It’s no surprise that we at Travel & Leisure have always been fascinated by the lakes of Europe—they are incredibly striking and ethereal, even more so when you consider that they are all man-made!
The origin stories of these lakes are unique and surprising, making them unlike any other body of water in the world.
Here are 6 lakes to add to your travel bucket list that will be sure to make your jaw drop in awe.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Nestled in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is an enchanting sight.
The glacial lake is surrounded by mountains and forests and has a church island in the middle.
Visitors can take a boat out to the island, or hike one of the many trails in the area.
another great lake in Slovenia is Lake Bohinj.
A pristine lake that’s perfect for water sports enthusiasts, Bohinj offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. With plenty of campsites nearby, this is a great place to spend some time outdoors!.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Situated in central Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
The park is home to 16 interconnecting lakes, as well as a series of waterfalls and caves. Visitors can explore the park on foot, or take a boat ride through the lakes.
If you have time, make sure to stop by the Plitvice-Diveria museum which has a large collection of native Croatian animals on display.
You can also visit Plitvicka Jezera- Krka National Park, Croatia.
If you’re visiting Istria County in southern Croatia, don’t miss out on this beautiful national park!
While its name may sound like it’s just another set of stunning lakes that are too good to be true (think again!), it also encompasses lush forests with picturesque waterfalls, serene wetlands full of wildlife, and mysterious caves.
The Great Crystal Palace Waterfall
Set in the English countryside, this man-made lake was created in 1851 to serve as a holding tank for water used in the Crystal Palace.
It gets its name from the 100-foot waterfall that flows over an embankment of white limestone.
The best time to visit is early morning when the sun is just peeking over the horizon.
Tolmin Gorge, Slovenia
Tolmin Gorge is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible gorges in Europe.
It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia. The gorge is situated in the Julian Alps and is home to a number of rare plant and animal species.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, and climbing in the gorge.
Lac d’Aiguebelette, France
This idyllic lake is located in the French Alps and is surrounded by forests, making it a popular spot for hiking and other outdoor activities.
The water is crystal clear and very clean, as it is supplied by a natural spring.
Laghetto di Santa Caterina, Italy
If you’re looking for a serene and beautiful spot to relax in Italy, look no further than Laghetto di Santa Caterina.
This lake is located in the Dolomites and is known for its clear turquoise waters.
There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, biking, and canoeing
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