Beautiful Inland Seas And More Of The World’s Most Stunning Lakes

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Beautiful Inland Seas And More Of The World’s Most Stunning Lakes

Story by Florence Jones • 11h ago

 

 

Watery wonders to fall in love with

There are some two million lakes on planet Earth, ranging from ancient mountain lakes and former volcanic craters to paradisiacal lagoons. A lake can, of course, be beautiful for many reasons – its dramatic backdrop, its wildlife-rich banks or even the manmade structures that frame it. Feast your eyes on our list of the world’s most beautiful lakes and see which one you’d most like to visit.

 

 

Plitviče Lakes, Croatia

Like something out of a fairy tale, the 16 terraced lakes that make up the Plitviče Lakes National Park in Croatia are linked by some 90 spectacular waterfalls. Connected by winding wooden walkways and surrounded by an emerald-green forest reserve, this chain of lakes imbues an almost fantastical feel. Explore this turquoise watery world on foot or via ferry and admire the cascading waters of the 256-foot-high (78m) Veliki Slap, as well as Barac and Šupljara caves. 

 

 

Crater Lake, Oregon, USA

With a unique geology, Crater Lake in Oregon is one of the most fascinating lakes in America. As the name suggests, this vast natural basin lies within a caldera in the Cascade Mountain Range, which formed after Mount Mazama erupted more than 6,000 years ago. And with depths of up to 1,949 feet (594m), this is the deepest lake in the US. Since all of the water derives from precipitation and glacial run off, this wildlife and adventure-rich lake makes jaws drop with its awesome deep blue color too. 

 

 

Windermere, Cumbria, England

Of the 16 lakes that occupy the UK’s Lake District – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Windermere is, arguably, the most beautiful. Covering 5.7 square miles (14.8sq km), this vast expanse of water reaches an impressive 10.5 miles (18km) in length which means there are abundant water sports opportunities. Impressive panoramas of its shimmering blue water can also be admired from the glorious bucolic countryside which Cumbria is known for.

 

 

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada, USA

It’s easy to see why Lake Tahoe, situated on the California-Nevada state border, is one of the USA’s most enticing. Situated high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, with an elevation of 6,224 feet (1,897m), the scenery here – bar the built-up casinos and hotels of South Lake Tahoe – is largely rugged and beautiful. In winter, this top ski destination is covered in a blanket of snow and come summer, its biscuit-hued shores rival some of the Golden State’s best oceanside beaches.

 

 

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

There are endless ways to enjoy the panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand's South Island. Whether it’s from the gravity-defying Stratosfare restaurant of Queenstown or the lookout point known as Devil’s Staircase, visitors are rewarded with staggering views of its pristine waters. Measuring more than 48 miles (77km) long, this s-shaped lake is the longest in New Zealand and the country’s third largest. The 7,608-foot (2,300m) Remarkable mountain range, a top ski destination, adds to its incredible beauty.

 

The Dead Sea, Jordan

Known for its healing qualities and high salinity which gives swimmers instant buoyancy (it’s up to nine times saltier than the ocean), the Dead Sea is an extraordinary place. Bordered by Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, this inland lake (it isn't a sea, despite its name) has the lowest elevation on Earth, but due to commercial and environmental reasons, the water levels are dropping at an alarming rate making the once 50-mile-long (80km) lake shrink. Aside from microorganisms, there’s no life in the Dead Sea and its largely deserted arid shores and striking salt formations give it an otherworldly yet beautiful feel.

 

Lake Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

The second largest of Japan’s Fuji Five Lakes which surround the iconic Mount Fuji, the idyllic Lake Kawaguchi in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is arguably the most beautiful. Known for its largely unspoilt shores and incredible flora, this UNESCO-listed lake is particularly striking during the fall and, of course, throughout the famed cherry blossom season. On a cloud-free day, this serenely still pool reflects Japan’s snow-capped sacred mountain like a giant mirror left by Mother Nature. 

 

 

 

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

With depths of 814 feet (248m), Jökulsárlón, dubbed the ‘Crown Jewel of Iceland’, is the deepest lake you’ll find here. And translated as ‘Glacier’s River Lagoon’, it is also one of the most spectacular. Wowing visitors with ice formations that date back more than 1,000 years, they sparkle against the aptly named Diamond beach and often have a streaky blue and black appearance due to past volcanic activity. Between September and April, Mother Nature dazzles lucky visitors with the famed Northern Lights. 

Lake Plastiras, Thessaly, Greece

Named after the man who visualised this artificial – yet beautiful – reservoir and dam in 1959, Lake Plastiras, on mainland Greece, is a fabulous road trip destination. You’ll cover around 40 miles (64km) driving around this high-altitude lake and with the Agrafa region’s mountain slopes and emerald green forests for scenery, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was Mother Nature, not Nikolaos Plastiras, who created this stunning spot. 

 

 

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Measuring over 140 miles (225km) long, Lake Kariba is the world’s largest manmade lake. Situated around halfway down the mighty Zambezi River, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, its dam provides power to both countries. Due to the wildlife-rich area it occupies by two national parks, it has become an oasis for canoeing safaris, sailing trips and opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, zebra and majestic African elephants. The sunsets here are glorious.

 

 

 

Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada

Situated within the UNESCO-listed Banff National Park, this glacial-fed lake is as scenic as it gets. Backed by the showstopping Canadian Rocky Mountains, there are myriad beautiful lakes in this region (including Lake Minnewanka and Lake Louise), however the lesser-visited Moraine Lake and imposing Valley of the Ten Peaks, is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. Fine rock particles or rock ‘flour’ beneath the lake surface are what give the lake its vivid blue appearance. 

 

 

 

Pehoé Lake, Chile

With a uniquely rugged topography and home of the famed Andes Mountains, Chilean Patagonia is a jaw-dropping destination. And reflecting the striking granite peaks of the Paine Grande mountain and the Cuernos (horns) del Paine, Pehoé Lake in Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile has been hailed the region’s crown jewel. Its lucid turquoise waters cover some 8.5 square miles (22sq km) and have become a route for catamarans, carrying hikers set to navigate the striking French Valley.