Top 10 Lakes in Europe: Breathtaking Destinations for Your Next Adventure

Europe boasts some of the world's most stunning lakes, from crystal-clear Alpine waters to vast, serene expanses bordered by picturesque villages. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply breathtaking views, these natural wonders offer something for every traveller.

At Send My Bag, we love helping you explore these magnificent destinations without the hassle of lugging heavy bags through airports or train stations.

Here's our guide to the top 10 lakes in Europe that should be on your travel bucket list.

1. Lake Como, Italy

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como has captivated visitors for centuries with its stunning beauty and elegant charm. The lake's unique inverted Y shape creates a diverse landscape with charming towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como dotting its shores.

Why it made our list: Lake Como perfectly blends natural splendour with cultural sophistication. The combination of crystal-clear waters, mountain backdrops, Renaissance villas, and exquisite gardens creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance that's hard to match anywhere else in Europe.

Did you know? At 410 metres deep, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, and its bottom actually extends below sea level.

2. Lake Bled, Slovenia

With its picture-perfect island church, medieval castle perched on a cliff, and backdrop of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. This glacial lake in northwestern Slovenia has become one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

Why it made our list: Few lakes in Europe offer such a perfect composition of natural and architectural elements. The lake's small size makes it easy to explore in a day, but its beauty will make you want to linger much longer.

Did you know? To reach the island in the middle of Lake Bled, visitors traditionally take a "pletna" boat, a unique craft operated by standing rowers that has been used on the lake for centuries.

3. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), Switzerland/France

Straddling the border between Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva is Western Europe's largest Alpine lake. The crescent-shaped lake is surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery and elegant cities like Geneva and Lausanne.

Why it made our list: Lake Geneva offers an exceptional combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in wine tasting in Lavaux's UNESCO-protected vineyards, exploring charming lakeside towns, or enjoying water sports, this lake has it all.

Did you know? The lake is home to the Jet d'Eau, one of Geneva's most famous landmarks, which shoots water 140 metres into the air.

4. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

A series of 16 interconnected lakes arranged in cascades, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its distinctive colours ranging from azure to green, grey, and blue. The colours change constantly depending on the minerals in the water and the angle of sunlight.

Why it made our list: Plitvice offers a unique lake experience with its network of waterfalls, caves, and boardwalks that allow visitors to walk directly over the water. The ever-changing palette of colours creates a mesmerising visual feast.

Did you know? The lakes are formed by natural travertine dams that have been building up for thousands of years and continue to grow at a rate of about 1cm per year.

5. Lake Annecy, France

Often called Europe's cleanest lake, Lake Annecy in the French Alps is renowned for its pristine turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. The medieval town of Annecy, with its canals and historic buildings, adds to the charm of this Alpine gem.

Why it made our list: The combination of exceptionally clear water, breathtaking mountain scenery, and the charming old town makes Lake Annecy a perfect destination for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural richness.

Did you know? Strict environmental regulations have been in place since the 1960s to preserve the lake's exceptional water quality, making it a paradise for swimming and water sports.

6. Lake Windermere, England

The largest natural lake in England, Windermere stretches for 10.5 miles through the heart of the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by picturesque villages, wooded fells, and green valleys, it epitomises the romantic English landscape.

Why it made our list: Windermere offers the quintessential English lake experience, with its blend of natural beauty, literary connections (it inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter), and charming lakeside towns like Bowness and Ambleside.

Did you know? Despite its name, Windermere is actually a lake, not a mere. The name comes from the Old Norse "Vinandr mere", meaning "Vinandr's lake".

7. Lake Hallstatt, Austria

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dachstein mountains, Lake Hallstatt is home to what might be Europe's most photographed village. The mirror-like surface of the lake perfectly reflects the charming Alpine houses and church spires of Hallstatt village.

Why it made our list: The postcard-perfect setting of Lake Hallstatt, with its clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and the historic salt-mining village, creates a scene of almost unreal beauty.

Did you know? The area around Lake Hallstatt has been inhabited for over 7,000 years, with the local salt mines being among the oldest in the world.

8. Lake Garda, Italy

Italy's largest lake is framed by mountains, with the Alps forming a dramatic backdrop to the north and gentler hills to the south. The lake's diverse landscape includes picturesque towns, lemon groves, olive trees, and medieval castles.

Why it made our list: Lake Garda offers incredible diversity. The northern part feels Alpine with dramatic mountain scenery, while the southern shores have a more Mediterranean atmosphere. This variety, combined with charming towns like Sirmione and Malcesine, makes it a destination with something for everyone.

Did you know? The lake creates its own microclimate, which is why Mediterranean plants like olives and lemons grow here despite being so far north.

9. Loch Ness, Scotland

Perhaps the most famous lake in the world due to its legendary monster, Loch Ness is a deep, freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands. Its dark, mysterious waters are surrounded by dramatic Highland scenery.

Why it made our list: Beyond the famous monster legend, Loch Ness offers spectacular Highland landscapes, historic sites like Urquhart Castle, and the opportunity to explore the wilder side of Scotland.

Did you know? Loch Ness contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, and at 230 metres deep, it's the second deepest lake in Scotland.

10. Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia/Albania

One of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, Lake Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage site shared between North Macedonia and Albania. This ancient lake is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with numerous endemic species.

Why it made our list: Lake Ohrid offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. The town of Ohrid, with its medieval churches and Roman amphitheatre, provides a fascinating counterpoint to the lake's natural wonders.

Did you know? Lake Ohrid is estimated to be 1.36 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes in Europe, and it's home to more than 200 endemic species.

Explore Europe's Lakes with Ease

These spectacular lakes represent just a small selection of Europe's breathtaking lake destinations. Whether you're drawn to the glamour of Lake Como, the fairy-tale beauty of Lake Bled, or the wild majesty of Loch Ness, we at Send My Bag can help make your journey easier by transporting your luggage directly to your destination.

Travel light and stress-free as you explore these natural wonders, knowing that your belongings will be waiting for you at your accommodation. With our 24/7 service and expertise in international shipping and customs clearance, we ensure that your focus remains where it should be, on enjoying Europe's magnificent lakes.

Ready to plan your next lakeside adventure? Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you travel with ease to these stunning European destinations.