Aside from the millions of pink lotus flowers skimming the lake's surface, the protected wetlands contain some unique wildlife, including box turtles, storks, and water buffaloes. To enjoy the area take a boat tour to impressive Rainbow Bridge National Monument. It has some of the greatest skiing in the world with popular towns including Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (the highest mountain), Lech, Gstaad and Courchevel. The upper-middle region of the mountain generally (though not always) consists of an Alps Foothills subbiome, which is an entirely different location in itself. Case in point: Lake Powell, an impressive man-made reservoir straddling Utah and Arizona. Blessed with a superb microclimate, Lake Como in Northern Italy is the kind of place that leaves you searching for fancy words to capture its exquisiteness—but a simple “bellisima” (beautiful) is a start. These days you have to beat the tourists in motorboats to capture that effect, but still the shores of this watery expanse, about 90 minutes from Tokyo, deliver some of the best views of Fuji-San, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, located about two hours away in Ubud, for contemporary-meets-traditional Balinese ambience. A beautiful lake, with its glassy, still surface and spectrum of colors, can showcase some of water's most mesmerizing qualities. With its white limestone bottom and clear water, the lake is a perfect place for snorkeling and diving—and snapping a few dozen photographs. There is one major upside: The surplus of scarlet-hued algae attracts millions of flamingos, making the area one of the species' major breeding grounds. Banff National Park has no shortage of beautiful lakes (Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are standouts), but we love the glacial Lake Minnewanka, in the eastern part of the park, for its epic views of the Canadian Rockies. More. © 2021 Condé Nast. Come winter, the lake transforms into a true wonderland, with jagged ice caves forming around the basin, and bubbles becoming frozen in time under the water's surface. High up in the Bolivian mountains, about a three hours' drive north of Chile's San Pedro de Atacama, is where you'll find the crimson-colored Laguna Colorada, whose water gets its distinctive hue from red algae (although folklore attributes it to the spilled blood of the gods). Sail across the lake to visit Jag Mandir Island Palace, where royals used to hold parties, and have your own royal meal. The lake is a hot spot for kayaking and paddle-boating, but we'd just as likely throw down a towel on its white sandy shores and spend a few hours sunbathing. Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, to relax on 26 lakefront acres. Located in Kenya's Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is known for attracting a wide diversity of wildlife to its algae-packed waters, including lions, leopards, and swarms of feeding flamingos. Lake Tahoe is the largest of the alpine lakes in North America, formed millions of years ago during the Ice Age. Now ringed with 2,000-foot cliffs and reaching an astonishing depth of 1,943 feet—making it the deepest in the U.S.—it captivates visitors with its clarity. Visitors get to choose among spectacular mountain ranges, sparkling emerald lakes, thundering waterfalls, dreamy ancient towns perched on high cliffs, and parks that attract millions of … Summer is warm and the landscape is … Whether you’re in search of water sports, a health and wellness break, or you want to check out some exciting sightseeing, you’ll find something to suit in our pick of the 12 most beautiful lakes in Germany. Also see the 50 Greatest Festivals in the World and the 100 Most Amazing, Unique, & Beautiful … PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s England Lake District Guide. Where to Stay: Hotel Atitlan, for the authentic vibe, gorgeous gardens and the outstanding view. The historically important county may be the smallest in Kentucky by area, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in its own unique charm. Enjoy a stroll along the Friar’s Crag path for an excellent viewpoint of the lake, mountains, and many tiny islands. Grand Massif Holiday Rental Specialist - Apartments and Chalets in Samoens, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval. The vast bluff in the Southern Alps rises to more than 3,700 metres, reflecting in the glacial lakes at its feet. Book online accommodation, parking, ski passes, ski school and more. Most people have never heard of Lake Atitlan, a mystical body of water in the highlands of Guatemala that’s fringed by a trio of volcanoes and home to a number of local Mayan villages, but once they visit, they can’t stop talking about it. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. This tour whisks you across the route in one day, with everything planned ahead of time, including a coach ride to Tirano, a ride on the Bernina Express railway to St Moritz in Switzerland, free time in the Swiss resort town, and a return to Milan by coach. The Rocky Mountains span 3,000 miles and include over 100 distinct ranges. If you follow France's Verdon River—a turquoise, Alpine river snaking through the Gorge du Verdon—you'll eventually reach Lac de Sainte-Croix, an artificial lake that is just as stunning as its surroundings. As far as lakes go, Ala-Kul is one of the world's most impressive. Flanked by volcanoes and Mayan villages, this serene lake in the Guatemalan Highlands is a must for anyone considering a trip to Central America. While these examples may go by different names (lake, laguna, lago) they're all equally stunning—and worthy of a visit. This 40-mile stretch of sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, beaches, and waterfalls is a photographer, hiker and kayaker’s dream—but even if you just sit there and lake-gaze, you’ll be inspired. