National GeographicJun 21
Europe's secret lakes—6 destinations without the crowds
The appeal of a lakeside holiday is timeless: morning mist rising from the water, long swims, slow boat rides and mountain silhouettes mirrored on glassy surfaces. Yet many of Europe’s lakes don’t ...
Reached by funicular, summit offers lake views.
21 things in this story
- Lake ThunSightCalm, deep-blue finger of water fed by meltwater.
- Eiger, Mönch and JungfrauSightImposing, snow-capped trident of iconic peaks.
- NiesenSightReached by funicular, summit offers lake views.
- Spiez CastleSight12th-century castle set on a vineyard-draped peninsula.
- Elsewhere
- VogarViewpointBohinj, SloveniaPeak offers spectacular viewpoint for paragliders.
- Lake OhridHostelOhrid, North MacedoniaAstonishingly clear lake with settlements dating back thousands of years.
- Church of St. John at KaneoSightOhrid, North Macedonia13th-century church perched dramatically above the waterline.
- Lake BohinjSightBohinj, SloveniaPlacid, crystalline waters fed from encircling mountains.
- Savici WaterfallSightBohinj, SloveniaExuberant torrent on the way to Komna Plateau.
- Komna PlateauSightBohinj, SloveniaMountain hut offers sunrise views mirrored in the lake.
- Ennerdale WaterSightEnnerdale Bridge, United KingdomQuiet, isolated glacial lake surrounded by peaks.
- YHA Black SailHotelEnnerdale Bridge, United KingdomHostel set in glorious isolation at the valley's prow.
- Coast-to-CoastTrailEnnerdale Bridge, United KingdomUK's newest national trail threads through the valley.
- Lake SaimaaSightLappeenranta, FinlandMosaic of basins, bays, channels, and islands.
- Saimaa ringed sealPlaceLappeenranta, FinlandCharismatic yet endangered wildlife; best seen on safari.
- Ohrid cityNeighborhoodOhrid, North MacedoniaMaze of cobbled lanes, Ottoman houses, and church-topped viewpoints.
- monastery of St NaumSightOhrid, North MacedoniaPeacocks wander grounds; pilgrims queue to visit saint's tomb.
- Bay of Bones MuseumMuseumOhrid, North MacedoniaReconstructed prehistoric stilt village over turquoise shallows.
- Vassivière LakeSightPeyrat-le-Château, FranceMan-made lake with densely wooded shores and islands.
- Vassivière IslandSightPeyrat-le-Château, FranceIsland in the lake home to art center, chateau, and lighthouse.
- International Center of Art and LandscapeMuseumPeyrat-le-Château, France