From emerald waters to salty pink reflections, cast your eyes over some of the most scenic, awe-inspiring lakes of the world.
PLITVICE LAKES, CROATIA (pictured above)
One of the most stunning sights in the world featuring 16 terraced lakes and 90 waterfalls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is connected by a maze of paths and bridges to make the views accessible. Within the unique and changing colours of Plitvice, you’ll spot extremely large fish roaming the waters, the Eurasian eagle-owl in the trees, and golden eagles soaring high above.
www.plitvice-lakes.info
LAKE BAIKAL, RUSSIA
Visit the oldest, deepest lake on earth, situated in the icy expanses of Siberia, Russia. Ice caves line the exterior of this awe-inspiring masterpiece of nature that is nicknamed the world’s largest ice-skating rink. Lake Baikal features 20 percent of the world’s unfrozen freshwater within the 636 kilometre lake, which is also home to 2,500 species of animals and 100 species of plants, many of which are unique to this particular location.
www.lakebaikal.org
MORAINE LAKE, CANADA
Moraine Lake is a lesser known gem of Alberta, with views said to be more impressive than the better-known Lake Louise, despite being half its size. Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, you’ll witness turquoise glacier water amidst clusters of forest and snow-peaked Rocky Mountains. Perhaps Moraine’s appeal over Louise can be attributed to less tourists and more compact views, but it is agreed that the colours are spectacular, even on a cloudy day.
www.banfflakelouise.com
LAKE TITICACA, PERU/BOLIVIA
Labelled by Andeans as the birthplace of the sun, Lake Titicaca is the spiritual mecca of South America, thought to be three million years old. The largest freshwater lake in South America, and one of the highest lakes in the world, it joins Peru and Bolivia. The main attraction is on the Bolivian side, Isla del Sol. Here you can take Spanish classes while falling in love with traditional, colourful Mayan culture.
www.laketiticaca.com
LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA
This magical fairy tale of a destination offers more than just a scenic view of a smoky lake. There’s a host of activities to do and sights to see – such as a castle nestled high in the countryside, an island to visit, boating, hiking trails and secluded swimming spots. With the sound of church bells in the distance, you’ll be transported back in time with many of the architectural monuments dating over 1000 years old.
www.slovenia.info
LAKE TYRRELL, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
This salty pink jewel of Australia is so reflective you can see the sky, sun and stars perfectly in its reflection. Hence the lake’s name, derived from the Boorong people of the area’s word, ‘tyrille’, which means ‘space’ or ‘sky’. During wet and warm times of year, the water at Lake Tyrrell turns pink due to the red pigment that’s secreted by micro-algae. You’ll want to see the spectacular colours – and animals – shifting across the lake at sunset.
www.laketyrrell.com
PEHOE LAKE, PATAGONIA, CHILE
The best sights in Patagonia are not easy to get to, but when you’re there, you’ll feel like you‘ve made it to the end of the world. Located in Torres del Paine National Park, with grandiose peaks emerging through icy scapes, the sight will throw off a range of colours at sunrise and sunset. Pehoe sits between mountain ranges like a turquoise gem, while the famous Chilean Condor soars above.
www.campingpehoe.com
This article was originally published under the title A Still Scene in Issue 15 – Dance Your Cares Away. You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
