The 15 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World You Need to See

Tucked high in the Jiuzhaigou Valley of Sichuan, the Five Color Ponds (Wucaichi) are some of China’s greatest natural wonders. Don’t be fooled by their modest size—what they lacks in acreage, they makes up for in kaleidoscopic beauty. The pond’s hues, from sapphire to emerald to gold, are the result of mineral-rich water and aquatic plants (there’s also a local legend involving a goddess’s makeup mishap). At nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, these pond are so clear you can count every stone at the bottom—and so mesmerizing you might forget to blink.

On the island of Kefalonia, Melissani Lake is a blue-green marvel hidden inside of a sunlit cave straight out of Greek mythology. Once thought to be sanctuary for nymphs, today its a sanctuary for awestruck travelers. Sunbeams stream through a collapsed roof, illuminating water so clear that rowboats appear to float on air. The lake is a brackish blend of seawater and freshwater, and the surrounding stalactites and ancient artifacts only add to the mystical allure. Visit at noon for a light show worthy of the gods.

West Lake in Hangzhou is the living embodiment of Chinese landscape poetry—its willow trees, pagodas, and misty hills have inspired centuries of painters and poets. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cultural icon divided by elegant causeways and dotted with islands, gardens, and legendary pagodas. Whether shrouded in morning mist or aglow at sunset, West Lake is always dressed for the occasion.

If you’ve ever wanted to swim through a living galaxy, Jellyfish Lake is your ticket. Set on Eli Malk Island in Palau, this marine lake is home to millions of golden jellyfish that have evolved to lose their sting. Twice a day, the jellyfish migrate en masse. The experience is otherworldly, unforgettable, and—thanks to strict conservation—one of the rarest wildlife encounters on Earth.

In this glacial lagoon, luminous blue icebergs drift against a backdrop of volcanic black sand. Born from the retreat of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, this ever-expanding lake is the country’s deepest, plunging to over 284 meters. Seals lounge on ice floes, arctic terns wheel overhead, and the nearby “Diamond Beach” sparkles with stranded ice shards. It’s really no wonder it’s a favorite of filmmakers and nature lovers alike.

Lake Como is a classic—elegant, effortlessly cool, always in demand. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, its distinctive Y-shape cradles an array of pastel villages, villas, and gardens. The lake’s deep blue waters have lured aristocrats since Roman times, and its shores are still the playground of the rich and famous (George Clooney owns a villa here). Whether you’re sipping espresso in Bellagio or cruising past neoclassical mansions, Lake Como is la dolce vita incarnate.

Thailand’s Thale Noi is a freshwater lagoon that bursts into a Monet-worthy riot of pink lotus blossoms each morning. Located in the Phatthalung province, this protected wetland is a haven for over 280 bird species and herds of water buffalo. Early risers are rewarded with sunrise boat rides through carpets of water lilies, flocks of birds, and a landscape so tranquil, you’ll want to bottle the peace and take it home.

The Dead Sea is where you go to defy gravity and embrace your inner spa enthusiast. Straddling Israel and Jordan, this hypersaline lake is Earth’s lowest point on land—over 430 meters below sea level. Its mineral-rich waters are so dense, floating is mandatory, and the surrounding mud is said to work miracles on the skin.

On the border of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake, famed for its crystalline waters and snow-capped Sierra Nevada backdrop. In summer, it’s all about kayaking and hiking, and in winter, it transforms into a snowy playground for skiers and snowboarders. The water is so clear that you can see over 70 feet down—so bring your sunglasses, and maybe a thesaurus for all the superlatives you’ll need.

Finland’s Lake Päijänne is a slice of Nordic perfection, stretching over 120 kilometers through forests and islands. It’s the country’s second-largest lake and a vital source of drinking water of Helsinki. With a labyrinth of inlets, rocky islets, and mirror-like surface, Päijänne is a paradise for kayakers, anglers, and anyone seeking a little quiet contemplation.

Lake Kawaguchikoi, located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, is a placid lake that offers the most iconic, postcard-perfect views of Japan’s sacred peak—especially during cherry blossom season or autumn’s fiery foliage. Hot spring resorts, quirky museums, and a cable car up Mount Tenjo round out the experience, but let’s be honest: it’s all about that Fuji reflection.

Lake Superior is, well, superior to all the Great Lakes—it’s so vast that it creates its own weather. Stretching between the US and Canada, its rugged, pine-fringed shores are a magnet for adventurers and artists. The water is famously cold and clear, the storms legendary, and the sunsets gorgeous. Whether you’re hiking the wild North Shore or exploring shipwrecks below, Superior lives up to its name.

Lake St. Clair is the deepest lake in Australia, carved by glaciers and ringed by ancient rainforest in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. It’s the southern terminus of the famed Overland Track, and its dark, mysterious waters reflect the untamed spirit of the island. Wallabies and wombats are your likely companions here, and the scenery is pure, unfiltered wilderness.

Lake Tarawera is a volcanic stunner located in New Zealand’s Rotorua region. Framed by lush native bush and the brooding peak of Mount Tarawera, the lake is a playground for kayakers, anglers, and hot spring seekers. Its waters are famous for trout fishing, and hidden geothermal springs bubble up along the shoreline, offering natural hot baths with million-dollar views.

Located between Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake—perched at a dizzying 3,812 meters above sea level. Sacred to the Incas and still home to indigenous communities living on floating reed islands, it’s a lake with altitude, attitude, and ancient soul.