the shore of Lake Ohrid, near Ohrid town. The hotel centers around its spa and wellness facilities, where you can treat yourself to a massage and use the amenities. Assuming you’re after lake views, you can stay here for $162 a night.
“Lake Ohrid is fabulously clean and beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed our days in Ohrid, walking the paths along the lake.” Raintree_Thailand, TripAdvisor
Minnewater, Bruges, Belgium
On the southern edge of Bruges’ historic center is Minnewater, Dutch for ‘Lake of Love’. The romantic name is unsurprising, as you can expect to see swans, willow trees, and pretty bridges. Other than strolling by the lake and taking in the scenery, there is plenty to do nearby, like exploring the canals, taking a look around the center, and visiting the Groeningemuseum.
Where to Stay
Bordering Minnewater Park is Boutiquehotel ’t Fraeyhuis, a renovated centuries-old manor. It’s been recognized by the Michelin Guide, highlighting its Renaissance past and architecture. For $192, you can stay in a budget room, but despite the name, you can expect a comfortable stay in a king-size bed.
“Very romantic. A scenario worthy of a fairy tale, not lacking swans, ducks, horse-drawn chariots, and picturesque boats (only we did not see enchanted pumpkins).” Jorge S, TripAdvisor
Laguna Colarada, Bolivia
Languna Colorada, Spanish for Red Lagoon, is a shallow salt lake in the southwest Altiplano of Bolivia. It’s part of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. It’s iconic for its flamingos, and the red water and mountain views make for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Where to Stay
It’s very remote, so if you’re after a luxury stay, you’ll need to look further afield than the nearby lodgings, like in Uyuni or Colchani, which are quite a few hours away. To embrace the desert experience, staying close to Laguna Colarada, Tayka El Desierto is a popular spot. Prices start at $174 for a double room.
“The Laguna Colorada is one of the most impressive lagoons in the region! With its redness and the presence of dozens of flamingos, the landscape looks like another world.” Anderson U, TripAdvisor
Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California
There are many national parks with hiking trails and beautiful lakes in the USA. Freshwater alpine Lake Tahoe is hugely versatile, sitting between California and Nevada. The water is clear, and the surroundings are a beautiful forest with dramatic mountain backdrops. There are many vantage points to visit, including Emerald Bay. In addition to the many hiking trails to try, you can enjoy the water with paddleboarding, boating, and more.
Where to Stay
Vogue shared a guide with 8 of the Best Hotels in Lake Tahoe. Among them is the four-star Black Bear Lodge, a cozy retreat in South Lake Tahoe. Lodges, suites, and cabins are available here, starting at $179 a night. The hotel can help you plan your trip around the area, and even offer guided experiences to take a load off.
“Lake Tahoe is truly a breathtaking destination! The crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop create an unforgettable landscape.” Mary, TripAdvisor
Lac d’Allos, Provence, France
In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Mercantour National Park is home to Lac d’Allos, Europe’s largest natural high-altitude lake. It’s clear, turquoise, surrounded by mountain views, and well protected, which means swimming is a no-no. The classic trail to the lake from Plateau de Laus takes about an hour, and you can then loop around to make the most of the views in France.
Where to Stay
About a 30-minute drive away from the lake is Montana Chalet Hôtel. The spa opens in December with wellness facilities, including a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and indulgent treatments available. Prices start at $271 a night, including a view of the valley and breakfast.
“Heaven in France. Our 2 days spent in Lac d’Allos were an unforgettable experience.” CorpusAstra, TripAdvisor
Lake Bacalar, Mexico
Lake Bacalar is in southern Quintana Roo and has a near-perfect score on TripAdvisor based on thousands of traveler reviews. Many of them recommend Secretoo when booking excursions around the lake. It’s also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, which comes from the different blues in the water. Nearby, Fort San Felipe has local markets and is worth a visit. You can also explore the best hot spring spots in Mexico.
Where to Stay
Five-star MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa sits right on the shore of the lake. It’s an eco-luxury resort with wellness facilities like a sauna, steam room, and a thermal immersion pit. Programs, rituals, therapies, and massages are also on offer. You can stay for $341 a night in a Luxe Saasil Room.
“We recommend the experience! The shades of blue of the water are beautiful. We bathed and walked in crystal clear water up to our knees.” Juliette T, TripAdvisor
Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
In the Julian Alps, Triglav National Park is home to Lake Bohinji. This area has over 400km of hiking trails, including 11km around the lake, and treks to Savica Waterfall and Vogel mountain. The water is calm and clean, suitable for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Condé Nast named it among the 9 Secret Lakes in Europe to Escape to.
Where to Stay
Vila Muhr is an intimate boutique hotel on Lake Bohinj, with only four suites available. It’s caught the attention of the Michelin Guide, which described it as ‘a quietly glamorous corner of Triglav National Park’. You can stay here from $731 a night.