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Northern Scottish Highlands Guide. Located between Dornie and the Kyle of Lochalsh en route to the Isle of Skye, this 14th-century castle actually marks the point where three great sea lochs meet. The best way to see it all is to hire a guide and hike the 5-hour, round-trip trail to the top of San Pedro Volcano. The event was a major natural disaster that stopped the flow of the neighboring Hunza River, causing the site of the former village to rapidly fill with water and displacing thousands of people in the region. With water sports and boat tours, locals have been able to build hotels and campsites around the lake in an effort to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. This gallery was originally published in September 2017. You might think of Bali more for its beaches than its lakes, but its volcanic origins mean that amid the terraced rice fields of its interior there’s lake country and freshwater beauty abounds. It's no wonder the Corleone family held it in such high regard. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. The second-largest lake in Nepal, Phewa Tal is surrounded by beautiful Hindu temples and some of the country's most iconic mountains, including Machhapuchhare. Don't let the name fool you—the Dead Sea is, in fact, a saline lake with palm tree-lined mountains and white, serpentine salt formations. This salt lake sure is beautiful to look at, but its hellish 120-degree temperatures and dangerously low pH levels make it a less-than-ideal vacation spot. Montreux is a lovely resort situated on a long expanse of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking south-west part of the country. For postcard-perfect views, be sure to kayak to Spirit Island. Situated in the Lake District of northwest England, Buttermere Lake is about as pretty and charming as English lakes get. Although idyllically glassy during the warmer months, the lashing winds of other seasons can generate choppy waves as snow creates a bundt-cake-icing effect on the hills. Where to Stay: Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake, where you’ll enjoy a lake view from most rooms. Where to Stay: Sheen Falls Lodge in nearby Kenmare for its luxurious waterfront setting. As you cruise the peaceful, tree-lined lakes, you’ll pass the ruins of Ross Castle and hear the legends of Kate Kearney and Lord Brandon, and later see their cottages. Lake District is known for its beautiful lakes, mountains, and forests. It's part of a stunning fjord landscape (yet maintains a mild lake climate), and during the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a steamer cruise across the lake's relatively calm waters. Crystal-clear Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in all of Africa, which makes its coastline feel more like a tropical beach than anything else. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Switzerland has a bounteous array of beautiful lakes, but Lake Lucerne has traits that make it stand out: the pretty city of Lucerne, where water flowing into the lake passes beneath the 13th-century Chapel Bridge; a stupendous panorama that begins with Mt. New Zealand is renowned for its stunning scenery, and its highest mountain doesn’t disappoint. Most beautiful places in the world include international destinations like Greece, Croatia, Chile and Italy, as well as U.S. places such as Colorado, Washington, South Carolina and many other states. On a clear day, you can see the iconic mountain reflected perfectly in the lake's water, and come springtime, the surrounding promenades become filled with the country's signature cherry blossoms. In the past decade, the resulting turquoise lake—Attabad Lake—has become a destination in and of itself. Located in southern Siberia, Lake Baikal is the world's deepest lake—it even reaches a depth of one mile in some spots—and is also home to our planet's only freshwater seals. In 2010, the village of Attabad in northern Pakistan was buried by a landslide. The Ruby Mountains Wilderness and East Humboldt Wilderness mountain ranges near Elko, Nevada in Northeastern Nevada provide fabulous hiking trails to numerous alpine lakes. The result is a magnificent (and in the last few years, too popular) natural attraction that almost defies imagination. Attraction type: Scenic trip, By train ... We selected this tour because it includes two of the most popular areas in the Swiss Alps: the Bernese Oberland for a visit to Jungfraujoch, and Zermatt to see the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat viewing point. The world has millions of … The spot earns even more visual bonus points when reflecting the Northern Lights. Méribel ski resort in France at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area. Sometimes man’s handiwork rivals nature, as is the case with Lake Powell, the striking free-form lake created in 1963 by damming the Glen Canyon and creating the U.S.’s second-largest man-made lake. Where to Stay: In Tokyo, at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, to enjoy the sky-high swimming pool and bar (from which you can sometimes see Mt. If you catch it at the right time and with the wind calm, you can also enjoy a reflection of distinctive Cradle Mountain. Where to Stay: Titilaka, a secluded and luxurious all-inclusive eco-resort with wonderful lake views. