“So lovely was the loneliness of a wild lake,” wrote Edgar Allan Poe in 1827. It’s doubtful, however, that he ever spent time with thousands of tourists during Lake Como’s busy season.
Still, he was onto something, as lakes have long offered the perfect blend of relaxation, activity and indulgence. The most beautiful lakes in Europe are both picturesque and peaceful, yet surrounded by adventure and towns brimming with culture and cuisine.
In this guide, we venture past Lake Como to discover the best lakes for peace, beauty and elegance in Italy, Switzerland and beyond.
Image: Lake Como, Italy I HunterMoss
Seeking peace and tranquility? Forget Lake Como
Often regarded as one of the best lakes in Europe, and undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous, Lake Como in the heart of Northern Italy offers an abundance of natural beauty and high-end glamour. Yet for these very reasons, it’s become overexposed and commercialised. Unremarkable restaurants are overpriced, streets overflow with selfie sticks, and driving the lake’s tight crowded roads can be slow and frustrating.
Today, Lake Como attracts around 1.4 million visitors a year, with local officials now considering a so-called “tourist tax” to ease congestion – following in the footsteps of tourist hotspots like Venice and Bali.
Of course, there’s no denying Como’s timeless beauty, opulence and historic charm. Yet for those seeking peace and tranquillity, other lakes in Europe offer equal aesthetic appeal accompanied by a far more relaxed vibe.
Image: Lake Lucerne, Switzerland I HunterMoss
A curated selection of the most beautiful lakes in Europe
When deciding which European lakes to visit, it’s important to consider your preferred travel style. Whether you’re seeking romance, elegance or adventure, these lakes are sure to delight.
For romance: Lake Lucerne (Switzerland) and Lake Iseo (Italy)
Among our favourite places to visit in Northern Italy is Lake Iseo – once dubbed ‘the most beautifully romantic place in the world’ by English writer Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. Nestled in the region of Lombardy, this alpine lake is framed by densely wooded mountains, slender cypress trees and pastel towns.
Having visited many times, for us Lake Iseo’s true appeal lies in its tranquility. With far fewer crowds than Como and Garda, this secluded jewel is the ideal destination for a quiet romantic escape.
In Central Switzerland, nestled between the famous Rigi and Pilatus mountains, Lake Lucerne is another romantic gem. This deep-blue lake is framed by snow-capped peaks and fairytale villages, with the city of Lucerne itself offering the perfect place to wander hand-in-hand – one of the many highlights of our luxury tour of Switzerland.
Be sure to experience Lake Lucerne boat tours to glide peacefully across the water and admire the true vastness and drama of its fjord-like slopes.
Image: Lake Garda, Italy I HunterMoss
For grandeur: Lake Garda (Italy) and Lake Maggiore (Italy/Switzerland)
For sheer showstopping splendour, Lake Garda is one of the best Italian lakes to visit. The largest of Italy’s lakes, Garda combines striking natural beauty with understated sophistication. Its cobalt waters are framed by dramatic mountains in the north and gentle vine-covered hills in the south.
Thanks to its mild microclimate – where lemon trees and olive groves thrive – it’s a joy to explore in any season. Less frenetic than Lake Como yet equally as grand, Garda will reward you with more space and serenity.
Another destination that radiates grandeur is Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake. Straddling Lombardy and Piedmont in Northern Italy, and Ticino in Southern Switzerland, Maggiore uniquely ranks among both the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and Italy.
Lake Maggiore is becoming a destination for luxury seekers, keen to enjoy opulent accommodation, gourmet dining and exclusive adventures without the crowds. Among the star attractions of Lake Maggiore tours are the three Borromean Islands, easily reached by a short boat ride: Isola Pescatori, Isola Madre, and the prestigious Isola Bella – famed for its terraced gardens, elegant villas and stylish new dining spots.
Image: Lake Geneva, Switzerland I Adobe.Stock
For elegant city breaks: Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich (Switzerland)
Few places embody European elegance quite like the lakes of Switzerland. Set against a backdrop of snow-tipped Alps and manicured promenades, Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich exude sophistication in their own distinct ways.