“A perfect spot to relax. Crystal-clear water, peaceful mountains all around, and a calm place to swim or just breathe in nature.” Ameerah A, TripAdvisor
Lake Llanquihue, Chile
Lake Llanquihue is Chile’s second-largest lake, but it’s not the second-best in beauty. It’s in the Los Lagos Region in the south of Chile. Driving around the lake is one of the most popular ways to make the most of the ever-changing views, from volcanoes, forests, pastures, and villages.
Where to Stay
The five-star Hotel AWA is located on the shores of the lake in northern Patagonia. Forbes recommends it for its unparalleled luxury. Prices start at $302 a night for a superior room with glorious lake views. A range of excursions is available here, like tours to the waterfalls, rafting, and kayaking, though spending all your time in the spa might be tempting.
“The views constantly change. We spent almost a day driving around the lake and discovered a stunningly beautiful part of Chile.” VoyageAroundTheWorld, TripAdvisor
Jökulsárlón, Iceland
Jökulsárlón, which translates to ‘glacier river lagoon’, is a large lake in southeastern Iceland, inside Vatnajökull National Park inn Iceland. The online testimonials speak for themselves, with thousands of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
The views are spectacular, with floating icebergs, calving glacier front, and often seals in the lagoon. Boat tours, kayaking, and other excursions are offered here.
Where to Stay
About a 20-minute drive from the lake is Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, praised by the Michelin Guide, which describes it as modern and quiet. It’s an ideal spot for catching the Northern Lights, and the team even offers a wake-up call, so you don’t miss them. You can stay here from £177 a night.
“Make sure you visit. We had a wonderful time! Saw some seals and a calf! We were lucky.” 4EstFlyer, TripAdvisor
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, about a 1.5-hour drive from Milan. Around the lake are some picturesque towns to explore, including Bellagio and Como, where plenty of places exist to eat, drink, and shop. Michelin-starred Kitchen Como is worth visiting, with dishes like seafood and caviar spaghetti. Forbes has compiled a handy guide to visiting Lake Como to help plan your trip.
Where to Stay
Forbes’ recent guide to visiting Lake Como recommends Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and for good reason. This historic five-star luxury stay offers lake and park view rooms and suites, a ‘floating pool’ on the lake, spa, and gardens with spectacular views. Prices here start at $1,886 a night.
“Beautiful Lake. Lake Como is a place of rare beauty, nestled between imposing mountains and picturesque villages.” Tanto F, TripAdvisor
Gatun Lake, Panama
Gatun Lake is a large man-made freshwater lake formed in 1913. It stretches across Colón Province between the Atlantic entrance of the canal and the Gaillard Cut further south. It’s about a two-hour drive from Panama City. The lake is surrounded by tropical rainforest, so you can expect to see plenty of wildlife here, like monkeys, sloths, and birds.
Where to Stay
The boutique eco-friendly retreat, Gatun Lake Lodge, is a prime spot for visiting the lake. A range of cabins and cabanas are offered, and prices start at $120 a night. The hotel has a range of activities, including sport fishing, a monkey tour, and a night safari.
“Do it! This is a must-see if you have the time. Board a boat and cruise around the lake/jungle where you will see ships, crocs, birds, monkeys, and so much more.” LucyCan, TripAdvisor
Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake is a National Park in southern Oregon. It’s the deepest lake in the US and is fed entirely by precipitation, meaning the water is clear and intensely blue. Travel + Leisure reviewed the park, labeling it ‘The Top Trending National Park for 2025’, according to Google.
The rim drive around the lake is popular for soaking in the views, and visiting Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder above the water, is a must in the summer.
Where to Stay
Running Y Resort is about an hour’s drive from the park, near Klamath Falls. There is much to do at this resort, including a visit to the spa and wellness center and a round of golf at the course. Seasonal outdoor activities include kayaking, stargazing, skiing, and horse riding.
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.8/5.0 (3,200+ ratings) |
“Spectacular! When you see it, there is no doubt why this is named one of the most beautiful national parks in the US.” Nathan V, TripAdvisor
Loch Ness, Scotland
Though Loch Ness is undoubtedly famous for its legendary monster, it’s also a beautiful destination worth visiting in its own right. It’s located in the Scottish Highlands, southwest of Inverness, and has more water than all the lakes in the UK combined.
Condé Nast recently included it in its Best Places to Visit in Scotland piece, calling it a place of ‘good-natured, family-friendly fun’.
Where to Stay
In that same article, Condé Nast highlighted Eagle Brae as a scenic stay in the area. There are 10 hand-built cabins available, starting at $1,235 for two nights. Excursions include canoeing, fishing, pony trekking, target shooting, and mountain biking.