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Tokyo Guide. While each of these massive lakes that make up hundreds of miles of our Canadian border is impressive, Lake Superior (the largest, deepest, and coldest of the five) got a special gift from Mother Nature: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Italy does it again. It’s surrounded by mountains and villages including beautiful Annecy, also known as the “Venice of the Alps”. The largest lake in South America (3,200 square miles) and highest navigable lake in the world (12,500 feet above sea level) is a place of sparkling blue water, welcoming people, and snow-capped mountains. A photo-op not to miss is Lake Bratan, where the multi-tiered thatched roof of the Pura Ulun Danu temple is silhouetted against the lake, sometimes bathed in sunshine and other times shrouded in mist. Driving around this crystal-clear alpine lake (the largest in North America) is enthralling, with the viewpoint at Emerald Bay a definite must. Backed by the out-of-this-world beauty of the Torres Del Paine range (and part of the national park of the same name), this stunning lake is saturated with such deep shades of lavender at sunrise and tangerine at sunset that it’s almost unbelievable. (In no particular order. This serene lake in north central Tasmania is home to the fabled Tasmanian Devil, as well as more cuddly looking wallabies and wombats, but Dove Lake’s main appeal is that it is the starting point for scenic day hikes as well as the rigorous 40-mile Overland Track. A place where you can stroll amid palm trees and blooming rhododendrons while admiring snow-capped mountains has got to be magical, right? Sexy village alert. Located in Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland, the glacial lake of Jökulsárlón and its frozen beach are considered one of the country's natural wonders, and for good reason: its black volcanic sands are brilliantly juxtaposed with chunks of ice that wash ashore. 13 The Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland to Visit. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Zagreb and Environs Guide. While other European countries like Italy and France are known for their glitzy lakes, Finland has some equally stunning bodies of water that you probably don't even know about. At 22,400 square miles, it is larger than the entire island of Puerto Rico and features a number of islands, some with Inca ruins, as well as a water level that rises and falls an average of five feet depending on the season. Where to Stay: Hotel Jezero, which while pretty basic is less than 1,000 feet from the largest lake. Lakes offer some of water's most alluring qualities, mesmerizing ripples, mirror-like reflections, and crstyalline clarity. West Lake and the surrounding Hangzhou region (collectively dubbed the “West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou”) have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011; in particular, the organization recognizes the landscape for “having inspired famous poets, scholars, and artists since the 9th century.” The freshwater lake covers about 2.5 square miles, with many lovely temples, pagodas, and islands peppering the surface. It has been updated with new information. A few of these irresistible bodies of water owe their charisma to climate, others to geologic luck of the draw, and some are even made by the humans who admire them. Set in the Sierra Nevadas, it receives worldwide acclaim for its scenic mountain views, luxe ski resorts, and Nevada casinos—not to mention water so clear that you can see to the bottom. It’s glacial, so of course it’s gorgeous, but what sets Lake Wakatipu apart from other New Zealand lakes is the mountain range stretched out behind it: jagged peaks so stunning they’re named The Remarkables. In addition to this microcosm of daily life, the lake also offers stellar photo-ops, from the Tang Dynasty-era Broken Bridge to charming pavilions with upturned roofs. Where to Stay: The Remarkables Mountain Lodge, for seven suites with sweet views. These small towns and villages are some of the world’s least populated and most beautiful. From the bold and vibrant to the sublime and desolate, here are 100 of the most beautiful landscapes on planet Earth. Where to Stay: Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, located on the shoreline and featuring Southwest-style décor. The main attraction here are the floating villages near Puno, Peru, which you can easily reach via kayak or boat tour. Lake Titicaca (it means “gray puma” in the native Quechua language) is an enormously beautiful body of water with a shoreline divided between South American neighbors Peru and Bolivia. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Crater Lake National Park Guide. Where to Stay: Howe-Keld, a just refurbished bed-and-breakfast located just a five-minute walk from the lake. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Eastern China Guide. For the best experience around the Lakes of Killarney in southwest Ireland, opt to boat, hike, bike, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage to access the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow, four-mile mountain pass formed by enormous glacial rocks. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, stretching approximately 1,200 km (750 mi) across eight Alpine countries (from west to east): France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. Photography referenced at the bottom.) Pilatus; and vintage steamboats that have been plying its waters since the mid-1800s. See CNN Travel's picks for the world's 25 most beautiful places -- from a striking Alaskan landscape to an otherworldly limestone peak in the Philippines. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. If you drive along the salt flats between Port Gregory and Kalbarri just before sunset, you might even get to see the water change color right before your eyes. This extremely salty body of water can transition from bubblegum pink to purple or red, depending on the season and time of day. There’s no blue quite like the aquiline hue of Crater Lake, which earned its name because it formed when the caldera of volcanic Mt. Stroll a series of pathways and wooden bridges to discover ever-evolving cascades at this amazing natural wonder. The Scottish Highlands are studded with lochs (lakes), many of them beguilingly beautiful, but Loch Duich tends to stick in travelers’ brains because it has the hauntingly picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Where to Stay: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which is located on its very own pristine lake. Lake Malawi, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. There’s some mighty stiff competition in the Canadian Rockies when it comes to glacier-fed beauty—Lake Louise, Morraine Lake, and Peyto Lake each could easily have taken the crown—but what makes Maligne Lake (located in Jasper National Park and pronounced Maleen) so stunning is the surrounding landscape: perfect foreground pines, majestically jagged background mountains, and cornflower blue Alberta skies. Although rising water levels over the past few years have led to a drop in salinity, and therefore, fewer lanky pink visitors, the protected area is still a sight to behold. