Destinations directly on the lake: 15 beautiful holiday destinations with water
Simply dive in, let yourself drift and cool off from the heat - when you think of cool water on a summer holiday, you usually think of the sea and sandy beaches. But there are a number of bathing lakes in Europe that are worth a trip: tested water quality, diverse nature and places that have more to offer than the usual tourist attractions of the large seaside resorts.
We'll show you where in Europe you can find not only a place to cool off in the summer, but also exciting cities, culture or hikes through breathtaking nature.
Surrounded by picturesque little towns, nestled between high vineyards and olive groves, Mediterranean flair wherever you look: Lake Garda is one of the most popular bathing lakes in Europe. And that's hardly surprising, given the combination of a beach holiday in the middle of the mountains and the opportunity to explore historical places.
One of these wonderful little places is Sirmione, on the southern tip of the 370 square kilometre lake. The picturesque town is a peninsula that juts out into the clear blue of Lake Garda, with a view of the impressive Monte Baldo panorama.
The town of Sirmione stands on a promontory in Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda.
Source: imago images/Westend61
Despite the many summer tourists, the town has retained its original charm - which is probably also due to the many locals who call Sirmione their home. With 8,000 inhabitants, the "Pearl of Lake Garda" is one of the most populous communities on Lake Garda.
The highlights of the town definitely include the impressive moated castle and the so-called “Grottos of Catullus”. These are the ruins of one of the largest Roman villas ever found and are located directly on the shores of Lake Garda.
Another special feature of Sirmione is the thermal spring that bubbles up here, which ensures a particularly mild climate and made Sirmione an important health resort even in Roman times. There are now two modern thermal centres in the town that make use of the benefits of the Boiola healing spring.
The most beautiful beach is at the tip of the headland: Jamaica Beach. Turquoise water, a view that reaches to the bottom, a beach made of white stone - this small bathing paradise lives up to its name. But the Lido delle Bionde, the Lido Brema, the Porto Galeazzi and the Spiaggia Grotte di Catullo are also popular beaches in Sirmione.
Deep blue water, Mediterranean palm trees, an impressive mountain panorama: At Lake Maggiore, there are motifs around every corner that are sure to get you a few likes on Instagram. A special feature: you get two countries in a double pack here. The 65-kilometer-long and up to ten-meter-wide lake is located in Switzerland and Italy.
Around 16,000 people live in Locarno, the northernmost town on the "Long Lake", which is also the warmest place in Switzerland. The beautiful old town with its narrow streets, pastel-colored houses and small arcades attracts travelers from all over the world every year - but is much less crowded than the towns on the larger Lake Garda.
The heart of the Swiss town is the Piazza Grande in the old town with its many small cafés and restaurants. This is a wonderful place to observe the hustle and bustle of the town. It only really gets busy during the renowned Locarno Film Festival, the most important film festival in Switzerland.
Above Locarno, on the holy mountain, stands the Madonna del Sasso. The pilgrimage church is located on a rocky outcrop that offers a breathtaking view over the city and the lake as far as Italy. Other sights include the Castello Visconteo, a fortress from the twelfth century on the edge of the old town, the della Malinconia oratory and the parish church of Sant'Antonio Abate.
From the pilgrimage church Madonna del Sasso in Locarno on Lake Maggiore, the view extends as far as Italy.
Source: imago images/imagebroker
The Lido in Locarno is definitely worth a visit. The large indoor and outdoor pool is located on a beautiful lake beach. In addition to open-air fun pools and paddling pools for small children, there are also Olympic and diving pools with towers up to ten meters high. The view of the impressive mountain panorama is free of charge.
A total of 33 towns in three countries line Lake Constance - here you are definitely spoiled for choice as to which shore you should jump into the cool water from. However, as the secret capital of Lake Constance, we recommend Konstanz: a beautiful old town with picturesque alleys, medieval town towers and arcades. Opportunities for water sports and cycle paths are right on the doorstep.
In addition to the 76-meter-high cathedral and the bare-breasted Imperia statue at the harbor entrance, the Dominican monastery is definitely one of the sights in Konstanz. The harbor with its southern flair and the breathtaking alpine and lake backdrop is a popular destination, especially in the evenings.
