Although beautiful and most beautiful lakes can be found in various corners of the world, and in huge numbers (such as the Polish Masuria, commonly called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, a term that most closely reflects the landscape of Finland, where there are up to 190 thousand lakes), and each of them is unique and beautiful, we decided to present a list of those that, in our opinion, deserve to be called the most beautiful lakes in the world.
The most beautiful lakes in the world – these wonders are all around us
No matter where you are or where you are going, you can find beautiful, if not the most beautiful lakes in the world, everywhere. Surrounded by lush vegetation, majestic mountain peaks or connected by cascades of waterfalls, these aquatic wonders of nature always have something magical about them that makes admiring the surroundings reflected in their surface so magnetizing. The most picturesque and beautiful lakes are all around us – you can find them close to large or smaller cities, in national parks or far from civilization. With their glistening surfaces creating an idyllic image, the lakes are one of nature’s more fascinating treasures.
Here is a subjective list of nine places where you can find the most beautiful lakes in the world.
The most beautiful lakes in the world – a list
1. Lake Moraine, Canada
Lake Moraine is a glacial lake surrounded by mountains and located in Banff National Park. The hues of its water change with the season – from deep blue to a vibrant shade of turquoise, and in mid-summer it takes on a distinctive blue color. The lake owes its unique color to mineral-rich runoff from the surrounding glaciers, some of which can be seen in the distance, in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails around its shores.
2 Kawaguchi Lake, Japan
It is one of the five Fuji lakes and one of the most spectacular and famous places in Japan. It’s a great area for vacation and weekend recreation – you can find numerous attractions and hiking trails, hot springs or unusual museums. Kawaguchi Lake is a popular spot for viewing spring cherry blossoms and autumn maple leaves. On a clear day you can admire Mount Fuji reflected in the calm waters of the lake.
3. Melissani cave with underground lake, Greece
The world’s most beautiful lakes are also those that on the surface may not seem obvious. To get inside the Melissani cave and see the wonder it conceals, one must walk along an underground path. When the sun is just over the heads of visitors at noon, the sunlight falls on the turquoise-blue water of the lake making the entire grotto glow with blue light, creating a magical effect – this is also the best time to visit. In addition, it is possible to take a boat on the underground lake.
4. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
The sixteen Plitvice Lakes, connected by cascades and waterfalls, are located in the oldest National Park in Croatia, established in 1949. Thirty years later, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by wooden walkways and hiking trails, the Plitvice Lakes are its biggest attraction. The naturally formed dams have led to a magical landscape of lakes and pools, surrounded by lush green forest.
5th Thale Noi, Thailand
Lake Thale Noi, known as Lotus Lake, is a protected freshwater wetland and waterfowl park located in southern Thailand. In season, countless pink lotus flowers float peacefully on its surface. The Thai name Thale Noi in English means “little sea.” This lake is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country.
6 Lake Bled, Slovenia
Although we have already written about Lake Bled in the article “The most beautiful natural places on the water in Europe“, but touching on the subject of the world’s most beautiful lakes, it is impossible not to mention it here as well. Set in a picturesque location, surrounded by lush forests and the majestic Julian Alps, Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions. In the calm blue water is a small, centrally located island with a Gothic church. It can only be accessed by boat. Visitors can see the fantastic landscape of the lake and enjoy the mountains and forests bordering it.
7 Lake Como, Italy
Like Lake Bled, Como, due to its uniqueness, has been mentioned before in “Europe’s Most Beautiful Natural Places by the Water.” It is one of the jewels of Italian tourism, also known by celebrity accounts. Lake Como is undoubtedly the most impressive lake in Italy. Located in Lombardy, at the foot of the Alps, it provides very picturesque views. It has been attracting tourists since ancient Roman times. Today it is just as popular, both for its natural beauty and luxury hotels.
8. lagoon Colorada, Bolivia
Laguna Colorada is a salt lake located within the Andean Fauna National Reserve “Eduardo Avaroa”. Its water has a striking red hue, which comes from the algae and red sediment contained in the lake. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is home to hundreds of pink flamingos, which congregate there during the breeding season, which lasts from December to April – then it is the best time to admire them.
9th Crater Lake, USA
It is a volcanic crater lake that is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park, the only one in the state of Oregon. It is known and loved for its awe-inspiring dark blue color and exceptional clarity. The landscape is enhanced by two islands: the Wizard Island and the Ghost Ship. Tourists, depending on the season, can hike traditionally or snowshoe, bike or ski in its vicinity.
The most beautiful lakes are scattered all over the world and each year they please the eyes of many visiting nature lovers.
The world’s lakes and their condition in the era of climate change
Until 53 percent. The world’s largest lakes are drying up, and the most serious cause of this phenomenon is climate change and unsustainable human use of water resources. Roughly ¼ of the human population lives in basins of drying lakes, and many regions around the world have been facing water shortages in recent years. This points to the urgent need to change the water management system to a more sustainable one, in order to protect not only the most beautiful lakes on the above list, but also all the others.