On Lake Geneva, refinement is woven into every detail, from the Belle Époque hotels that line its lakeside towns to the mirrored waters reflecting the Jura Mountains. Hugging the shoreline, Montreux and Vevey are among the most scenic lake towns in Switzerland, blending old-world glamour with cultural depth.
Expect jazz drifting from terraces, rolling vineyards and charming paddle steamers gliding the waters between Switzerland and France. Even a stroll along Geneva’s Quai du Mont-Blanc feels like stepping into a timeless scene from a postcard.
In the northeast of Switzerland, Lake Zurich offers a contemporary expression of elegance. Sleek and serene, this slender lake blends city chic with alpine calm. Luxury boutiques, bistros and art galleries sit just steps away from tranquil promenades and lakeside lidos, turning the shoreline into a hub of activity – from swimming and sailing to sipping wine and coffee.
Beyond the fabulous city of Zurich, the lake is lined by towns including the historic Rapperswil-Jona; the elegant Küsnacht; and Kilchberg, home to the iconic Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory.
Image: Lake Fuschl, Austria I HunterMoss
For pristine waters: Lake Fuschl (Austria)
If you’re seeking mesmerising azure waters, Lake Fuschl in Austria’s dramatic Salzkammergut region is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Its sparkling turquoise-blue water is truly enchanting – so pure that it serves as a drinking water reservoir for the province.
But it’s not just the water that’s pristine. Much of the shoreline remains famously untouched, free from heavy developments and instead framed by mountains and rolling woodland. Just 30 minutes from Salzburg, Lake Fuschl offers remarkable serenity within easy reach of the city.
Yet it’s more than a pretty face, with plenty to do in and around the water. Take to the lake on a Zille – a traditional wooden boat – or try stand-up paddleboarding, while the surrounding nature trails are perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Guests on our luxury driving holiday through Germany and Austria spend a memorable evening on the banks of Lake Fuschl at a five-star hotel set on a private peninsula, surrounded by nothing but forest and unspoiled waters.
Image: Lake Garda, Italy I HunterMoss
The best lake towns in Europe to explore and enjoy
In many cases, the inspiring views are reason enough to visit the most beautiful lakes in Europe. But it would be a missed opportunity to skip the charming towns and cities that surround them.
On Lake Garda, the enchanting village of Bardolino and the eponymous town of Garda – with the Santuario Madonna della Corona embedded into the cliffs – are among the best lake towns in Italy. Nearby, the medieval town of Sirmione is a must-visit, where guests on our luxury tour of Northern Italy experience the rare thrill of guiding legendary supercars through its narrow cobblestoned streets.
Around Lake Iseo, the northwest town of Lovere is a picture-perfect haven for history and beauty. With overhanging wooden roofs, winding alleys and generous scoops at local gelaterias, it’s no wonder Lovere is frequently named among Italy’s most beautiful villages.
To the north, Lake Maggiore is dotted with stunning towns, including the Swiss jewel of Ascona in the canton of Ticino. Named 2025’s ‘Swiss Village of the Year’ by high-profile culture magazines Schweizer Illustrierte and L’illustré, Ascona boasts exceptional dining, a charming old town and a magnificent palm-tree-lined promenade with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
For other idyllic lake towns in Switzerland, Lucerne is unmissable. This compact medieval city retains a small-town feel and romantic vibe, with exquisite historic buildings, cosy coffeehouses and the Kapellbrücke – Europe’s oldest covered bridge, adorned with historic paintings.
Image: Lake Lucerne, Switzerland I HunterMoss
Discover Europe’s most incredible destinations with HunterMoss
Join us on an extraordinary European driving tour and discover the most beautiful lakes in Europe in the luxurious comfort of a legendary supercar. Take in unforgettable lakeside scenery, stay in five-star accommodation and savour the finest dining across Italy, Switzerland, and beyond – while we take care of every detail.
If you want to learn more about our unforgettable European tours, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
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