Where to Swim in Europe: The Ultimate Lake Guide
Open water swimming has become increasingly popular, and with its incredible health benefits, it’s not surprising to see why. It’s thought to strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular fitness and enhance sleep quality. It can also reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
In the last 10 years, searches for “open water swimming” have increased by 590% in the UK and “lake swimming” specifically has also increased by 1320%. Given this surge in popularity, we decided to explore European lakes as a destination for a summer lakeside retreat with the best swimming spots.
We’ve revealed the top 10 countries with the highest quality lakes, using data from the European Environment Agency to calculate the percentage of bathing lake waters in each country that were rated as “excellent”, meaning their water quality was safe for swimming.
*Only bathing lakes were used in the data, not the overall number of lakes per country. Bathing lake waters are only those areas officially designated and regularly monitored for swimming under the EU Bathing Water Directive.
| Country | No. of Bathing Lake Waters | No. of Excellent Bathing Lake Waters | Percentage Rated Excellent |
| Austria | 254 | 245 | 96.5% |
| Finland | 210 | 200 | 95.2% |
| Germany | 1892 | 1728 | 91.3% |
| Italy | 673 | 599 | 89% |
| Switzerland | 134 | 118 | 88.1% |
| France | 846 | 715 | 84.5% |
| Sweden | 204 | 162 | 79.4% |
| Hungary | 245 | 173 | 70.6% |
| The Netherlands | 585 | 411 | 70.3% |
| Poland | 478 | 292 | 61.1% |
Data: Iglu Cruise
Contents:
Austria
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 254
Rated Excellent: 96.5%
In first place, with 96.5% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent, is Austria. With two-thirds of the country covered by the stunning mountainous landscape of the Alps, the terrain naturally forms pristine reservoirs.
For open-water swimming, Austria is an Alpine paradise, boasting numerous beautiful bathing spots. Situated in the southernmost part of the country, Lake Klopein is one of the warmest swimmable alpine lakes, reaching temperatures of 26°C. Attersee, Austria's largest lake, is renowned for its exceptional purity and clarity, boasting underwater visibility of up to 25 meters.
Lake Hallstatt is a renowned destination often featured on Instagram, boasting beautiful designated swimming spots. One such area is Badeinsel Hallstatt, a small, artificial island ideal for sunbathing, featuring a grassy lawn and a diving board.
Surrounded by charming towns and alpine views, Austria's crystal-clear lakes are a major draw for both wild water swimmers and holidaymakers.
Finland
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 210
Rated Excellent: 95.2%
Finland, often called "the land of a thousand lakes" (though it boasts over 185,000), ranks second in Europe for the quality of its bathing lake water. A remarkable 95.2% of its lakes suitable for swimming are rated as excellent.
Lake Tuusula, located in Southern Finland, is one of the warmest lakes in the country, reaching 18-22°C in summer and was once a social hub for Finnish artists in the early 1900s.
With its complex, labyrinthine structure, Lake Saimaa is Finland's largest lake. With nearly 14,000 islands, this lake spans 4,400 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest in Europe. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of one of the few remaining ringed seals in the wild.
To truly embrace Finnish culture, try wild swimming followed by a lakeside sauna. This popular combination offers numerous health benefits such as improved circulation, stress relief and a sense of euphoria.
Germany
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 1892
Rated Excellent: 91.3%
Germany places third in Europe, with a remarkable 91.3% of its bathing lake waters being of excellent quality.
"Strandbäder," or lidos, are popular bathing facilities that offer a delightful summer day out. They come equipped with facilities such as changing rooms, sunbathing lawns, playgrounds and restaurants.
Germany is home to a number of outstanding wild swimming spots, including Lake Griessee, which is Germany's warmest lake. Its shallow waters allow it to heat up rapidly, with temperatures frequently reaching 25°C or higher.
Lake Constance, the country's largest, is a popular destination boasting breathtaking views and numerous bathing spots. Its shores even stretch into Switzerland and Austria.
A must-see is Lake Walchensee in Bavaria, which is renowned for its idyllic, turquoise waters that resemble those of the Caribbean. This distinctive colour is due to the high concentration of "rock flour," or dissolved calcium carbonate, in the water.
Italy
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 1673
Rated Excellent: 89%
In fourth place, Italy boasts some of the world's most renowned lakes, with an impressive 89% of its bathing waters rated as excellent quality.
Italian lakes, thanks to the Mediterranean climate, tend to be warmer than those further north. Lake Kaltern in South Tyrol, often called one of the warmest swimming lakes in the Alps, can reach temperatures of up to 28°C.
Known for attracting celebrities like George Clooney, Lake Como offers a blend of Italian charm, crystal-clear waters and serves as a popular venue for glamorous weddings. Similarly, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore are well known and are ideal for open-water swimming and a range of outdoor pursuits, including windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and hiking in the nearby mountains.
Switzerland
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 134
Rated Excellent: 88.1%
Switzerland, a country renowned for its beautiful mountains, also boasts numerous crystal-clear swimming lakes. With 88.1% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent, Switzerland ranks fifth.
Its natural lakes in the wilderness aren't its only popular natural water bodies, cities such as Zurich and Geneva are also known for their lakes, offering the chance to combine a city break with a lakeside swim in one holiday.
