5 Best Lakes in Europe for a Family Trip

1. 1Lake Bled · Sloveniaa small Alpine lake with a church on an island and a castle on a cliff above it. The flat path around the shore is about 6 km and easy with a stroller. Take a traditional pletna rowing boat to the island and climb the 99 steps to ring the wishing bell, or rent a rowing boat yourself — motorboats are not allowed. Swim at the castle bathing area (Grajsko kopališče, paid, with lawns and piers) or at the free grassy spots on the west shore, and do not leave without a slice of Bled cream cake.Open on map
2. 2Hallstätter See · Austriathe lakeside village of Hallstatt sits in the UNESCO-listed Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut region. Walk the lakefront, ride the funicular up to the Salzwelten salt mine and the Skywalk viewpoint, and take the small ferry across the lake to Hallstatt railway station. For a swim, use the bathing island (Badeinsel) at the south end of the village or the beach at Obertraun. Hallstatt is very crowded by midday; arrive early and use the car parks outside the village.
3. 3Lake Como · Italya long lake wrapped by mountains, best seen by ferry. The Bellagio–Varenna–Menaggio triangle is the classic family hop: short crossings, lakeside promenades, and gelato at every stop. Visit the gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio or Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, and swim at a lido (such as the Lido di Bellagio) rather than off random rocks. The Greenway del Lago di Como is a walking path along the western shore between Colonno and Cadenabbia.
4. 4Plitvice Lakes · Croatiasixteen terraced lakes joined by waterfalls in Croatia’s oldest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wooden boardwalks run right over the water, and an electric boat crosses the largest lake, Kozjak, to link the upper and lower lakes. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park. Stay on the boardwalks — some have no railings — and expect stairs, so a carrier beats a stroller. In summer, buy a timed ticket online in advance.
5. 5Königssee · Germanya long, narrow, emerald lake in Berchtesgaden National Park, ringed by steep cliffs.

Quiet electric boats leave from Schönau to St. Bartholomä, with its red-domed chapel, and on to Salet, from where a short walk leads to the Obersee. On the way the boat stops and the crew plays a trumpet to show off the echo off the rock walls. From the car park, a short walk to the Malerwinkel viewpoint gives the classic photo. This is a lake for boats and walks rather than swimming — the water is cold all year. Opening times, boat schedules, and rules change — check before you go.