Europe’s 3 most spectacular lakeside destinations for a summer holiday

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If we’re being honest…many lakes in the US can’t match our fantastic beaches.

While there are a few select spots, like Tahoe and pretty much anywhere in Wisconsin and Michigan, you’ll often find brackish waters that trigger thoughts of escaping to the coast.

Europe is a different playing field.

Many travelers explore the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands, but there are equally beautiful mountain lakes spread across countless countries, radiating an icy blue glow that some of the most renowned beach towns can’t match.

Fellow experts at To go (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has just revealed Europe’s 3 most spectacular lake getaways for a summer holiday, so grab your passport, check entry requirements and check current safety levels for a seamless journey across the pond.

Lake Garda: the perfect dupe of Lake Como in Italy

It’s not that Lake Como isn’t worth a visit; it’s that it takes a big hit on your bank account and doesn’t exactly exude an authentic Italian atmosphere, no matter how beautiful the scenery or how delicious the wine and pizza.

Without household recognition, especially among Americans, Lake Garda still clings to its “hidden gem” status, while locals from Italy and nearby countries have done their best to keep it on the down-low.

Does anyone still say ‘down low’?

I’m old…

What’s even more ancient (in a more charming way than my ever-growing gray beard) is Lake Garda’s medieval townscape, which straddles Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, with Roman ruins nearby.

Not to mention this The largest lake in Italyso even if it becomes more popular, you’ll still have plenty of room to find your own piece of paradise.

In summer, the pool water conditions are ideal for swimming, and the patios are still breezy enough to enjoy a sun-drenched meal.

Better yet, you can still fly to Milan and reach Lake Garda easily, just as most people do to visit the more popular Lake Como.

Travelers using our safety index currently rank Italy at 92/100. Been recently? Help others by voting below:

Lake Bled: the most sought after photo op in Europe

Want to make a proposal soon?

No pressure, but if you are, you’re not the only one looking for the perfect place to spend the rest of your life.

Not only is Lake Bled a hugely popular place to ‘pop the question’, but it is also said to be the most desirable place to simply take a photo – it is That Delicious.

Slovenia isn’t normally on your bingo card unless you’re a Luka Doncic fan like me, but because it’s next to Italy it’s not as off-road as you might think, and it’s very affordable across the board.

Lake Bled is the highlight of the country, which generates more tourism than the quiet capital Ljubljana, which I still find difficult to pronounce.

This glacial lake famous for Bled Castle, perched on a cliff with an immaculate backdrop of the Julian Alps and the Church of the Assumption on a small isolated island smack in the middle of the lake, is as storybook as Europe can get – and I’ve been to some real fairytale gems.

As with Garda, the waters may look icy with their striking blue hues, but they are indeed warm enough to enjoy a dip in summer.

Travelers using our safety index currently rank Slovenia at 85/100. Been recently? Help others by voting below:

Interlaken: the Swiss Alpine wonder

Travelers always find themselves in a contradiction when visiting Switzerland.

On the one hand, it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

On the other hand, your bank account will take a hit, as our data shows that hotels cost $280 per night on the low end.

Then, of course, there’s a reason why world-famous chef and world traveler Anthony Bourdain refused to ever set foot here: because of a morbid fear of all things Swiss.

The sound of music I really put a number on him…

That said, you just have to prepare a little more to visit such an expensive destination, but there’s no denying that it lives up to the old saying: “you get what you pay for”.

In addition to its elegant streetscape, Interlaken is touted by Going as Europe’s best lakeside retreat for thrill seekers, where you can partake in activities such as:

• Paragliding
• Skydiving
• Whitewater rafting
• Mountain biking
• Canyoning

You can also swim: there are countless sunny beaches, river baths and open-air swimming pools.

Even if you’re more of a laid-back traveler who puts others at risk of making a travel insurance claim, on your way to Jungfraujoch is a must for its unparalleled views, hence its nickname the “Top of Europe”.

Before we sign off, here’s some advice from the Travel Off Path team: make sure you get your hands on a Swiss Travel Pass to cover national public transport (including boats).

You’ll thank us later.

Travelers using our safety index currently rank Switzerland at 91/100. Been recently? Help others by voting below:

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Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.