10 Stunning, Must-Visit Lakes Around the World
Recreation of all Kinds at Lake Tahoe
Where: California and Nevada
Stretching out across the state border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the biggest lakes in America and one of California’s most popular recreational areas. Boat tours, hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing are just some of the activities you can enjoy here when the sun is shining, and there are plenty of world-class ski resorts nearby as well.
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Where to Stay: Take a load off at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, with comfortable rooms and excellent facilities.
Fairy Tale Beauty at Lake Lucerne
Where: Switzerland
Home to a myriad of majestic waterfront locations, Switzerland is a lake lover’s paradise, and Lake Lucerne is one of the country’s most precious gems. You’ll feel like you stepped out into your very own fairy tale as you roam the city streets of Lucerne, admiring the cliffs, forests, and mountains beyond. Be sure to visit the 13th century Chapel Bridge and consider a climb up Mt Rigi for some soothing treatments at the Mineralbad & Spa Rigi-Kaltbad.
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Where to Stay: Book a room at The Montana, offering super views and lively evening entertainment.
Ancient Scottish Castles of Loch Duich
Where: Scotland Highlands
The beauty of the Scottish Highlands merely is unparalleled, with countless mountains and lochs all around, dotted with ancient castles and historical ruins. Loch Duich is a prime example. Home to the eerily beautiful, 13th century Eilean Donan Castle on the Isle of Skye, Loch Duich is also connected to two other major sea lochs: Loch Long and Loch Alsh, offering extensive panoramic views and miles upon miles of hiking trails.
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Where to Stay: For a stay you’ll never forget, step through the doors of Kinloch Lodge.
Regal Islands of Lake Pichola
Where: Udaipur, India
There are many lovely lakes to be found in Udaipur, but Lake Pichola shines the brightest. With a history dating back to the 14th century, this human-made lake features two islands, each decorated with their palaces. If that wasn’t enough, the most impressive monument of all, the City Palace, is located over on the lake’s eastern shore. Blending human-made and natural beauty, Lake Pichola is a must-visit Indian lake.
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Where to Stay: There’s only one option worth mentioning here: Taj Lake Palace. It’s an 18th-century palace located out on a tiny island in the center of the lake.
Take to the Water at Lake Powell
Where: Arizona
Proving that lakes don’t need hundreds of years of history behind them to be beautiful, Arizona’s Lake Powell stands boldly among the state’s deserts and stunning rock formations. Created in the 1960s, Lake Powell has developed into one of the state’s favorite recreational areas. With several beaches to enjoy and the beautiful Arizona sun baking down, it’s a superb spot to enjoy some swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and even boat tours.
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Where to Stay: Try Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas for cozy, authentic rooms and friendly service.
Admire Mt Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi
Where: Japan
Of all the magical natural landmarks around the Japanese islands, Mt Fuji stands boldly above all the rest. For the best views of this stunning mountain, a visit to Lake Kawaguchi is an essential part of any Japanese vacation. The gentle slopes of the mountain are beautifully mirrored in the gentle, blue waters of the lake, and this is a beautiful spot to take some photos to show your friends and family back home.
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Where to Stay: Check out the Park Hyatt Tokyo in Japan’s capital city for an authentic slice of Nippon life.
A Central American Gem at Lake Atitlan
For a Central American experience like no other, stop off at the often overlooked Lake Atitlan. Nestled among the mountains and volcanoes of Guatemala, this is the sort of lake that makes you feel a million miles from civilization, free to indulge your senses, breath in a lungful of fresh, crisp air, and partake in all kinds of activities from hiking along the water’s edge to heading out on the lake on a canoe or kayak. You can even take a guided tour of one of the local volcanoes.
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Where to Stay: For the best views of Lake Atitlan and high-quality facilities, visit Hotel Atitlan.
The Majesty of the Canadian Rockies at Maligne Lake
Where: Alberta, Canada
We could fill up a whole list with beautiful alpine lakes around the Canadian Rockies, but Maligne Lake is perhaps the prettiest of them all. Situated in Jasper National Park, this lake offers some of the most magical, awe-inspiring views one could ever imagine. One of the national park’s most beautiful hiking trails, the Skyline Trail, can be enjoyed here, and the lake is supersport for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing too.
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Where to Stay: Book a room at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, nestled snugly on the shores of its little lake.
Old English Charms at Derwentwater
Where: Keswick, England
England is home to some stunning natural landscapes, especially in areas like the Lake District and the Peak District. Derwentwater is located in the former. Offering a shimmering mirror of cool, clear water and hilly scenes all around, this gorgeous lake has attracted many artists and poets over the years, including the world-famous Beatrix Potter. Be sure to follow the local hiking trails and visit Derwentwater in the fall to appreciate all the colors of the English countryside.
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Where to Stay: Spend a night at Howe-Keld, an authentic B&B just a short walk from the water’s edge.
A Great Lake Experience at Lake Superior
No list of beautiful lakes could be complete without at least one of the ‘Great Lakes.’ Lake Superior is the biggest and most aesthetically impressive of them all. It’s also home to the astounding Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, home to some of the prettiest rock formations in all of Michigan. Boat tours along this particular part of the shore are available, as well as various hiking trails and campgrounds.
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Where to Stay: Stop off at the Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview for easy access to Lake Superior and reasonably priced rooms.