Whether they want to unite with nature, admire the beautiful surroundings or live on the shores of sparkling water, lakeside destinations will provide travelers with everything they desire. 79%* of Croatian travelers confirmed that being near the water instantly relaxes them, so Booking.com, one of the leading global travel platforms, explored its rich treasure trove of accommodation facilities and found several destinations with beautiful lake views that you simply must visit.
Lake Bled, Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and Bled is one of the most picturesque towns in the country. In the northwest of the country is Lake Bled, whose excellent glacial water attracts visitors from all over the world. The popular Bled castle is located on the rock above the lake, and the historical landmark is surrounded by small islands. While soaking up the beautiful views, travelers can enjoy a number of activities, including hiking in the mountains during panoramic hiking in the Julian Alps or looking for hidden places to swim. Those more inclined to adventure, on the other hand, can try their hand at rafting.
Enjoy homemade products during two-hour interactive wine tasting. Whether you're more into activities like swimming and hiking or simply looking for a place to rest and recharge, Lake Bled will satisfy most travelers.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Toplice – Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers a spectacular view of Lake Bled and the Alps. All rooms and apartments in the building have a balcony with a view of the lake, and the wellness center equipped with a thermal pool, saunas and various cosmetic and wellness treatments helps guests to relax in their surroundings.
Lake Annecy, Annecy, Francuska
Lake Annecy, the third largest in France, is located south of the picturesque Alpine town of Annecy, which is also called the "Venice of the Alps". The city has existed since the Middle Ages, and is characterized by colorful houses along the canals and flower-decorated bridges over three canals and the Thiou River, which flows through the city. The town and the lake are located in the department of Haute-Savoie, which borders Italy and Switzerland. The crystal clear water attracts tourists and water sports lovers in the summer, and the nearby mountain peaks, including the famous Mont Blanc, are an attraction for walkers and mountaineers. Visitors who want to explore the surroundings of the lake will enjoy walking tour of Annecy, which will reveal to them the charm and character of the city, as well as historical landmarks, including the 12th-century Palais de l'Ise, Chateau d'Annecy and Pont des Amours.
Where to stay: Les Ô d'Annecy it is located in a wooded environment overlooking the sparkling water of Lake Annecy. The private accommodation is located in the Saint-Jorioz building, one of the most historically significant in the city, and guests can enjoy a shared garden, indoor pool and yoga classes held on site. Visitors staying in this charming property will be attracted by the panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains while enjoying a great selection of a la carte and continental breakfast on their balcony.
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, Novi Zeland
Queenstown is considered one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, and is characterized by a beautiful environment, unique flora and fauna, exciting activities and the longest lake in the country, Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is called the "adventure capital of the world", so many visitors and adrenaline junkies visit the lake for skydiving, skiing, paragliding and bungee jumping. While it's great for adventure, Lake Wakatipu has a lot to offer travelers looking for peace as well. At their disposal are picturesque walks along the coast, boat rides with beautiful views and must-see attractions such as Skyline Queenstown, Coronet Peak and Queenstown Gardens. Whether they come to Queenstown for rest and relaxation or for an adrenaline rush, visitors can try it out panoramic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw or zipline Moa with a view of the blue water of the lake.
Where to stay: Looking for lake view accommodation for your stay in Queenstown? The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments offers guests spectacular lake views, private balconies and panoramic windows in all units. Because Queenstown is located near the center of the world's southernmost wine region, visitors can take advantage of the on-site Bordeaux Wine Lounge and enjoy international and local cuisine day and night at the hotel's True South Dining restaurant.
Lake Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
In the German-speaking area of Switzerland, there is Luzern, the most populous city in central Switzerland, s "by the lake of four forest settlements", that is, Lake Lucerne. The surrounding landscape of Lake Lucerne is similar to the Scandinavian fjords, and daily boat trips, cable car rides and city tours are available to travelers. The city is located on the shore of the lake and has a rich cultural and social offer that includes sights such as the Kapellbrücke bridge, the old town of Luzern and the Gothic architecture of the church of St. Leodegar. If they want to enjoy beautiful views, travelers can opt for sightseeing tour of Mount Pilatus. The tour includes an ascent to the mountain by cable car with a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-covered alpine peaks and a one-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne in the summer months, and is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty that Lake Lucerne offers.
Where to stay: On the shores of Lake Lucerne in the picturesque bay of Horw is located Seehotel Sternen. Surrounded by unforgettable mountain views, this charming hotel features 25 units, all with balconies overlooking turquoise water and mountain scenery. The natural surroundings offer hotel guests a range of activities, including walks on numerous hiking trails, swimming in the natural bays of Lake Lucerne, boating, and sports such as tennis and golf.
Lake Nahuel Huapí, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
In the Argentine province of Río Negro at the foot of the Andes is the Nahuel Huapí glacial lake with the town of San Carlos de Bariloche located on its southern shore. Nahuel Huapi is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the country and features crystal clear blue water, islands and surrounding mountains, making it one of the most attractive destinations in Patagonia. The lake is located in Nahuel Huapi National Park, and visitors can enjoy popular attractions in the area such as the mountain peaks of Cerro Campanario and Cerro Catedral, which can be reached a short drive from the lake. Mountaineers ready for challenges, on the other hand, can enjoy beautiful views from the famous Refugio Frey mountain hut. Travelers can also discover why San Carlos is one of the most popular winter sports destinations in South America and how it earned the nickname of the chocolate capital of Argentina.
Where to stay: Located in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Llao Llao Resort, Golf Spa offers beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The resort is an ideal place for the whole family to enjoy, and it contains a fitness center, a common lounge, gardens for walking and a children's playground, as well as a children's club for the entertainment of the youngest. Two popular tourist spots can be reached with a short drive from the accommodation facility: Parque Nahuelito and Serena Bay.
*Travel forecast research in 2024 was commissioned by Booking.com, and was conducted on a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months. A total of 27.730 respondents from 33 countries and territories participated (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from the Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the United Arab Emirates, 1007 from the United Kingdom, 1005 from the USA and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed the online survey in July 2023.
**Recommendation data from Booking.com based on the most frequently recommended and most relevant destinations among global travelers in the lake category.