Popular starting point for excursions on Lake Constance: Konstanz.
Source: imago images/bodenseebilder.de
Lake Constance offers all kinds of opportunities for water sports fans: paddling, surfing, sailing, rowing, diving, swimming – here you can really let off steam. Would you prefer something a little quieter? Then relax in one of the four free Konstanz Beach resorts or in the Thermal spa, which of course also has direct access to the lake.
A long promenade, magnificent buildings and churches: the city of Como on the southern shore combines impressive historical buildings with the idyllic landscape of Lake Como. With 85,000 inhabitants, the city, which gives the lake its name, is the largest town on Lake Como.
Holidaymakers can take boat tours across Lake Como and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Source: imago/imagebroker
The heart of the old town is framed by the historic city walls and is home to beautiful little shops, cafés and restaurants. The many lively palazzi with their Italian flair characterize the image of the center, where the small restaurants with their terraces invite you to linger.
With a view of the clear water of the lake, the Como promenade is a particular attraction for visitors. A boat trip across the lake is recommended here to enjoy the view of the opulent villas on the water and the dreamy mountain panorama. The other smaller towns on Lake Como can also be reached stress-free from here.
Thanks to the mild climate, the shores of the lake are lined with cypresses, olive and lemon trees. And the town's beautifully landscaped parks also feature Mediterranean plants alongside exotic specimens.
And although Lake Como is only the third largest lake in Italy, its shoreline even exceeds that of Lake Garda: thanks to the two southern shores, it has a shoreline of 170 kilometers.
Whether it's centuries-old churches, amphitheaters or the remains of a fortress: when you take a walk through Ohrid, you can feel the past at every corner. You wouldn't even notice it from the clear blue water, but Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world, at over two million years old. It, and the city of Ohrid, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
The picturesque town of Ohrid is situated on the crystal-clear glacial lake.
Source: imago images
A crystal-clear mountain lake fed by glacier water, with small white houses stretching up the green hills along its banks - Ohrid is a small paradise that is rarely found in southern Europe. And the place in North Macedonia is still a real insider tip. But that could soon change: every year more visitors find their way to picturesque Ohrid.
The old town of the town is located on a hill and the old fortress Kale and the church of St. John Kaneo offer tourists a breathtaking view of Lake Ohrid. In summer, the temperature of Lake Ohrid rises to a pleasant 21 degrees - perfect for a little refreshment.
The Swiss Alps seem to rise imposingly from Lake Lucerne. From the city of Lucerne, which lies on the northwestern shore of the lake, you have the perfect view of this impressive natural spectacle. Nestled in the mountain panorama, the place is considered the gateway to Central Switzerland.
Lucerne lies between the lake and the mountains.
Source: imago images
Don't be fooled by the picturesque location between the mountains and the lake: Lucerne is anything but a sleepy place. Life is pulsating here. Between hip cafés, centuries-old sights such as the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower, and museums, there is all sorts of things to discover here. And the best thing is that the city center is car-free.
Traditional customs are also maintained and lived in Lucerne: for example, the three days before Ash Wednesday, the old town is transformed into a festival ground during the carnival. Bizarre characters with imaginative masks and costumes then parade through the streets accompanied by music. Or in autumn, the bells of the decorated cattle ring out during the Alpabtrieb, which is accompanied by folklore groups down into the valley.
If you are looking for a way to cool off after so much to do, you will find eight lakeside resorts around Lucerne – you are guaranteed to have plenty of bathing fun and you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
At Lake Balaton in Hungary, there is bathing fun for even the most frostbitten person: thanks to its shallow depth, the lake reaches a pleasant 30 degrees in summer - the open sea can hardly keep up with that. What it lacks in depth, Lake Balaton makes up for with its size: with a water surface of around 600 square kilometers, it is the largest freshwater lake in Europe.
You definitely don’t have to miss out on sun and swimming fun in Tihany on Lake Balaton.
Source: imago images
Do you love water, but are annoyed by the sand that sticks to your body and beach towel? Then the Tihany peninsula could be the perfect holiday destination for you. Because here, like in most places on Lake Balaton, there are grassy beaches.
