The onset of winter makes me want to curl up by a warm fire and stare out the window at a beautiful view. Luckily, there are some gorgeous alpine lakes to do so at, all with picture-perfect surroundings and active adventures. Many also feature plenty of year-round outdoor activities as well. And they’re all great for family vacations, couples weekends, or girlfriend getaways. If you’re inclined to relax with a hot beverage or want get out and experience nature, these alpine lakes are where you need to go.
Our Favourite Alpine Lakes
Snowy winter scenes may look best from beside a fireplace for some, while others definitely prefer bundling up and breaking a sweat. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating break or an adrenaline-filled vacation, our favourite alpine lakes offer something for everyone.
Lake Lucerne | Switzerland
With a fjord landscape, mild year-round climate, and the city of Lucerne on its shores, Lake Lucerne is a Swiss delight. The almost 7,000-foot summit of Mt. Pilatus looms over the lake and plays a key role in the history and folklore of Switzerland. The 44-square-mile lake and its surroundings are a year-round playground for the recreation-mad Swiss, with winter sports in the mountains and biking and cycling along the shore in other seasons.
Lucerne is easily reachable from Zurich by train or car.
Stay at the Buergenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa for a birds eye view over Lucerne, or at the Palace Hotel on the lake to be right in the heart of the action.
Travel advisor tip: Switzerland makes for an epic year-round destination. Combined with Italy, or France, or both, it’s great for active adventurers, foodies, and those in search of a spa.
Lake Tahoe | Western USA
With clear water and a ring of mountains all around, Lake Tahoe is first and foremost a feast for the eyes. It has plenty to offer your other senses, too, serving as a playground for skiing and other winter sports during cold months and for parasailing and other water sports when the weather turns warm. Elevated hiking and biking trails offer spectacular views, and wildlife spotting. Inclement weather? Casinos on the Nevada side of the lake provide entertainment year-round.
Fly into Reno-Tahoe to reach Tahoe in about 30 minutes.
Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe to take advantage of the adjacent ski slopes, or the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe for lakefront excitement. Both are family-friendly.
Lake Louise | Western Canada
A spectacular emerald colour thanks to glacial and rock runoff, Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, is a picture-perfect sight to behold. At almost 6,000 feet of elevation with mountains and trails all around, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise all year long. In winter, there’s world-class skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, dog-sledding, and sleigh rides. In summer, there’s canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. The ski gondolas remain in operation to whisk visitors over alpine meadows and babbling brooks.
Stay at the luxurious Fairmont Lake Louise. You’ll wake up each morning to stunning alpine views.
Travel advisor tip: The Rocky Mountaineer visits Banff and Lake Louise, an excellent way to see Western Canada for those with limited time. And never fear – every night is spent at a hotel, not on a train.
Lake Titicaca | Peru/Bolivia
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,507 feet. It’s also the largest lake in South America. Lake Titicaca is a mecca for bird-watchers, and perhaps those interested in giant frogs. The floating islands made of reeds by the pre-Incan Uros people are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. Ancient temples stand on many of the more than 40 islands in the lake, which has been considered sacred by the several civilisations that have sprung up around it. Titicaca is often thought of as the birthplace of the Incan civilisation.
Stay at Titilaka, a Relais & Chateaux property at the edge of the Peruvian side of the lake.
Travel advisor tip: Virtuoso suppliers can assist in getting you in and out of this region. Combine with a trip to Lima, Machu Picchu, or even the Galapagos.
Lake Wakatipu | New Zealand
In New Zealand’s Southern Alps, near a mountain range aptly named The Remarkables, lies Lake Wakatipu. Stretching in a lightning bolt-shaped 50 adrenaline-pumping miles, the lake is home to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown, and the quiet hamlets of Glenorchy and Paradise. Parasailing, canyoneering, and bungee-jumping are a few of the favourite area pastimes, while the vineyards of Gibbston Valley offer respite after a hard day of adventure. Queenstown has the distinction of being both a lake town and a ski town, serving as a recreation capital.
Stay at Eichardt’s Private Hotel on the lakefront to be in the centre of the action. Nearby Matakauri Lodge and Blanket Bay offer seclusion from the bustle of town.
Travel advisor tip: Don’t make Queenstown the centre of your New Zealand trip – there’s so much more to see! Plan for at least two-three weeks travelling to New Zealand to ensure you hit the highlights from North to South.
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Paper, Ink, & Passports Travel is a full-service travel consulting and design company. We craft custom itineraries for destinations around the world. An Aussie Specialist, New Zealand Gold Specialist, Ireland Specialist, and Scotland Expert. Contact me now to start planning your next alpine lakes adventure!
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