Sustainable vacation by enchanting lakes

You love vacationing at the water, although it doesn’t always have to be directly at the sea? Then you should look forward to the following two blog posts! We would like to recommend a lake vacation to you today, and then on Friday, we will talk about beautiful river landscapes.

The ocean is always a great attraction to people. In our blog post “Why diving can be good for nature”, we already took a closer look at this. But there are also some reasons against an ocean vacation: too far away, too expensive, afraid of marine life, or too crowded.

By traveling off-season, you may save money and prevent crowds, yet the other two points still play a role for one or the other.

Closer destinations are more eco-friendly

In addition, many people have rediscovered their home country and have decided more often to vacation in their country—and there is not always direct access to the sea. Good thing that Europe also has beautiful destinations along lakes and rivers. You definitely do not have to do without a vacation by the water!

An additional advantage: a nearby lake or river in a destination closer to your home allows you to travel by bus or train! That way, you reduce the CO2 footprint further. On a distance of 100 kilometers, an airplane emits about 30 percent more CO2 than a passenger car and over five times as much as a train.

You would rather not commit to just one lake? Then have a look at the Franconian Lake District! There are a total of seven lakes of different dimensions and offerings. A special area for nudists, dog beaches, and the possibility of fishing at some lakes are available. The Seenländer hiking trail leads you around all seven lakes and is 146 kilometers long—which means that an active vacation is guaranteed.

In the middle of the lake country or in the mountains

The Creativhotel Luise is a fantastic starting point for your lake adventure. Near the hotel, for example, is the Dechsendorfer Weiher. Not only are there very nice hiking and biking trails around the lake, you can also rent boats, do stand-up paddling and much more.

Right in the middle of mountains and yet so close to the beach! Just a few minutes away from Zermatt is the village of Täsch with its small Schalisee. An exceptional atmosphere is waiting for you at the shore! The Schali Lago has a summer atmosphere featuring trendy drinks, Mediterranean food and beach feeling.

From popular classics like CERVO Fries with Truffle Oil and Grana Parmesan to the vegetarian Pita Bread and Gelato, everything is available for a pleasant summer afternoon—including the unique alpine panorama in front of the picturesque turquoise shimmering lake water. There is a wake board lift at the lake, where you can of course also water ski or do stand-up paddling. Beach fun guaranteed!

Water sports on lakes

The name already implies the lake: Bio-Seehotel Zeulenroda is located directly at the reservoir, which the locals also like to call the Zeulenroda Sea. A wonderful lido and water sports school are waiting for you.

When you prefer to be more independent in the water: You can rent 2-person and 3-person kayaks, rowing boats, pedal boats and sailboats, or surf and stand-up paddle equipment here.

What would you say about a trip to Lithuania? Waterspouts are also available. For instance, in Kupiskis Lagoon. This is the fourth-largest man-made reservoir in Lithuania. The artificial pond was created in 1984 on an area of 828 ha and 25 km in length through damming the Levuo River. The lagoon with its swimming and recreation areas is a popular resort.

Every year the “Lagoon Regatta”, the national triathlon championships and various festivals are held here. Close by you will find the ROMANTIC Boutique Hotel. A special bonus for history lovers: here you stay in a historic building: the first mechanical mill in the country was put into operation in 1841. Nowadays, it is included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of the Republic of Lithuania.

Hidden natural lakes in Italy

A sheltered and hidden natural lake where you can enjoy shady places, peace, and clear water in the middle of nature: Sounds like something you’d rather enjoy? Then head to Relais del Maro in Italy! Near the Albergo Diffuso are several lakes: the Borgomaro lakes are easily reached by walking five minutes from the Relais towards Maro Castello on the main road.

The first one, Lake Madonna, is just below the road at the pharmacy. The Mill Lake, on the other hand, is at the end of the village, just under the sign “Laghetti”: from here you just have to walk towards the river.

A huge advantage especially for families with young children: In these two lakes natural slides have been built, allowing even the bravest among you to have unique fun! The lake of Lecchiore is also a must.

One warning beforehand: you cannot access this lake by car. Leave your car in the churchyard of Lecchiore or at the intersection with the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acqua Santa. Continue along the paved road into the woods. Once you reach the end of your path, a small paradise with some waterfalls and fresh, clear water can be found.

For all Game of Thrones fans among you: Emilia Clarke, the actress who plays Daenerys, loves to spend her summer vacation nearby! Namely, at the Rio Carne in Pigna, in the Nervia Valley.

One of the cleanest lakes in Germany

GoT fans should also be enthusiastic about the legend that surrounds our next lake: the Königssee in Bavaria. However, the lake by itself doesn’t give any hint of this bloody legend, instead, it is the epitome of a beautiful and idyllic mountain lake.

It is among the cleanest and loveliest lakes in Germany. Embedded between steep rock faces of the Watzmann, among them the notorious Watzmann East Face, the lake stretches over a length of eight kilometers. Due to its special location between the impressive cliffs and a difference in altitude of 2100 meters from the emerald green surface of the water to the southern and central peaks of the Watzmann, the mountain lake is described as fjord-like.

Close by you will find the Berghotel Rehlegg, right in the middle of the Berchtesgaden National Park. The fairy-tale magic forest at Hintersee is also close to the hotel and lives up to its name. You can best get there by walking up the Ramsauer Ache. The magic forest is located directly at Hintersee and this view is worth every hike, no matter how strenuous—don’t you think?

Clear water and perfect fishing conditions

It, too, is ravishingly beautiful, crystal clear and emerald green: Lake Weissensee. It lies in such tranquility in the midst of the Gailtal Alps that you can’t help but enjoy its serenity. Directly on the shore of the Austrian lake, you will find the gourmet hotel Die Forelle. Lake Weissensee is the highest of the large Carinthian bathing lakes – and famous for its lake trout.

These and other regional delicacies are served in the hotel’s restaurant. There you will gain enough energy to explore the Carinthian mountains the next day again. And at lunchtime, you can relax on the lake shore or do a round on the stand-up paddle. Sounds like a pretty perfect vacation, doesn’t it?

Whether Italy, Austria, Germany, or Lithuania: Wonderful and worth seeing lakes can be found near your home and are great for a sustainable swimming vacation! Where is your favorite lake?