Category: Lakes & swimming

Thanks to strict protection since the 1960s, Lac d'Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, with the picturesque old town of Annecy. Highlights: very clear, clean bathing water, old town…

Lac du Bourget near Aix-les-Bains is the largest natural lake lying entirely in France, with the Hautecombe Abbey on its western shore. Highlights: largest natural lake entirely in France, abbey…

Lake Bled is one of the most photographed places in the Alps, with Slovenia's only natural island, a pilgrimage church and a castle high above the shore. Highlights: island with pilgrimage church (99 steps), Bled Castle on the rock above the lake, traditional pletna rowing boats, Bled…

Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia and, unlike nearby Bled, lies in the middle of Triglav National Park and far more unspoilt, with the Savica waterfall and the Vogel cable car nearby. Swimming, kayaking…

With its bright emerald-green water, the Soča is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, reached over the Vršič Pass, the highest road pass in Slovenia. The…

The Alpsee lies nestled between Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein and is one of the cleanest lakes in Bavaria, with a roughly one-hour shore path. Highlights: very clear lake before the castle backdrop, shore loop in barely an hour, bathing and…