10 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World for Nature Lovers

The most beautiful lakes in the world offer breathtaking scenery and tranquil waters — the perfect escape for any nature lover. From turquoise alpine lakes to crystal-clear tropical lagoons with waterfalls, these lakes are more than just bodies of water — they’re gateways to adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Below we explore the world's 10 most beautiful lakes, so let's dive in!

Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise in Banff National Park is a turquoise jewel surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Its stunning alpine scenery makes it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers.

Highlights

• Vibrant turquoise waters
• Backdrop of Victoria Glacier
• World-class hiking and skiing opportunities

Things to Do Near Lake Louise

• Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
• Visit Banff National Park
• Stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is a fairy-tale lake with a charming island church and a medieval castle perched above. Its emerald-green waters and Alpine backdrop make it unforgettable.

Highlights

• Picturesque Bled Island with its church
• Surrounding Julian Alps
• Ideal for rowing and hiking

Things to Do Near Lake Bled

• Row to Bled Island
• Visit Bled Castle
• Hike Vintgar Gorge

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán is a volcanic lake surrounded by three towering volcanoes and colorful Mayan villages. Its serene beauty and cultural richness are unmatched.

Highlights

• Stunning volcanic scenery
• Vibrant indigenous culture
• Perfect for kayaking and village-hopping

Things to Do Near Lake Atitlán

• Explore Panajachel
• Visit San Juan La Laguna
• Hike Volcán San Pedro

Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, straddling Peru and Bolivia. Its deep blue waters and floating islands are a cultural and natural wonder.

Highlights

• Unique floating Uros Islands
• Rich Andean heritage
• Scenic boat tours and hiking

Things to Do Near Lake Titicaca

• Visit the Uros Floating Islands
• Explore Isla del Sol
• Tour Puno

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is a glamorous lake surrounded by elegant villas and charming towns, set against the Italian Alps. Its picturesque shores exude timeless beauty.

Highlights

• Stunning villas and gardens
• Charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna
• Ideal for boating and leisurely strolls

Things to Do Near Lake Como

• Visit Villa del Balbianello
• Explore Bellagio
• Take a ferry to Varenna

Lake Baikal, Russia

Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, holding 20% of the planet’s fresh water. Its crystal-clear waters and Siberian wilderness are breathtaking.

Highlights

• Unparalleled water clarity
• Unique biodiversity and endemic species
• Winter ice skating and summer hiking

Things to Do Near Lake Baikal

• Hike the Great Baikal Trail
• Visit Olkhon Island
• Explore Listvyanka Village

Cheow Lan Lake, Thailand

Cheow Lan Lake, located within Khao Sok National Park, is a breathtaking man-made lake surrounded by lush rainforest and towering limestone karsts. Its emerald-green waters and serene atmosphere make it one of Thailand’s most stunning natural wonders.

Highlights

• Vibrant emerald waters reflecting limestone cliffs
• Ancient rainforest and diverse wildlife
• Perfect for kayaking, boat safaris, and jungle trekking

Things to Do Near Cheow Lan Lake

• Camp in the jungle of the park
• Hike the Khao Sok Jungle Trails
• Stay on a floating resort

Lake Peyto, Canada

Lake Peyto in Banff National Park is known for its vivid turquoise color, shaped like a fox’s head. Its glacial silt-fed waters glow against the Rocky Mountains.

Highlights

• Striking turquoise hue
• Scenic Icefields Parkway views
• Perfect for photography and hiking

Things to Do Near Lake Peyto

• Hike to Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint
• Drive the Icefields Parkway
• Visit Bow Lake

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes, located within Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. Its turquoise waters and lush forest surroundings create a magical, otherworldly landscape.

Highlights

• Crystal-clear turquoise lakes
• Cascading waterfalls and wooden boardwalks
• Rich biodiversity and serene hiking trails

Things to Do Near Plitvice Lakes

• Walk the Plitvice Lakes Boardwalk Trails
• Play in Veliki Slap Waterfall
• Explore Barac Caves

Lake Powell, United States

Lake Powell, straddling the Utah-Arizona border, is a vast man-made reservoir within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Its crystal-clear waters and towering red rock canyons create a striking desert oasis perfect for adventure and relaxation.

Highlights

• Stunning red rock formations
• Over 2,000 miles of shoreline
• Ideal for houseboating, kayaking, and water sports

Things to Do Near Lake Powell

• Visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument
• Explore Antelope Canyon
• Hike to Horseshoe Bend

To truly make a list of the most beautiful lakes in the world, you’d probably need an entire book — because whether big or small, just about every country has at least a few lakes that will leave you in awe. This list came from a group effort between me and my friends. We started with 50 lakes we thought were the most beautiful, then narrowed it down to the top 10. These are the ones that got the most votes.

12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers

Let’s explore the most beautiful lakes in the United States, and what makes them must-visit destinations for every nature lover.

Jetsetter AlertsKylie Jones