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Where to Stay: The Montana, for its retro-chic vibe, nightly jazz, and a terrace with a view. Where to Stay: Crater Lake Lodge for rustic circa-1915 timber lodge charm and water views. Chalets and apartments in Samoens, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval part of the Grand Massif, one of the French Alps' largest ski areas and one of the world's most beautiful summer valleys. Try to visit between December and April, when the shallow but beautiful lake is full of water and light pink flamingos are gathered for breeding season. With its emerald waters, vistas of the surrounding Julien Alps, and Disney-like castle high on a hill, you won't be short of picture-perfect views if you venture here. Find lakes near you with info on lake rentals, a lake home for sale, real estate, fishing, boating, and lake activities. Where to Stay: Taj Lake Palace, a white marble 18th-century stunner built as a pleasure palace for Maharana Jagat Singh II, appears to float atop the water. Fuji) á la Bill Murray in Lost in Translation. In the meantime, let’s have a look at Europe’s top 10 most beautiful countries: 10. Where to Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge, where cabins let you spy on wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn. Lake Tahoe is so beautiful that a ski resort with slopes overlooking the body of water named itself Heavenly. Maharana Udai Singh chose to build his City Palace here in 1559. Sometimes Mother Nature creates beautiful things, and sometimes we humans create them ourselves. For a relaxing visit, soak in the spring-fed pool at Mineralbad & Spa Rigi-Kaltbad, atop Mt. it is the fifth most visited country in the world and has a major industrial economy from the Roman empire to the Renaissance few can compare. The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World ... area known for its hiking trails and lifts to the surrounding Swiss Alps. Aside from enjoying the lake's Eden-like beauty, travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities in the area, whether it's hiking trails to the nearby San Pedro volcano or shopping for Guatemalan textiles in one of the local villages, like San Juan La Laguna. ... With its emerald waters, vistas of the surrounding Julien Alps… With its two chambers—one dark and covered with stalagmites, the other sunlit through a huge opening to the surface—the Cave of Melissani on the island of Kefalonia is an unforgettable sight. The Alps cover 60% of Switzerland's total 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 sq mi) surface area, making it one of the most alpine countries. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. From mountain ranges such as the Alps, pristine beaches along the coast, to large metropolises. We're taking a deep dive into these captivating bodies of water. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Lake Como Guide. the Thale Noi wetlands and waterfowl park in southern Thailand is one of the loveliest spots in the entire country. The most photographed building in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle, is also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. This 56-square-mile Lombardy jewel has been attracting summer vacationers since ancient Roman times. At 885 square miles of area, it is the largest national park in England. Then take the Heavenly Gondola up the mountain for a hike with a lake view. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Queenstown Guide. Lake Hillier may be the most famous of Australia's pink lakes, but we find Hutt Lagoon in Western Australia equally striking—and miles more dynamic. Experience this wonder with the Walk Along the Cornices for elevated views of the lake and mountains. While we didn't sift through them all, we did tackle quite a large list in order to bring you this—the 14 most stunning, awe-inspiring, … The Lamoille Canyon trailhead is the most popular location to start a day or overnight hike. Beautiful scenic train ride from Lucerne via the Bernese Oberland lakes to Montreux. Plan a day-trip by boat to Taquile Island and climb the 553 stone steps up to the ruins. The most beautiful towns and lakes to visit in the Italian Alps region. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Chile Guide. The 18 Most Beautiful Places in Europe to Add to Your Bucket List There's beauty to be found on every continent, but Europe, with its 51 independent countries made up of vastly different landscapes, languages, and time zones, is spoiled with variety. From frozen beauties in Russia to man-made wonders in the United States, these are the 31 most beautiful lakes in the world. The amount of salt in the electric-blue water makes swimming difficult (not to mention, inadvisable), but floating is a breeze. Adding to its allure are two islands, each with its own palace, that don’t need Instagram filters to look spectacular when silhouetted at dusk. A great spot to visit for people interested in learning about the Civil War, Gallatin County is also where some of Kentucky’s most beautiful places are located. Perhaps that's why the lake is an under-the-radar favorite of honeymooners—particularly ones who enjoy unfussy accommodations and adventures like diving and kayaking. How the United Kingdom’s Lockdowns Made Me a Tourist in My Own Neighborhood, 8 Places in the U.S. Where You Can Actually See the Northern Lights, 10 Marine Animals You Can (Easily) Spot off of California's Coast, Fodor’s Northern Scottish Highlands Guide, 20 Ultimate Things to Do in New York City, 10 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks.