What to Do at the World's Most Beautiful Lakes
From swimming to stand-up paddleboarding, boating to biking, here’s how to have the ultimate adventure on and around six of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Lakeside adventures have become increasingly popular, offering mental and physical health benefits while providing a range of activities for intrepid travelers.
1. Lake Louise, Canada
Best for: Canoeing
Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains is home to the stunning Lake Louise, known for its brilliant turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains. Canoeing on Lake Louise allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery, including the hanging Victoria Glacier, from a unique perspective. The lake’s striking color comes from glacial silt reflecting light, making it a picturesque spot for a serene paddle.
2. Blue Cave, Greece
Best for: Subterranean Boating
Near the island of Kastellorizo in the Dodecanese, the Blue Cave offers a mesmerizing boating experience. Entering the cave involves navigating narrow passages before emerging into a vast chamber with a ceiling that reaches 115ft. The intense blue hues created by sunlight filtering through the water give the cave an otherworldly quality. Swimming beneath the cave’s stalactites provides a refreshing escape on hot summer days.
3. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Best for: Hiking
Surrounded by volcanoes and rich with Maya culture, Lake Atitlán is a hiker’s paradise. The three volcanoes guarding its shores—San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán—offer challenging treks with rewarding views. Hike through coffee plantations and cloud forests alive with exotic birds to reach summits with stunning vistas over the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
4. Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan
Best for: Diving
Nestled in the Tian Shan mountains, Lake Kaindy is known for its submerged forest of Picea schrenkiana trees. Created by an earthquake in 1912, the lake’s frigid waters preserve the trees, creating a haunting underwater landscape. Divers can explore the ghostly underwater forest, but be prepared for cold temperatures, even in summer. This lake is a must-visit for experienced divers seeking a unique adventure.
5. Lake Päijänne, Finland
Best for: Fishing
As Finland’s second-largest lake, Lake Päijänne offers an idyllic setting for fishing enthusiasts. Surrounded by ancient forests and dotted with islets, the lake is home to a variety of fish species, including perch, zander, pike, and brown trout. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, you can enjoy the tranquility of this pristine lake, with water temperatures reaching a comfortable 20C in summer.
6. Blue Lake, New Zealand
Best for: Paddleboarding
Lake Tikitapu, or Blue Lake, in New Zealand’s Rotorua Bay of Plenty region, is perfect for paddleboarding. The lake’s dazzling aqua hue is created by pumice and rhyolite on the lake bed. Paddleboarding allows you to explore secluded coves and caves that glow with worms after dark. The surrounding Whakarewarewa Forest adds to the scenic beauty, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers.
7. Lake Constance, Europe
Best for: Cycling
Lake Constance, spanning Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is best explored by bicycle. The 162-mile Lake Constance Cycle Path loops around the lake, passing through orchards, vineyards, and historic towns like Konstanz. Enjoy the scenic ride, with opportunities for swimming and exploring medieval castles along the way.
8. Great Lake of Alqueva, Portugal
Best for: Stargazing
The Great Lake of Alqueva in Portugal’s Alentejo region is Europe’s largest reservoir and an official dark sky reserve. Kayak around its beaches and islets by day, then stargaze by night. With minimal light pollution, you can spot constellations, galaxies, and meteor showers. For a closer look, visit Monsaraz observatory or take a starlit canoe tour.
9. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Best for: Wildlife Watching
Laguna Colorada in Bolivia’s altiplano is known for its striking red waters and abundant flamingo population. Sitting 14,035ft above sea level, the lake attracts thousands of flamingos, including the rare James’s flamingo. Visit at sunset to see these graceful birds skimming the water with the Andes mountains in the background, creating a truly magical scene.
