The Most Beautiful Alpine Lakes To Visit This Summer

This article was updated in July 2025.

As the sun graces the Alpine peaks, a journey to the region's lakes unveils a landscape of profound beauty. Summer offers an ideal moment to explore these serene waters, whether you seek invigorating hikes along picturesque trails, refreshing swims, or leisurely boat excursions. We’ve curated a collection of compelling Alpine lakes, each offering a distinct charm and a tranquil escape.

Nestled in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is a jewel of emerald green waters reflecting towering peaks. It’s a truly captivating sight.

• Where to Retreat: Hotel Petrus offers a compelling base for exploring this region. Located near Brunico, it provides tailored summer programs including guided hikes, cycling, and culinary highlights, ensuring a holistic Alpine experience.
• Note on Access: To preserve its tranquility, the road to Braies Valley will be closed to cars from July 10 to September 10, 2025 (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM). During this time, access requires a pre-booked day-stay ticket with parking, or utilizing public transport, allowing for a more serene experience.

Known as the "Rainbow Lake," Lago di Carezza captivates with its vibrant hues and the surrounding Latemar peaks. Its colors, folklore, and clear waters make it a compelling stop.

• Where to Retreat: Parhotel Mondschein in Bolzano provides a stylish retreat. Reopened in May 2022 after a significant renovation, it offers its own park with a pool and is a fine base for exploring the Dolomites, just a 30-minute drive from the lake.

Read our Insider's Guide to Bolzano here.

Attersee, Austria’s third-largest lake, is famed for its intense turquoise waters, favored by artists like Gustav Klimt. It’s an ideal setting for water sports and exploring the Salzkammergut region.

• Where to Retreat: Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, which opened in July 2024, offers an idyllic setting on the banks of nearby Lake Fuschl. This gracefully restored 15th-century landmark, blending fairytale charm with refined luxury, is an appealing base for experiencing the region's lakes.

Wörthersee is a vibrant hub in Carinthia, known for its warm, turquoise waters and lively atmosphere, particularly in summer. It offers a wide array of water sports and recreational pursuits.

• Where to Retreat: Falkensteiner Schloss Velden., positioned directly on the lake, offers its own private beach and extensive wellness facilities, providing a comprehensive resort experience.

Chiemsee, Bavaria's largest lake, is a compelling destination for exploration, boating, and island visits. Discover Herrenchiemsee Palace on Herreninsel and the Benedictine convent on Fraueninsel.

• Where to Retreat: Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat offers a distinct stay. Designed by renowned Milanese architect Matteo Thun, this luxury hotel blends harmoniously into the lakeside, offering 28 exclusive suites with panoramic lake and mountain views. It provides a stylish retreat with a focus on deceleration, privacy, and connection to nature, featuring a heated outdoor pool, a wellness area, and a compelling culinary philosophy that includes fine Bavarian hospitality and a sushi bar.

• Where to Indulge: Stubn in der Frasdorfer Hütte, recognized by the Michelin Guide, provides a unique dining experience. Located in a mountain-top setting, it serves modern Alpine cuisine with top-quality produce grilled over an open fire, accessible by foot or shuttle.

Walchensee, one of Germany's deepest and largest Alpine lakes, boasts incredibly clear, turquoise water. It's a serene destination for nature lovers and outdoor pursuits.

• Where to Retreat: Schloss Elmau offers a highly prestigious retreat nearby. This luxury hotel is celebrated not only for its refined accommodations but also for its compelling program of concerts and talks, making it a destination in itself.

Lake Lucerne, nestled amidst Switzerland's dramatic peaks, offers a quintessential Swiss experience. Its waters invite cruises, while surrounding mountains like Rigi and Pilatus provide access to compelling hiking trails.

• Where to Retreat: Villa Honegg stands as a discerning choice. This 5-star hotel, perched above the lake, offers a blend of timeless elegance and modern amenities, complete with a pool, spa, and truly captivating views.

Arnensee, a tranquil lake in the Gstaad region, offers a serene escape, perfect for nature safaris and authentic Alpine activities.

• Where to Retreat: Stay at our newly opened Le Chalet Glacier, a quick 10-minute drive from Arnensee.

• Where to Indulge: Rössli in Feutersoey offers a traditional dining experience near Gstaad, known for its authentic charm.

Read our Insider's Guide to the Saanenland here.

Lac d'Annecy, framed by mountains and known for its exceptionally clear waters, offers a blend of natural beauty and vibrant city life in Annecy.

• Where to Retreat: L'Auberge du Père Bise, a two-Michelin-starred Relais & Châteaux property, sits on the edge of Lake Annecy. It provides a peaceful and authentic setting, renowned for its culinary excellence.

• Summer Activities: Annecy hosts several compelling events in August 2025, including the Annecy Lake Festival (August 2nd), a grand pyrotechnic and musical show, and the Annecy Lake Crossing (August 15th), an open water swimming event.

Lake Bled, with its iconic island church and a medieval castle perched on a cliff, offers a truly picturesque setting in Slovenia.

• Where to Retreat: Adora Hotell, located by the lake, offers appealing lake view suites, providing a comfortable and scenic base for exploring.

• Summer Activities: Enjoy swimming in the lake, cycling, or taking a ride on a traditional Pletna boat to Bled Island. Explore Bled Castle for historical insights and panoramic views.

84 Rooms recommends: 10 Hotels In South Tyrol To Bookmark For Summer In The Mountains, and 10 Of The Best Alpine Foodie Hotels.