The World's Most Beautiful Alpine Lakes

Here at Condé Nast Traveler, we have a hard time choosing between sun-kissed bodies of water and snow-capped mountain peaks. Thanks to these stunning alpine lakes, located at 5,000 feet above sea level or more, we don't have to.

Buttermere Lake

Buttermere Lake is located in the English Lake District in North West England, and is over a mile long, 3/4 of a mile wide, and 75 feet deep. A footpath circles the perimeter of the lake, and visitors can enjoy scenic walks to the summits of nearby Haystacks and Red Pike mountains.

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is located in Fujikawaguchiko, near Mount Fuji in Japan. It's the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area, with the longest shoreline. Lake Kawaguchi is also the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes, as it serves as a hub for visitors wishing to climb Mount Fuji during climbing season.

Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is located in central Switzerland and is the country's fourth largest. It boasts a stunning fjord landscape, yet maintains a mild lake climate. Visitors can enjoy a steamer cruise on the lake in the warmer months.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is located in south-central Oregon in the United States, and is the main feature of the Crater Lake National Park. The lake is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity—it partly fills a 2,148-foot-deep caldera that was formed around 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama.

Barmsee Lake

The stunning Barmsee Lake is located in the Bavarian Alps, in Oberbayern, Germany. In summer, Barmsee is an excellent lake for swimming, and its scenic perimeter is perfect for biking and hiking.

Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is kidney-shaped lake in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. It lies at the foot of Pyramid Mountain, a natural landmark that overlooks the town of Jasper, which is connected via various hiking trails.

Lake Marie

Lake Marie is a small freshwater lake in Umpqua Lighthouse State Park in Oregon, United States. The lake has a sandy beach at one end for swimming and day use, and is surrounded by hiking trails. It's said to have inspired the John Prine folk song, "Lake Marie."

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake located in the eastern area of Banff National Park in Canada. The lake is around 17 miles long, making it the longest lake in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is an inland lake in the South Island of New Zealand. It's a whopping 50 miles long, making it New Zealand's longest lake. During the last ice age a huge glacier carved out the lake, which sinks to a depth of 1,300 feet. The surrounding mountains that fed the glacier provide a dramatic backdrop to the crystal waters.

Second Lake

The turquoise, glacier-fed waters of Second Lake—part of the Big Pine Lakes in California—reflect the towering Temple Crag, one of the highest peaks in the Eastern Sierra.

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