The peninsula extends a good five kilometers into the lake. Thatched-roof farms and charming fishermen's houses exude an original flair and allow you to experience Hungary's history. Nowhere else on Lake Balaton can you admire so many historical buildings. This includes the monastery, whose white baroque towers rise gracefully into the sky.
Thanks to the many ports on Tihany, the peninsula is a popular place for water sports fans: whether sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling or surfing – here you can let yourself be carried away by the wind and waves.
Water, water and more water: There are three lakes bordering the town of Waren in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - including Germany's largest inland lake, the Müritz. It is connected to the other upper lakes in the Mecklenburg Lake District, so you can dive from one body of water to the next in the land of 1000 lakes.
Waren an der Müritz is surrounded by water on two sides.
Source: imago images
In the old town of the spa town, lovingly restored half-timbered houses line up next to each other. You will also find the two churches of St. Mary and St. George, as well as the old town hall and numerous small shops and restaurants.
Things get maritime at the port of Waren: passenger ships come and go here, but you can also get behind the wheel yourself and charter a boat. The waterfront promenade is a wonderful place to stroll or enjoy a coffee while the sun shines on your face.
Do you want a change from all that water? No problem. From Waren you can reach unspoilt forests and meadows in just a few minutes. You can even watch animals in the bison enclosure on the Damerower Werder peninsula. It certainly won't be boring here.
Typical Dutch flair, maritime history, beach and culture - the city of Hoorn on the Ijsselmeer is a popular holiday destination for tourists for a reason. Whether museums, architecture, water sports or idyllic landscapes: the city combines many attractions so that visitors can spend an unforgettable holiday.
Dutch architecture, shipping and beaches: Hoorn in the Netherlands has a lot to offer.
Source: imago images
One of the highlights is definitely the sandy beach of Hoorn, which in some places is even surrounded by water on two sides. Whether you want to build sandcastles with the family, read a book or cool off in the Ijsselmeer - a visit is definitely worth it.
Another, smaller section of beach can be found in Juliana Park. Nestled in lush greenery, you can conquer the Ijsselmeer from here or simply watch the hustle and bustle. Just a few meters further on is the popular beach pavilion "Oranje Buiten", where locals and travelers gather for a drink and to enjoy the sea view when the weather is nice.
Water, mountains, big city, Michelin-starred cuisine, culture and sport – there is probably nothing that Geneva doesn't have. The city, which has a population of around 200,000, is not only the seat of many important organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), but is also a popular holiday destination.
Geneva's landmark, the Jet d'eau, can be seen from afar.
Source: imago images
And the city probably has its many faces to thank for this: those seeking peace and quiet will get their money's worth here, as will art lovers, adventure sports enthusiasts and gourmets. With its many facets, Geneva knows how to inspire just about every visitor.
The city's landmark is the Jet d'eau. The water fountain, with its spectacular 140 meters, can be seen from far away on Lake Geneva. 500 liters of water shoot up here every second. From the Plage des Eaux-Vives you have a wonderful view of the water fountain, you can relax on the sandy beach and refresh yourself in the cool lake.
There are two other bathing areas in the middle of the city: just a few minutes from the international quarter is the Plage du Reposoir. A family-friendly beach with a kiosk, showers and toilets. The public bathing establishment Bains es Paquis is built on a wooden jetty in the lake and offers all kinds of opportunities for relaxation with a sauna, hammam, Turkish bath and massages.
If you want to experience the city from a different perspective, you should definitely take a ride on the water taxis, known as Mouettes. A little tip: overnight guests in Geneva receive the Geneva Transport Card. This allows you to use all local public transport completely free of charge - including the Mouettes.
There is something fairytale-like about the way the Gothic Church of the Assumption of Mary rises up on a small island in the middle of Lake Bled. A picturesque mountain landscape is reflected in the clear water, and the medieval Bled Castle sits on a 139-meter-high rock on the shore - it couldn't be more idyllic.
The sunrise bathes Lake Bled in an unreal light
Source: imago images
Slovenia is not yet on many holidaymakers' travel lists and is still considered an underrated travel destination . If you are looking for a holiday destination away from the crowds, you have come to the right place. And the small town of Bled has a lot to offer: thermal baths with a view of the lake, hiking routes, water sports and hotels from family-run to exclusive.
