Grand Hotel Toplice in Lake Bled. Photo / Supplied
Swap beach holidays for lakeside luxury and enjoy slower days, softer scenery and a more restorative pace of travel, writes Naomi Chadderton.
There’s something quietly restorative about time spent by a lake. Often overlooked in favour of coastal escapes, they offer a different rhythm to the sea: no tides to contend with, no crashing waves or salt-heavy swims, just calm water and quiet.
It’s a setting that naturally supports wellbeing too, with the benefits of so-called “blue space” well established. Case in point? Not only is time near water linked to reduced stress, improved sleep and better mental clarity, but the landscape itself encourages plenty of activity, from swimming and paddleboarding to long walks and easy cycle routes along the shore.
It’s no surprise then that Europe’s lakeside towns have become increasingly appealing to travellers, pairing this sense of calm with strong food scenes, historic centres and world-class hotels. Here’s exactly where you should start.
With 158km of shimmering shoreline and 25 enchanting towns dotting its edge, Lake Garda offers endless possibilities for a sun-soaked escape. For somewhere away from the crowds, however, Torri del Benaco is a favourite among in-the-know travellers thanks to its medieval harbour and storybook streets, which come framed by landmarks such as the Consiglio della Gardesana Palace and the Scaliger Castle. Be sure to check out an even older layer of history – mysterious Bronze Age engravings etched into smooth stone slabs, polished over millennia by the retreat of ancient glaciers – while you’re at it.
Where to stay: Cape of Senses for an adults-only hideaway complete with an impressive roster of complimentary wellness activities including yoga, Pilates, guided meditation, aufguss and sauna sound baths.
Set on the eastern edge of Lake Geneva, Montreux combines lakeside elegance with a dramatic alpine backdrop. Long established as a resort town because of its mild microclimate, it’s known for its Belle Epoque architecture, flower-lined promenade and relaxed, cosmopolitan feel, as well as for being the town that Freddie Mercury called home. Try to time your visit for the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, held each July, but there’s plenty to keep visitors busy year-round, including tours of the 13th-century Chillon Castle, a fabulous foodie scene (be sure to try traditional cheese fondue) and a plethora of vineyards.
Where to stay: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is the town’s grandest hotel, sitting almost directly on the lake.
With its emerald-green waters and alpine setting, Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most recognisable lakeside spots. It’s easy to explore on foot thanks to a flat path that loops the lake and leads to key sights such as Bled Castle, perched high above the water. Another highlight, take a traditional pletna boat – similar to a Venetian gondola – out to Bled Island, which is home to a small church and bell tower with sweeping views back to shore. Before you leave, it’s almost compulsory to stop for a slice of kremsnita, the local cream cake that’s become something of a Lake Bled institution.
Where to stay: A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, check into Grand Hotel Toplice for a palatial old-world vibe where pretty much every room gazes out onto the water.
Set in the heart of Britain’s Lake District, Grasmere is small, scenic and easy to explore. Bookworms will love Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth once lived, while the adjoining museum is perfect for a snapshot of the village’s literary past. The main street is lined with independent shops and galleries, making it ideal for a slow wander, while no visit is complete without stopping at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop to pick up the village’s famous sweet treat, best enjoyed with a walk along Lake Windermere.
Where to stay: Home to country-chic suites and a waterfront dining room, as well as its own boat for tours of the lake, Langdale Chase Hotel is a 15-minute drive away.
Wedged between a glassy lake and sheer mountain slopes, Hallstatt is one of Europe’s most photogenic lakeside towns. The prettiest views come from the water, where boat trips take in rows of pastel houses reflected in Lake Hallstatt, while, back on shore, visit St Michael’s Chapel to see the unusual charnel house, where painted skulls tell the story of local traditions. While you’re at it, be sure to spend an afternoon riding the funicular up to the Skywalk for classic postcard views, then head underground at the historic salt mine to learn how Hallstatt’s past shaped the village you see today.
Where to stay: Nestled between the cliffs of mountains and the glistening waters of the lake, Heritage Hotel Hallstatt promises prime real estate right by the Market Square.
Set in the French Alps, Annecy pairs mountain scenery with an easy-going outdoor lifestyle. Start in the old town, where canals wind past cafes and bars, before heading up to the hilltop castle for wide-reaching views over Lake Annecy. Back at the water, the focus shifts outdoors: cycling and walking paths trace the shoreline, while swimming, paddleboarding and boating are popular in summer. Then, when you’re ready to slow down, lakeside beaches and waterfront restaurants make it easy to spend an afternoon doing very little at all.
Where to stay: Relais & Chateau Le Clos des Sens in the hills just above Annecy affords guests magnificent views of the lake and beyond.