Lake Lugano is ideal for open water swimming. It's Switzerland's warmest lake in summer, often reaching up to 32°C in July.
Popular in Switzerland are its "Badi," or public swimming facilities. Many of these open-air swimming areas have been established for over a century, offering changing rooms, sunbathing lawns, diving boards and lifeguards. Some even feature historic wooden lakeside baths.
France
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 846
Rated Excellent: 84.5%
France stands out as a hub for water sports, popular with activities like windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, pedal boating and wild swimming. With 84.5% of its bathing lake waters classified as excellent, France ranks sixth.
Lake Aiguebelette, nestled in the Savoie region of the French Alps, stands out as France's warmest lake. Its shallow depth, geographical position and warm springs contribute to summer temperatures that can reach as high as 28°C. This makes it a notable destination among the many lakes found in the French Alps.
Lake Annecy boasts stunning deep turquoise waters and impressive mountain scenery. It's a popular destination, offering numerous public beaches and a charming old town, Annecy, along with a convenient cycle path encircling the lake. Lake de Sainte-Croix is defined by its dramatic cliffs, while Lake Bourget, France's largest natural lake, provides a mix of sandy beaches, marinas and a lively ambience.
Sweden
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 204
Rated Excellent: 79.4%
In seventh place is Sweden, a country defined by its wilderness, with 79.4% of its bathing lake waters scoring excellent.
With over 100,000 lakes in Sweden, there's a wide variety of wild swimming spots, from urban dips to remote lakes surrounded by nature. You may notice that some lakes may have a tea-like colour due to organic material from nearby forests, but this does not indicate poor water quality.
In Sweden, the concept of "Allemansrätten," or the "Right of Public Access," grants everyone the freedom to explore and enjoy nature, including swimming in lakes. This gives the opportunity to find a secluded swimming spot away from official beaches, as long as no disturbance is caused to the environment or private property.
Sweden offers numerous opportunities for wild swimming, even close to the capital. Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden and third-largest in Europe, resembles a sea with its many islands, coves and sandy beaches. In Swedish Lapland, located in Northern Sweden, visitors can even experience glacial swimming under the midnight sun during the summer.
Like in Finland, the combination of a hot sauna and a cold dip is a cherished tradition...it's a must-try activity if you're visiting. For the truly brave, ice swimming is also a popular winter pursuit!
Hungary
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 245
Rated Excellent: 70.6%
In eighth place is Hungary, with 70.6% of bathing lake waters as excellent. As Hungary has no coastline, its lakes are very popular for swimming.
The lakes in Hungary entice wellness seekers as well as avid swimmers due to their thermal and mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.
While Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand holds the title as the largest thermal lake, its high temperatures make it unsuitable for swimming, meaning Lake Hévíz in Hungary is the world’s largest swimmable thermal lake. So if you’re after a warmer dip, with temperatures ranging from 24°C in winter to 38°C in summer, Lake Hévíz is the perfect spot for you. The reason why it is so warm is because it is heated due to natural thermal springs emerging from a cave beneath its bed. It is also rich in minerals and famed for its healing benefits. Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe and Hungary's most popular summer destination. It also hosts the "Balaton Átúszás," a popular 5.2 km cross-lake swimming competition.
The Netherlands
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 585
Rated Excellent: 70.3%
Whilst the Netherlands doesn’t have the alpine lakes of Switzerland or Austria, its numerous man-made and natural bodies of water provide a fantastic summer escape, securing its ninth-place ranking with 70.3% of its bathing lake waters rated excellent.
Dutch lakes vary from large, open expanses to smaller recreational lakes, many of which originated from sand or gravel quarries. Lake IJssel, a large freshwater lake, was once a North Sea bay, and it is now a popular spot for water sports, including windsurfing and sailing, thanks to its expansive sandy beaches. With July temperatures reaching 24°C, the lake offers an experience like an inland sea.
Sloterplas is an artificial lake located in Amsterdam, featuring designated swimming areas and a beach, and Lake Henschotermeer is renowned as one of the most picturesque lakes in the country, offering a serene and scenic swimming experience.In the Netherlands, a popular New Year's tradition involves people diving into the cold sea or a lake on January 1st, known as the "New Year's Dive."
Poland
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 478
Rated Excellent: 61.1%
Poland is an excellent destination for lake bathing, particularly in the northern part of the country, ranking tenth, with 61.1% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent.
The country's numerous lakes, especially in the major lake districts, offer a wide range of experiences from bustling tourist resorts to quiet, secluded spots for open water swimming.
Lake Śniardwy is the largest lake in Poland, often called the "Masurian Sea." Its vastness makes it feel like an inland sea, and it's a hub for sailing and other water activities. The Krutynia River Trail is a popular kayaking destination that winds through several lakes, all with crystal-clear water and lush forests. Lake Licheńskie is Poland’s warmest lake, reaching 24°C in the summer months, making it warmer than other natural lakes in Poland, which average at around 20°C.
Whether you’re soaking in the beauty of Lake Como or strolling along the shores of Lake Annecy, Europe’s lakes offer a peaceful escape rich with charm, culture and natural wonder.
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