With their shimmering waters and riveting reflections, lakes make for some of the most spectacular sights on Earth. Whether they are bordered by towering mountain ranges, overgrown forests, or arid and desolate deserts, there is always something magical about seeing a lake’s surroundings mirrored in its waters.
Add in the mesmerizing shades, gleaming surfaces, as well as bright blue skies above, and it’s easy to see why the most beautiful lakes in the world are so sought after.
Set in a scenic spot with lush forests surrounding it and the majestic Julian Alps looming in the background, Lake Bled’s reflective waters are as picturesque as they come. Add in the lovely little island with its Gothic church that lies at its heart, and it’s no wonder that the lake is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions.
Although it can get quite crowded, particularly in the summer months, Lake Bled is not to be missed out on; a boat trip across its peaceful waters to the island is simply a must. Whether blanketed in snow or decked out in autumnal colors, Lake Bled is a special place to visit at any time of year.
One of the Fuji Five Lakes, Kawaguchi is also noted for its relaxing hot springs and beautiful cherry blossoms that hug the lakeshore. Immortalized in Hokusai’s gorgeous woodblock prints, Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background has long been a photographer’s dream.
With skiing and snowboarding to be enjoyed in the winter and hiking and water sports in the summer, there is a myriad of incredible recreational opportunities on offer. In addition, there are lakeside casinos, flashy hotels and ski resorts for visitors to stay at.
With so much wonderful nature on show and so many fun activities to try out, it’s no surprise that Lake Tahoe is such a major tourist destination.
Dotted about its reddish surface, visitors can spot gleaming white borax islands and pink flamingos, while the clear blue skies and glimmering salt deposits along the shoreline add yet more color to the already spectacular scene. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Chilean border in Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, this beautiful lake and its kaleidoscopic colors needs to be seen to be believed.
While its staggeringly salty waters make swimming a challenge due to its natural buoyancy, the lake’s high mineral content has long seen it heralded for its healing properties. Thanks to its striking beauty and super salty waters, the Dead Sea has welcomed visitors to its shores for well over two millennia.
Over the centuries, the sumptuous City Palace was built along its banks, while the lovely Lake Garden Palace was erected on one of its islands. The real show-stopper, however, are the blindingly bright white walls of Lake Palace, which are mesmerizingly reflected in the waters of the lake.
Add in the mesmerizing shades, gleaming surfaces, as well as bright blue skies above, and it’s easy to see why the most beautiful lakes in the world are so sought after.
15. Lake Bled
Set in a scenic spot with lush forests surrounding it and the majestic Julian Alps looming in the background, Lake Bled’s reflective waters are as picturesque as they come. Add in the lovely little island with its Gothic church that lies at its heart, and it’s no wonder that the lake is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions.
Although it can get quite crowded, particularly in the summer months, Lake Bled is not to be missed out on; a boat trip across its peaceful waters to the island is simply a must. Whether blanketed in snow or decked out in autumnal colors, Lake Bled is a special place to visit at any time of year.
14. Lake Kawaguchi
With the iconic snow-covered cone of Mount Fuji reflected in its waters, it’s fair to say that Lake Kawaguchi is blessed with one of the most phenomenal and famous views in Japan. Due to its marvelous scenery, the lake has long attracted visitors to its shores. Many take boat trips around its dark blue waters, snapping photo after photo of the majestic peak.One of the Fuji Five Lakes, Kawaguchi is also noted for its relaxing hot springs and beautiful cherry blossoms that hug the lakeshore. Immortalized in Hokusai’s gorgeous woodblock prints, Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background has long been a photographer’s dream.
13. Lake Tahoe
Straddling the states of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the whole of North America. Formed over two million years ago, the crystal-clear waters of the lake lie in the Sierra Nevada, with majestic mountains and forests all around it.With skiing and snowboarding to be enjoyed in the winter and hiking and water sports in the summer, there is a myriad of incredible recreational opportunities on offer. In addition, there are lakeside casinos, flashy hotels and ski resorts for visitors to stay at.
With so much wonderful nature on show and so many fun activities to try out, it’s no surprise that Lake Tahoe is such a major tourist destination.
12. Laguna Colorada
Located high on the Andean Plateau in Bolivia, the rusty red waters of Laguna Colorada – or ‘red lagoon’ – make for an impressive sight. While local legend has it that the ruddy hues of the lake are the spilled blood of the gods, its distinctive coloring is, in fact, due to the algae that reside in its shallow waters.Dotted about its reddish surface, visitors can spot gleaming white borax islands and pink flamingos, while the clear blue skies and glimmering salt deposits along the shoreline add yet more color to the already spectacular scene. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Chilean border in Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, this beautiful lake and its kaleidoscopic colors needs to be seen to be believed.
11. Dead Sea
Bordered by Israel and Palestine on one side and Jordan on the other, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth. Set amongst the desolate Judean Desert, the lake’s blue waters and salt-lined shore stand out delightfully against the arid, moon-like landscapes around it.While its staggeringly salty waters make swimming a challenge due to its natural buoyancy, the lake’s high mineral content has long seen it heralded for its healing properties. Thanks to its striking beauty and super salty waters, the Dead Sea has welcomed visitors to its shores for well over two millennia.
10. Lake Pichola
With elegant palaces, marble temples, and magnificent mansions strung along its shores and islands, Lake Pichola in the Indian state of Rajasthan makes for an enchanting sight. Despite its natural appearance, the lake is actually human-made and was built in the heart of Udaipur – the ‘City of Lakes’ – all the way back in 1362.Over the centuries, the sumptuous City Palace was built along its banks, while the lovely Lake Garden Palace was erected on one of its islands. The real show-stopper, however, are the blindingly bright white walls of Lake Palace, which are mesmerizingly reflected in the waters of the lake.