Whether you prefer to row across them, hike around them or just take a boat ride over them, lakes come in all different sizes and can be found across the globe. From glacier lakes to vibrant green ones, whichever continent you are visiting as a solo, here are our best places for lakes around the globe…

Slovenia

Slovenia may be small but it has one of the most tranquil lakes complete with its own island. There are no motorised boats here and reaching the Church on Bled Island is only possible by a pletna, a special boat known only to Bled. This is the only real island in Slovenia and was created by limestone. The emerald green mountain lake sits amongst the Julian Alps and has a 6 km trail around it as well as other adventure activities for those staying in the area.

Chile

The highland lakes of Lagunas Altiplanicas in northern Chile are a sight to behold. Situated between the mountains and the desert, the lakes are known for their variety of stunning colours from pink to green. The area is part of a national reserve for flamingos and is run by an indigenous community where you can also meet local artisans as well as wildlife.

Italy

For a lake with an Italian flair, Lake Como has an air of romance and is good for the more budget conscious solo. Ferries operate to various points on the lake including the historic centre with an Italian charm. Bellagio is a pretty photo stop with a blend of peach, pink and cream buildings or take a ride to Varenna with lakeside bars and a cute piazza.

Bolivia

Called Laguna Verde because of its vibrant green colour, this salt lake set in an endorheic basin, high in the altiplano of Bolivia. What makes this lake so special is its backdrop of volcanoes and its colour caused by sediments and copper minerals. You’ll also find a hot spring here where you can set up camp next door.

Lake District, UK

The Lake District is in the northwest of England and has more than 20 lakes to explore, with an estimated 80 glacier lakes within the region. The most popular is Lake Windermere which is also the largest and is a mecca for watersports enthusiasts. The most beautiful view of the lake can be taken from Wray Castle which stands on one of the islands in the body of water.

Coniston has an old Victorian steamboat which sails you around in the summer or visit Derwent near Keswick for a ride in an old wooden rowing boat.

Iceland

From one glacier lake to another – Jokulsarlon is situated in the southeast of Iceland and is the deepest lake on the island offering breathtaking sailing trips around blue icebergs on the lagoon, an ever-changing glacier landscape with black sand shores. Askja is more remote and in the central highlands of the island only reachable a few months of the year. This warm geothermal lake sits inside one of Asakja’s craters and taking a 4×4 jeep to the crater is definitely an adventure.

USA

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and has two islands complete with swallow colonies. Set in a pine-covered ridge this blue-coloured lake and sheer surrounding cliffs was formed by a volcano and is one of the country’s crown jewels. There is a wide range of accommodation from cabins, chateaus and inns to choose from here.

Where is your favourite lake?