“Excellent! This was on my bucket list- and I’m glad I came with my family. It’s a beautiful corner of a beautiful country.” RKV, TripAdvisor
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
On the other side of the globe, and with much better weather, is Lake Tekapo. It’s between Christchurch and Queenstown in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. The lake is framed by the Southern Alps, with fabulous views of Mount Cook. Part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s one of the best places to stargaze in the world.
Where to Stay
Five-star Peppers Bluewater Resort is a prime spot near the lake with excellent lake and mountain views. In 2024, it was nominated for New Zealand’s Best Ski Hotel in the World Ski Awards. Prices start at a reasonable $121 a night, and around $454 a night if you’re after one of the villas.
“The sublimation of beauty. A vast lake that appears pure and assumes its unbeatable beauty.” Antonio B, TripAdvisor
Lake Minnewanka, Banff, Canada
Lake Minnewanka is in Banff National Park, Alberta in Canada. The name translates to ‘lake of the spirits’, deriving from the Stoney-Nakoda First Nations. It’s a glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks. Trails along the lakeshore and up Mount John will reward you with panoramic views of the park. At night, there are stargazing tours available.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Banff Springs is highlighted in a recent Condé Nast article featuring the Best Places to Stay in Banff National Park. It’s a luxury hotel with over 700 rooms and suites starting at $1,250 a night. The spa offers some wellness treatments, like the guest favorite ‘Ultimate Ascent’, which includes a footbath and scrub, dry brush exfoliation, warm wrap, and face and foot massage.
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.4/5.0 (1,0800+ ratings) |
“An absolute must-see lake. In some locations, the water surface is calm enough to create a mystical mirror of the mountain landscape.” CircumNavigator, TripAdvisor
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Lake Lucerne is in central Switzerland and is surrounded by four cantons: Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, and Nidwalden. It’s Switzerland’s fourth-largest lake, ringed by mountains for a scenic backdrop. Condé Nast is a fan and often talks about the area, like in its recent Things to Do in Lucerne article. Lake Cruises are popular among visitors who want to make the most of the scenery.
Where to Stay
Five-star boutique Hotel Villa Honegg is located in Bürgenstock, near Lucerne in Switzerland. It’s earned two Michelin Keys, and the Michelin Guide calls it a ‘modern luxury hotel’. The showstopper here is the infinity pool perched on a hillside, soaking in the views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Prices here start at $1,111 a night.
“Absolutely beautiful. If you travel to Lucerne, take a boat ride and see the entire Lake.” FarAway41595, TripAdvisor
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Shan State, east Myanmar, is home to Inle Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in the country. It covers about 45 square miles and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The floating gardens, where locals cultivate vegetables, stilt houses, and cultural festivals, make this place so special, and boat trips are a great way to see it all.
Where to Stay
Inle Resort & Spa is in the perfect spot for those visiting the lake. You’ll have a choice of villas with different views, like the lake, private pond, and garden. The Hom Spa has a swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a sauna, and a Japanese cold bath. Traditional Myanmar massages are also available.
“Sunsets, sunrises, and stilted houses, oh my! We came to Inle Lake for the ‘gram and left speechless.” Yorks, TripAdvisor
Lagoa do Fogo, Azores, Portugal
Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) is a crater lake in the center of São Miguel Island, in the Azores. Some hiking trails approach the lake and go down the shores, but you’ll need to be prepared for the steep path back to the top. Condé Nast has put together a guide through the island, which features Lagoa do Fogo on route if you fancy a road trip.
Where to Stay
About 20 minutes from the lake is the popular five-star Hotel Verde Mar & Spa, which sits between Monde Verde Beach and Ribeira Grande town. Prices here start at $215 a night for a double room. The hotel recommends tourist attractions to guests, along with several excursions like surfing and whale watching.
“A spellbinding hike. One of the most beautiful discoveries of Sao Miguel Island.” Tony P, TripAdvisor
Lovatnet Lake, Norway
Last but not least is Lovatnet Lake, located in Stryn municipality, Vestland county, in western Norway. The lake’s vivid turquoise and emerald tones from the glacial runoff make for beautiful viewing. The summer’s calm waters lend themselves to kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Where to Stay
Hotel Alexandra is about a 20-minute drive from the lake, in the inner reaches of Nordfjord. It’s a family-run hotel and has been welcoming guests since the 1880s. It combines historic charm with modern comfort and has some super views of the fjords. The wellness center features plenty of facilities and treatments, plus an outside pool that takes advantage of the clean water lake views. You can stay here from $452 a night.
“Absolutely fantastic lake. Well worth a visit and a swim. A place that fits to be on the bucket list of places to visit.” Vanja H, TripAdvisor
With so many beautiful lakes, the hardest decision isn’t whether to go; it’s which one to visit first.
