Lake Swimming: The Best in Europe
Open water swimming is experiencing a surge in popularity. In the last 10 years, searches for the term have increased by 590% in the UK, according to Google Trends search data, whilst ‘lake swimming’ has seen an increase of 1320%.
The mental and physical benefits of wild swimming include a strengthened immune system, improved cardiovascular fitness and enhanced sleep quality. It can also reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
With that being said, experts at Iglu Cruise have revealed which European countries have the highest quality of lake waters for open water swimming. The team used data from the European Environment Agency to calculate the percentage of lakes in each country that were rated as “excellent”, meaning their water quality was safe for swimming. The countries with the highest overall lake water quality can be seen below.
*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.
Data: Iglu Cruise
| 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% |
1. Austria
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 254
Rated Excellent: 96.5%
Lake Hallstatt, Austria
In first place, with 96.5% of its bathing lakes waters rated as excellent, is Austria.
Two-thirds of the country is covered by the Alps, resulting in high water quality due to the mountainous terrain forming natural reservoirs that provide pristine, clear waters.
Austria boasts many popular bathing lakes for wild swimming. Lake Klopein reaches summer temperatures of 26°C, while Attersee, the largest lake entirely within Austria, is known for its incredibly pure and clear water, offering underwater visibility of up to 25 metres. Hallstatt is another famous destination, featuring designated swimming areas like Badeinsel Hallstatt, a small artificial island perfect for sunbathing, complete with 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.
2. Finland
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 210
Rated Excellent: 95.2%
Lake Saimaa, Finland
In second place is Finland, with 95.2% of its bathing lake waters rating excellent quality.
Finland is known as “the land of a thousand lakes”, despite having over 185,000, with a selection of which are suitable for bathing in.
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. Saimaa is the country’s largest lake, at 4,400 square kilometres and is the fourth largest lake in all of Europe; it has a complex labyrinthine structure with nearly 14,000 islands dotted within it and also offers a chance to spot one of the few ringed seals left in the wild.
Wild swimming and the use of saunas are popular in Finnish culture, and said to have numerous health benefits such as improving circulation, relieving stress and creating a sense of euphoria.
3. Germany
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 1892
Rated Excellent: 91.3%
Lake Constance, Germany
Germany ranks in third place, with 91.3% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent quality.
Bathing facilities, known as “Strandbäder” or lidos, are exceptionally popular due to their high water quality. These public beach areas offer a complete day out with amenities like changing rooms, sunbathing lawns, playgrounds, and restaurants.
Germany boasts many exceptional wild swimming locations, such as Lake Griessee, which is Germany’s warmest lake. Its shallow depth allows the water to heat up quickly, often reaching temperatures of 25°C or higher. Lake Constance, the country’s largest body of water, situated in the far South, offers breathtaking views and numerous bathing spots, with its shores extending into Switzerland and Austria. Additionally, Lake Walchensee in Bavaria is celebrated for its Caribbean-like turquoise waters, a characteristic attributed to the high concentration of dissolved calcium carbonate, or “rock flour,” present in the water.
4. Italy
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 1673
Rated Excellent: 89%
Lake Como, Italy
In fourth place, with 89% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent quality, is Italy.
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.
Lake Como, arguably Italy’s most famous lake, is recognised for its exceptional open water swimming status. Celebrities such as Hollywood A-lister George Clooney (among others), own property in the exclusive area. Other notable lakes include Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, known for their many lidos. Beyond swimming, many of Italy’s lakes, especially Garda and Como, serve as hubs for various outdoor activities such as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
5. Switzerland
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 134
Rated Excellent: 88.1%
Lake Zurich, Switzerland
In fifth place is Switzerland, with 88.1% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent.
Cities such as Zurich and Geneva are known for their lakes, creating a culture of wild swimming, especially in the Spring and Summer, thanks to the high water quality.
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.
Lake Lugano is ideal for open water swimming. It’s Switzerland’s warmest lake in summer, often reaching up to 32°C in July.
6. France
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 846
Rated Excellent: 84.5%
Lake Annecy, France
France is in sixth place, with 84.5% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent.
The outdoor culture in France encourages a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, pedal boating and of course wild swimming. Lake Aiguebelette in the Savoie region of the French Alps is considered France’s warmest lake, with summer temperatures reaching up to 28°C due to its shallow depth, geographic location and warm springs.
Lake Annecy is celebrated for its deep turquoise waters and impressive mountain scenery, featuring many public beaches as well as its charming old town, Annecy. 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.
7. Sweden
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 204
Rated Excellent: 79.4%
Lake Vänern, Sweden
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. 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 allows for the discovery of secluded swimming spots away from official beaches, provided that 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. In winter, ice swimming is a popular activity for the brave.
8. Hungary
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 245
Rated Excellent: 70.6%
Lake Héví, Hungary
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.
A key feature of Hungarian lakes is their thermal and mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties, meaning the lakes are a popular destination for wellness seekers as well as open water swimmers.
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. With temperatures ranging from 24°C in winter to 38°C in summer, Lake Hévíz 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.
9. The Netherlands
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 585
Rated Excellent: 70.3%
Lake IJssel, The Netherlands
In ninth place, with 70.3% of its bathing lake waters rated excellent, is the Netherlands.
Whilst it doesn’t have the grand alpine lakes of Switzerland or Austria, its numerous man-made and natural bodies of water provide a fantastic summer escape. 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. 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. 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.”
10. Poland
Number of Bathing Lake Waters: 478
Rated Excellent: 61.1%
Lake Czorsztynskie, Poland
Poland ranks tenth, with 61.1% of its bathing lake waters rated as excellent.
Poland is an excellent destination for lake bathing, particularly in the northern part of the country. 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 .
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