Peace, tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings, these are three of the attributes that, for some people, make lakes more popular than endless seas and oceans. Whether you’re looking to relax and meditate in the middle of nature, or just want to take your family on a nice vacation, these five still natural wonders are all great destinations:

5. Saimaa Lake


Covering an area of 4,400 square kilometers, Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe. Most of the lake is dotted with 14,000 small islands of different shapes, making it look like a watery labyrinth.

Offering some of the most scenic sights in Finland, Lake Saimaa is one of the most popular destinations in northern Europe and some of its green-covered islands are available for purchase, to those who can afford such a luxury.

4. Ohrid Lake

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Located in the Balkan Mountains, between the Republic of Macedonia and Albania, Ohrid Lake is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. This mountainous body of water is home to more than 200 endemic species, which puts it in the same league as Lake Baikal or Lake Tanganyika.

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Though known mostly as one of Europe’s largest biological reserves, the natural beauty of Lake Ohrid and its surroundings has not gone unnoticed. More and more tourists travel to this mountain-surrounded paradise, in search of peace and quiet.

3. Lake Como

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Best known for its stylish lakeside villas, Lake Como has long been one of the favorite holiday retreats for the rich and famous. Just 45 minutes away from bustling Milan, Lake Como is the perfect getaway for those looking to get away from the madness of the city, if only for one day.

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The third largest lake in Italy, and one of the deepest in Europe, Lake Como lies in a mountainous, pre-alpine landscape, but managed to develop a Mediterranean charm, as well.

2. Lake Bled

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Situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the seemingly endless forests of the Julian Alps, Slovenia’s Lake Bled is one of the most charming attractions of the Old Continent. Close to the lake lies the tiny town of Bled, a centuries old resort that served as home of the Yugoslavian royal family and summer residence of President Josip Broz Tito.

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Right in the middle of the glacial Bled Lake lies the only island in Slovenia, a small piece of land that hosts Sv. Marija Church, where weddings are performed regularly.

1. Plitvice Lakes

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One of the most beautiful natural parks on Earth, Plitvice Lakes is a harmonious combination of forests, meadows and waterfalls flowing down into 16 turquoise, blue or grey lakes. The lakes are separated by natural dams made of travertine, created from encrusted plants and bacteria.

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The oldest natural reservation in South Eastern Europe, Plitvice Lakes Natural Parks attracts over 1 million visitors every year, with its breathtaking wild scenery. There’s one thing you simply must bring with you when visiting Plitvice Lakes, and that’s a camera. If you don’t take any photos as proof, you probably won’t believe such an extraordinary place exists.

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