Beyond Como: 7 alternative lake destinations in Europe

Beach breaks might be the number one attraction for travellers to Europe during the summer, but those who venture inland from the coast will discover the serenity of lake life. While Italy’s Lake Como and Slovenia’s Lake Bled might be the best known, there are thousands of lakes spread across the continent that offer an equal amount of beauty with fewer crowds. Here, we pick seven alternative lakes worthy of your attention this summer.

Sitting on the border between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Lugano is a glacial lake surrounded by mountains. Due to its southernly position, it has a Mediterranean climate warm enough for citrus and palm trees to grow, bringing a distinctly different feel to the rest of Switzerland. From the Swiss Ticino’s side, historic villages perch on the hillsides that rise from the water, including Gandria and Morcote – the latter being named as one of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism in 2023. Opposite Morcote, the UNESCO-listed site of Monte San Giorgio overlooks the lakes and contains fossils dating back 240 million years. Those up for a challenge can hike up to the top, but for those after a more leisurely trip, you can also enjoy lake panoramas by taking a funicular up either Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore.

The dazzling emerald colours of Norway’s Lovatnet Lake are reason enough to visit this part of Norway. The lake gets this stunning colour from the glacial particles that have melted water from the surrounding mountain’s snow and ice. Nearby is the town of Loen, where most visitors to the region will base themselves. Loen often attracts outdoor adventurers, with activities such as mountain hikes, via ferratas and zip-lining available: these sky-high activities all provide incredible views across Lovatnet. For those wanting to stay closer to the ground, camping beside the lake is permitted. Waking up and having a morning coffee besides the shimmering green water is hard to beat.

Technically a fjord, Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor is extremely lake-like in its appearance. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, recognised for both its cultural and natural landscape. The fortified town of Kotor is tucked into a corner of the bay, known for its picturesque town and Romanesque churches, as well as its ‘Ladder of Kotor’ hike that snakes its way up the mountain to a fortress, reawarding you with picture-perfect views . The calm, warm waters of Kotor make it idyllic for a refreshing swim, kayak, or for taking a boat tour out to explore other areas of the bay, including the small island known as Lady of the Rocks, and the scenic town of Perast. A line of restaurants line Perast’s waterfront, so you can enjoy dinner as the sunset creates a glowing orange sky behind the mountains.

You wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at this beautiful body of water, but the Lake of Sainte-Croix in Southern France is actually manmade. In 1974, a dam was constructed on the Verdon river, causing this reservoir to form between the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var. Now, it’s a sought-after spot during the summer, especially by locals, who come to its beaches and take to the water for summer sports, such as paddleboarding and boating (although, no petrol boats are allowed to protect the water quality). Bordering the lake are pine and oak forests with paths perfect for sheltered walks, and a series of picturesque villages can be found on its banks, such as Bauduen, Les Salles-sur-Verdon and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon – some of which had to be rebuilt when the reservoir was created.

Straddling the North Macedonian and Albanian border, Lake Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes (reaching up to 288m in depth). Dating back approximately 2-3 million years, this lake is steeped in history, with the town of Ohrid in North Macedonia also known to be one of the oldest human settlements in the continent. There were rumoured to be 365 churches here, including the most famous one today, the picturesque Church of Saint John the Theologian, better known as Saint John at Kaneo. Elsewhere in the old town, you’ll find a Roman theatre, medieval fortress and Ottoman architecture galore. Take a kayak out on the lake to paddle past secret beaches, coves, rare flora and fauna, and to get up close to the Bay of Bones Museum – a replica of Bronze Age homes balancing on stilts over the water. Tuck into traditional Balkan cuisine with a glass of local wine at the varied restaurants based alongside the water, and take a moment to savour not only the flavours but also this historic setting.

Bavaria is renowned for its fairytale castles, but its natural scenery is really what makes it so magical. This includes its various lakes that can be found tucked in between the soaring peaks of the German Alps. One of Wanderlust’s favourites, though, has to be Lake Königssee. This alpine lake sits at the base of Mount Watzmann and can be found within Berchtesgaden National Park. St. Bartholomä Church, a Catholic pilgrimage church dating back to 1697, is one of the most famous sites along the shores of the lake. Unsurprisingly, this mountainous region attracts hikers, with a popular trail leading from to another nearby lake of Obersee, or a slightly more strenuous hike that takes you up to the Archenkanzel viewpoint. Back down beside the river, there are several great areas to enter the lake for a refreshing swim, but most visitors prefer getting on the water via electric or row boat.

Slovenia’s Lake Bled might pull in the crowds, but those who stop here are missing a lesser crowded alternative just 26km away. The 3.3 sq km Lake Bohinj might not have the same tourism infrastructure, but that’s what makes it so much more authentic. Bohinj is loved by watersport enthusiasts who want to get afloat, either paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking. Those preferring to stay dry can walk a marked route around the entire lake perimeter, stopping off at hidden beaches along the way for a quick dunk to cool off, or take a short walk to the 78-metre high Savica waterfall. For the best views, take the Vogel Cabel Car up the mountains and you can not only gawk at the extraordinary lake views from its lookout station, but also enjoy some more challenging hikes along the mountain ridges.