11 Stunning Lake Towns Around the World (+Photos)

There’s something about lake towns that just feels right. The fresh air, peaceful water, and beautiful scenery make them perfect for slowing down and soaking up nature. Whether you’re itching to explore or just want a quiet spot to breathe, lake towns really do offer a bit of everything.

Here are eleven stunning villages from around the world, each with their own views, culture, and experiences. If you’re searching for new travel ideas—or just daydreaming about a change of scenery—these places might stick in your mind.

11. Morcote, Switzerland

Morcote is like other small towns in Switzerland: picturesque. But this tiny town of 771 takes it one step further. Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, Morcote was named the most beautiful town in Switzerland in 2016.

The village is famous for its architecture, with an arcade dating back to the Middle Ages. You’ll also find houses from the 16th century and the 13th century church, Santa Maria del Sasso. Also worth visiting is the Botanical and Art Park with its displays of plants and artworks.

10. Fort Augustus, Scotland

Fort Augustus lies at the southwest end of the most famous of all lochs: Loch Ness. This second-largest of Scotland’s lochs draws tourists from far and wide – a few in the hopes of actually spotting the cryptozoological Nessie.

Aside from taking a cruise on Loch Ness itself, learning about Highlands culture at the Clansman Centre, or checking out the 19th century abbey, it’s the natural setting in an attractive area of the Scottish Highlands that Fort Augustus enjoys which make this an albeit well-trodden charmer of a town.

9. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Quaint colonial buildings; Niagara Falls – there’s a reason why Niagara-on-the-Lake is nicknamed ‘The Loveliest Town in Canada’. Known from the late 18th century as Butlersburg, then as West Niagara, it was a haven for pro-Loyalists fleeing the United States in the wake of the American Revolution.

Landmarks include the 1840s Old Court House Theater, and the oldest Catholic and Anglican churches in Ontario: St. Vincent de Paul (1826) and St. Mark’s Church (1791) respectively. From April to November the town puts on the Shaw Festival, a theatrical event featuring plays from George Bernard Shaw, among others.

8. Queenstown, New Zealand

Nicknamed as the “adventure capital of New Zealand,” Queenstown sits on the banks of the pristine Lake Wakatipu, South Island. Being on the edge of the waters gives the town an advantage of playing host to numerous activities – soothing boat cruises, power-packed jet boating, hiking, walking, bungee-jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, and just about anything!

Undeniably, one of the most splendid towns in New Zealand, Queenstown is quaint and relaxed yet vibrant and buzzy come evening. The town streets are dotted with fine-dining restaurants and cafes and the town calendar is filled with cultural events throughout the year, including the colossal Queenstown Winter Festival.

7. Malcesine, Italy

It’s hard to believe that Malcesine, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, has never been anything but picture-postcard beautiful. It’s past hasn’t been all that peaceful, however. . It was fought over by everyone from the Romans to the Ostrogoths and Franks to Napoleon.

Perhaps that’s why it’s most important landmark is the Castello Scaligero, a 13th century fortress that replaced one built in the 5th century. It’s marked by a medieval tower made of white stone; an Etruscan tomb was found inside its walls.

6. Vadstena, Sweden

In southeastern Sweden, and nestled on the southern shores of Vättern – the country’s largest lake and the sixth-largest in Europe – lies the town of Vadstena. Its famous for a few things: a castle, built in 1545 as a fortress before becoming a habitable royal castle in 1660, and then falling out of favor and used for grain storage (now a museum); Vadstena Town Hall – the oldest in Sweden; a 14th-century abbey founded by the Swedish Saint Bridget; and a medieval town square as pretty as it is old.

5. Rottach-Egern, Germany

If you’re looking to combine traditional red-roofed buildings, lush green trees and blue lake waters, a visit to Rottach-Egern on the shores of Lake Tegernsee is the perfect example of how to do this. Located in Upper Bavaria near the Austrian border, Rottach-Egern oozes charm and beauty. It’s a perfect holiday destination where you can sail on the lake, hike trails around it and attend concerts and folk performances. With the Alps in the background, Rottach-Egern also is a popular winter sports destination.

4. Spiez

Standing on the shores of Lake Thun, surrounded by vineyards and forests, is the town of Spiez. With a 12,000 population, Spiez is best known for its medieval castle with its 1,000-year-old Early Romanesque church.

Except for the tall stone tower, the castle, which houses a museum today, might be mistaken for a huge white chalet. Many people combine a visit to the castle with a cruise on Lake Thun. After a day of hiking or fishing, end your day with a glass of Spiezer, the locally made wine.

3. Wanaka, New Zealand

A picturesque lakeside town on New Zealand’s unspoiled, rugged South Island, Wanaka is named after the namesake river and offers views of snow capped mountain peaks as a backdrop. At its doorstep is the awe-inspiring Mount Aspiring National Park which is home to several waterfalls, glaciers, and majestic peaks – the place has also been featured in The Lord of the Rings.

A couple of ski resorts are nestled near the park and just outside the town is the famous sculpture gallery and outdoor maze, the Puzzling World. Fishing, cruising, and kayaking are common sports here.

2. Zell am See, Austria

This picturesque town is situated on Lake Zell in the heart of the Austrian Alps. It is a popular ski resort in the winter, and a great base for exploring the surrounding area by bike or on foot during the summer months. And for climbers, there is a new attraction in the area that was added in June 2017 — a via ferrata or climbing route. Called the MOBO 107, this route allows you to climb the soaring Mooserboden Dam Wall. If you prefer water sports, you can also go for a swim or try your hand at stand-up paddling on the lake.

1. Pucon, Chile

Of the many towns and villages in Chile’s Lake District, few are as popular as pretty Pucon. Situated on Lake Villarrica, it offers a stunning view of the active volcano Villarrica in the distance. Pucon is a well-established hub for outdoor activities in every season.

Opportunities for mountain climbing, water skiing, backpacking and kayaking abound. Pucon is a great for relaxation too. Black-sand beaches line the shoreline and the town is packed with restaurants, bars and hotels. Thanks to the amount of volcanic activity in the region, there’s an abundance of hot springs around the city to enjoy as well.