Thanks to its relatively low altitude of 475 metres, the glacial lake of Bled is one of the warmest lakes in the Alps. In summer, its temperatures can rise to 25 degrees Celsius – the Mediterranean doesn't get any warmer.
OK, the idea of jumping into cool water is not the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Finland. A visit to a well-heated sauna is more likely. However, in Finland, which is home to the happiest people in the world , there are individual bays that reach a pleasant 25 degrees in summer - including on Lake Saimaa.
The Saimaa Lake District is the largest lake labyrinth in Finland.
Source: imago images
Strictly speaking, Lake Saimaa is not a single lake, but rather a network of several smaller lakes connected by canals. In the middle of this natural water landscape lies the city of Savonlinna, which has a population of around 32,000.
The opera and ballet festival takes place here every summer. The venue is Olavinlinna Castle, which stands on its own island in front of Savonlinna and is the city's landmark. The medieval fortress is very well preserved for its age. There are guided tours of the chapel, the old royal hall and various living quarters.
Paddle tours allow you to discover the animal world of Linnansaari National Park. With a bit of luck, you might spot a Saaima ringed seal. Around 400 of these highly endangered animals with their grey-spotted leopard look are said to still live here. The wolves and bears that roam the forests here are much more shy. Elk and wolverines are also native here - so keep your eyes open when hiking.
There are a number of beautiful bathing opportunities around Sweden's second largest lake, Lake Vänern. From public bathing areas to small bays - everyone will find the right environment for a dip in the water. And it's not even particularly cold by Swedish standards: in summer the water temperature near the shore reaches up to 23 degrees.
Small bays or bathing establishments? There are a variety of bathing options on Sweden's second largest lake, Lake Vänern.
Source: imago images
Whether fishing, water sports or swimming - at Väner, which is almost ten times the size of Lake Constance, everything revolves around water. The coastline alternates between picturesque natural areas and cozy coastal towns. One of them is Karlstadt. Here you can enjoy traditional pastries in small cafés, stroll through the green parks or watch the hustle and bustle at the harbor.
In summer, boat buses operate in Karlstadt. In addition to the stops in the city, you can also take the water buses out to the archipelago and go swimming there. You are guaranteed to find a free spot here.
Turquoise water meets white sandy beach - a picture that you would otherwise only find in the Caribbean awaits you in the middle of Salzburger Land. Between green mountain slopes, traditional farms and coniferous forests lies Lake Fuschl with its seemingly unreal water color.
Golf, parasailing or boat tour? There is plenty of action in Fuschl am Fuschlsee.
Source: imago images/imagebroker
The Fuschlseebad is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, with a large sunbathing lawn, saunas, heated outdoor pool and water slide that ends in the lake water. Those who prefer something quieter can look for one of the many idyllic natural bathing spots along the shore.
But you can do more than just swim in Fuschl. The surrounding mountains are perfect for long hikes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there's a tour for everyone. You can find an overview of the routes here . The town in Salzburger Land is also popular with bikers and golfers.
The picturesque town of St. Gilgen on the northern shore of Lake Wolfgang combines rural idyll with modern flair. The surrounding farms are still run in a traditional way, and cultural monuments and historic buildings are reminders of the past. At the same time, the modern Zwölferhorn cable car takes you comfortably to the peak of the same name.
Idyllic nature awaits visitors to St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang.
Source: imago images
From up here you have an incomparable view of Lake Wolfgangsee and the surrounding mountains. A perfect starting point for a long hike. And when you return you can refresh yourself with a jump into the clear lake water.
With its wooden piers, floating islands and large lawn, the St. Gilgen beach is the perfect place to spend a few relaxing hours. If you're looking for more action, you can try water skiing or parasailing from the surrounding mountains.
And culture is not neglected in St. Gilgen either. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's roots lie here. His mother Anna comes from the town on Lake Wolfgangsee and his sister also spent several years here. On a walk through the town you can follow in the footsteps of the famous family. The perfect end to your day is a handmade Mozartkugel, such as those offered in the Dallmann confectionery.
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