Gallery: 5 of the World’s Most Stunning Alpine Lakes

Alpine lakes sit high in the mountains, typically above 5,000 feet in elevation, and are often fed by melting glaciers. With dramatic peaks, pristine wilderness, and unique animal and plant life surrounding them, they provide one of nature’s most stunning backdrops. From Italy’s celebrity-studded Lake Como to Canada’s iconic Lake Louise, these natural treasures combine stunning scenery with unforgettable experiences. Check out stunning images of five of the world’s most beautiful alpine lakes, along with what makes them truly special.

Lake Bled – Slovenia

Set in the foothills of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is celebrated for its emerald water and postcard-perfect setting. Shaped by glacial activity and defined by the dramatic peaks and geological features of the Alps, the lake and surrounding area are popular with everyone from nature lovers to romantics and amateur photographers. 

The lake’s most iconic feature is Bled Island — the only natural island in Slovenia — which is home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption of Mary and its famous “wishing bell,” reached by traditional boats (called pletna). Framing the lake is Bled Castle, a medieval fortress, perched on a cliff above the shoreline and mountains. Visitors come here to walk and bike the idyllic paths and soak up the serene scenery.

Lake Como – Italy 

George Clooney and other famous actors may have made Lake Como a household name with their stunning waterfront properties, but this Y-shaped body of water in northern Italy has long held a special appeal. Located in Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is famous for its deep blue color, breathtaking mountain scenery, and exquisite, centuries-old villas that line the shore. 

Shaped by glacial activity between 14,000 and 10,000 years ago, the lake sits in a deep basin at an elevation of 653 feet in the foothills of the Italian Alps, which technically means it’s a subalpine lake. But with a maximum depth of 1,394 feet, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, and it is a popular destination for boating, sailing, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing, and lakeside hiking.

Lake Tekapo – New Zealand 

Lake Tekapo sits on New Zealand’s South Island in the Mackenzie Basin, right beside its tiny namesake township of fewer than 600 residents. Despite its small size, the town draws visitors from around the world to its sprawling, 32-square-mile lake. New Zealand’s 10th-largest lake, it’s famous for its turquoise color, created by fine glacial rock flour suspended in the water. 

Visitors can ride horses across vast open landscapes, paddleboard in calm bays, take scenic flights over the Southern Alps, and experience some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Lake Tekapo is part of the UNESCO-recognized Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making stargazing a major highlight of visiting. Along the lakeshore, you’ll find everything from five-star luxury hotels to cozy lodges and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd — built in 1935, the latter is one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings.

Mirror Lake – Colorado

Mirror Lake, nestled in Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness, is a breathtaking high-alpine lake known for its calm, mirrorlike surface that reflects the dramatic jagged ridge of Lone Eagle Peak. It’s accessible via a long but rewarding hike from the Cascade Creek Trail. The path winds past creeks, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows before opening up to one of the most breathtaking scenes in the Rockies. 

With an elevation over 10,000 feet, Mirror Lake is a cool, quiet alpine retreat where visitors often fish, picnic, or simply relax along the shoreline after the long trek. The chance of a windless day and a glassy lake surface draws photographers eager to capture the perfectly reflected peaks, while hikers are rewarded for their challenging trek of nearly 2,300 feet of elevation gain with breathtaking views. You can even spend the night at one of the serene backcountry campsites nearby. 

Lake Louise – Canada 

Located in Alberta’s Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most famous natural wonders. Its striking turquoise water, the result of glacial melt, seems surreal against the towering backdrop of the snow-capped peaks and dense pine forests of the Canadian Rockies. The lake is surrounded by the majestic Victoria Glacier, which adds an icy blue hue that changes with the light throughout the day. 

Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, rent a canoe in the summer, or hike one of the many nearby trails, such as the Lake Agnes Tea House trail, popular for its panoramic views. In winter, the lake freezes over, turning it into a fairy-tale dreamscape for ice skating. The five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel sits on the lakeshore and offers a luxurious base for exploring the area or simply soaking in the views. Wildlife is abundant in the area surrounding the lake, too — if you’re lucky, you may spot elk, bears, and mountain goats roaming the surrounding wilderness.