Lakes are wonderful locations for a thrilling or relaxing getaway. Whether you're after some fun on the water, like boating, fishing, or swimming, or just want to relax in a cozy location and admire the views, these lakeside cities, towns, and villages are the best options.
Each of these lakeside locations offers something special, from a wintery glacier lake to a classic New England lake and much more. Find one that checks all the right boxes for you!
1. Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia might not be on your bucket list, but it should be. Lake Bled, which shares its name with the lakeside town, sits in the Julian Alps of the Upper Carniolan region of northwestern Slovenia.
The views here are indescribable, with bright blue water, lush treelines, and even a church situated on a tiny island in the middle of the lake. Bled Castle is on a rock overlooking the glacial lake with views of the whole area, and path around the side to walk around the lake. The town of Bled is also famous for its vanilla cream pastries called Bled Cake, which came about after WWII. Snacking on a sweet pastry while admiring this gorgeous lake is one of the great aspects of this little charming area.
2. Srinagar, India
Srinagar in India is a picturesque city that looks like something out of a painting or an old Hollywood movie. Floating houseboats, tulip gardens, snow-capped mountains, and historic structures make this a fabulous place for anyone to visit, whether you love culture, nature, or history.
There are a handful of other lakes in Srinagar, but Dal Lake is the most famous and the one you can't miss out on. This freshwater lake has an interesting urban vibe and bustling houseboat population, setting it far apart from lakes that we Westerners are used to.
3. Stryn, Norway
Stryn is a municipality in Norway where you can find Lovatnet Lake, which is sure to take your breath away. The lake sits deep in a valley surrounded by tall mountains and hills all around. This creates a mystical and secluded vibe that is ideal for a quiet vacation.
You can take a canoe out on the lake and glide through the turquoise water, or just sit on a dock and watch the clouds come and go over the mountains. The glacial runoff makes the water very cold, but you can always take a polar plunge if that calls to you!
4. Dinant, Belgium
Most of the lakes on this list are natural, as the most beautiful lakes typically come from Mother Nature herself. However, Lac de l'Eau d'Heure is an exception. This artificial lake in the city of Dinant is actually five lakes that connect. Unlike many other lakes mentioned here, this one is not surrounded by mountains or hills.
Instead, the terrain is mostly flat, meaning you can see for miles across the collection of lakes, making for a lovely and awe-inspiring view. People love to hike and bike around the lake, but you can also take a dip in the cool water.
5. Annecy, France
Lake Annecy, or “Lac d'Annecy” in French, is known for its crystal clear and clean water. It's one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in Europe, making it irresistible to many. The water has an aura of purity that feels magical.
Boating is very popular on Lake Annecy (without motors), and people take out kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and the like to meander around the area. The colors in this region alone will take your breath away, with vibrant greens and calming blues that pop.
6. Geneva, Switzerland
Lake Geneva is certainly one of the more predictable lakes to make the list, but we could never leave it out. And while it is insanely popular, it's not overrated. It sits on the north side of the Alps and is the largest lake in the mountain range.
From the idyllic farm villages nearby to the rolling hills to the steep mountain range, the setting is undeniably beautiful. Beyond the lake itself, Geneva is a fun place to visit, with a surprisingly lively nightlife scene and a charming rural atmosphere.
7. Queenstown, New Zealand
Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, is easily the most astounding part of this town. The town sits directly beside the lake, so it's impossible to miss, and you won't be able to take your eyes off it.
As one of the biggest lakes in New Zealand, it has a magnanimous presence that defines the whole town. Some lakes we mentioned are very quiet, but this one is bustling. You can ride jet skis, drive shark boats, paragliding, and much more, all with Lake Wakatipu as the backdrop.
8. Varenna, Italy
Lake Como in Varenna is another famous lake that you might have expected to see here. This lake is known as a luxury vacation spot in Italy, often reserved for the richest of the rich. However, if you go during the off-season and get crafty with your budget, you can spend a few days beside this gorgeous body of water.
Varenna is on the eastern shore of Lake Como, sitting so close to the water that the lake and village feel like one. This lakeside destination has been sought after and enjoyed since ancient Roman times, making it a brilliant bucket list item.
9. Hallstatt, Austria
Even looking at Lake Hallstatt or Hallstätter See will wow you. Hallstatt has all the charm and beauty you could ever want from an Austrian village, and the lake it sits on only makes it more scenic. During the warmer seasons, people love to sunbathe and swim in the lake.
However, it's also an alluring winter destination, as the mountains become white with snow, and the lake takes on a cold winter wonderland vibe. The lake is technically part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most iconic lakes in the world.
10. Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories and sits beside the massive Great Slave Lake. The names of both the lake and the city have aggressive connotations, but we promise nothing is violent about this lake.
Aside from typical Canadian lake activities, like ice fishing and snow biking, locals also host festivals and traditions on the lake that you can participate in. Maybe you think of summer camp and warm weather when you think of a lakeside destination, but Great Slave Lake proves chilly lakes are just as magnificent.
11. Greenville, Maine, United States
Greenville, Maine, is home to Moosehead Lake, which we think is a supremely perfect name for a Maine lake. Whatever summer camp cliche you were thinking about, this lake will meet all those expectations. Our favorite part of this one is that you get something glorious no matter what season you visit.
New England's fall foliage is exceptional, but the snowy days are just as endearing. In the summer and spring, you can fully indulge in the lake experience, from boating to swimming to fishing.
12. Fjallsárlón, Iceland
Okay, so some people call Fjallsárlón a lake, and others refer to it as a glacier lagoon. Maybe it's a little bit of both, but either way, we're counting it as a lake here. Considering how heavenly Fjallsárlón looks, it's shocking that it's not a more popular destination.
It's often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Jökulsárlón, but Fjallsárlón is definitely the prettier sister. It's also dramatically more mellow and peaceful, making it sensational for those looking to escape the hecticness of life. The giant ice floats, glacier views, and foggy air are unforgettable sights.
Live the Lake Life
Lakes cater to a myriad of vacation styles, making them phenomenal for group trips. But a solo lake getaway is also delightful.
No matter what kind of traveler you are — laidback, adventurous, curious, or casual — one of these lakes will dazzle you, and you might just fall in love so deeply that you come back again and again.
