~ Top 10 Lakeside Drives in Europe ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Lakeside Drives in Europe

There is nothing better than going on a road trip in Europe and there are many roads that will bring you right along some of the most magnificent lakes in the European Union. This top 10 list will let you in on some of the most gorgeous of the lakeside drives in all of Europe. These places will help to make your trip to the area that much better. If you are planning on a road trip these are great places to start your Euro journey. In this list you will find 10 different countries are covered and you will learn about some of the drives you probably didnt know about unless they are in your homeland. One thing is for sure you will enjoy the relaxing drive alongside these gems.


1. Lake Garda, Italy   



Lake Garda in Italy has long been a popular tourist destination not just for foreigners but also for Europeans mainly because of the massive area that the gorgeous lake covers, which in fact is over 365 square kilometers. Even though the lake draws in hu8ndreds of thousands of visitors each year there are many places that remain untouched by the tourist craze as there are small villages and towns spread out here and there around the lake. The lake is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist scene. The lake is surrounded by a spectacular array of mountainous terrain where hiking and biking come as second nature to the inhabitants. Aside from driving around the lake by car another way to see all the wonderful places that line the shores of the lake is taking a bicycle tour around it. To see the lake you can also go by ferry around the massive lake and this is a nice way to see Lake Garda as well.

[MysteRy]

2. Lake Constance, Germany/ Switzerland/ Austria   



Lake Constance is only about an hours drive from Zurich and it is so large that it is spread out through three countries including Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The lake lies on the edge of the Alps and it is a magical place where green grasses are found running along the shore, stunning small towns and spectacular snowcapped mountain views can be had. There are many things to do around the lake including water sports, hiking and even some touring of wineries. Actually touring the vineyards is one of the most popular past times along the shores of the lake. During the Fall months are the perfect time to visit the shores of the lake as many of the towns throw huge wine festivals highlighting the different regions flavorful wine flavors and unique blend. Lake Constance is the 3rd biggest lake in the central part of Europe and it is a magical place to visit with the mixture of many cultures.

[MysteRy]

3. Lake Maggiore, Italy/ Switzerland   



Crossing both Italy and Switzerland is the wonderful Lake Maggiore, the second grandest lake in Italy and it is set at the foot of the Swiss Alps. The climate around the lake is what attracts many of its visitors as it stays relatively mild throughout the year, summers are not uncomfortable and winters are not to chilly surprisingly. Around Lake Maggiore the flora and fauna of the surrounding lands is Mediterranean in growth. Botanical gardens are some of the great sites to see while traveling the shores of the lake as there are actually around nine botanical gardens found along the shores of the lake. One of the most recognized and well-known of the gardens is the Botanici Villa Taranto. This garden contains over 20,000 varieties of plants. Aside from the splendid Botanicals around the lake there are fun water based activities to take part in as well.

[MysteRy]

4. Lake Neusiedl, Austria/ Hungary   



Shared by Hungary and Austria is Lake Neusiedl, the lake spans an area of around 315 kilometers squared, most of the lake is found on the Austrian side as only around 75 kilometers of the lake is found in the country of Hungary. Both side of the lake have their pluses though and of course, their cultural differences. Something discovered about the giant lake is that throughout its long life it has completely dried up 100 times or more. The lake is a great place to sail and wind surf and that is what most do while visiting the lake for water sports. Although. The water levels of the lake can change frequently and sometimes where water once was, your will see sand bars have taking their place during the dry season of the lake. The popular tourist area of the lake is known by the name "The Sea of the Viennese”.

[MysteRy]

5. Lake Balaton, Hungary   



Stealing the title for the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe is Lake Balaton in Hungary. The lake has a whopping 229 square miles of surface coverage. It is also a place where many of the country of Hungary has most of its resort towns and this is not a surprise as the lake is the grandest in the country. There are many historical sites to see along the coast of the lake as well, such as the Swamp Fortress, which protected the area from raids of throughout the long Slavic history. The town of Siofok is found on the coast of the lake and this town is known as the "Party Capital” of the country. Siofok has the highest number of clubs in any town of the country and this attracts huge amounts of party goers during the summer months. During the winter the lake almost completely freezes over and this is when it mainly is used for ice fishing.

[MysteRy]

6. Mecklenburg Lake District, Germany   



In the Mecklenburg Lake District of Germany there are more than a thousand lakes in the area and numerous nature parks to visit. The lakes were formed around 12,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, when icebergs of the area melted away leaving the water to fill the valleys of the land. This is a lake where much history can be discovered as well as the area has been settled for thousands of years and remnants of megalithic tombs and ruins can be found throughout the lands. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake and it surrounding lands is taking a kayak ride along the coast and stopping for hiking. The lake supports a vast amount of unique and interesting flora and fauna. This is what attracts many people to the lake to hike in its beautiful surrounding lands. The lake has a lot more to enjoy aside from hiking though.

[MysteRy]

7. Lake Ohrid, Macedonia/ Albania   



One of Europe longest living lakes as well as one of the deepest is Lake Ohrid and it is amazing to say the least about it. The grand lake is shared by two countries, Albania and Macedonia. The majority of the lake is found on the Macedonian side. The lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it contributes to the survival to many one of a kind ecosystems found in the surrounding lands of the lake. It also has a big influence on many species of animals that are endemic to the lake; nearly 200 species found on the outskirts and within the lake are endemic to its habitats. NASA has actually named a lake that is found on the planet Titan after the lake, so it now shares a name with an alien lake. Along the shores of the lake are many unique villages that are definitely worth exploring.

[MysteRy]

8. Lake Vanern, Sweden   



Now we get to the third biggest lake in Europe, Lake Vanern in the country of Sweden, which has about 20,000 small islands and islets found within its covered area. This is what makes this grand lake so unique as its waters hold the largest freshwater island archipelago known in the world to this day. Having some many islands has given the lake quite a reputation as there is a lake for just about every theme, some for wild parties and some for family get together and some for the adults to layout nude and tan. After suffering for quite a long period of pollution during the 1970s, the government tightened regulations on the manufacturing companies that polluted the lake and now the lake is one of the cleanest and freshest large bodies of water on earth. Aside from the awesome beauty of the surrounding lands of the lake many festivals take place and many activities can be found such as hot-air ballooning and jet skiing.

[MysteRy]

9. Lake District, England   



The Lake District of England is similar to the one in Germany except that the cultural influence root from the English heritage and the lakes number around several hundred opposed to a thousand.  The lakes all formed nearly 2 million years ago due to receding and shifting glaciers. The surrounding lands of the Lake District are of all shapes, sizes and composition. Much of the land is hilly and rough in terrain with cobble stone beaches and grassy valleys. There are many wonderful little villages to visit while making your way around the Lake District. One of the finest ways to see the lake is to take a ferry throughout the connecting lakes and there is also a train service that circles the lake that is fun to tour the Lake District on. Numerous national parks can be found in the area and some of the most romantic towns in England as some will convince you.

[MysteRy]

10. Lough Corrib, Ireland   



Taking a cruise around Lough Corrib is one of the great adventures that you just have to take while in Ireland especially if you love nature. The lake is one of the highlights of the countrys geography and the countrys masses of unique wildlife. The Irish fishing villages along the shore are quite a spectacle to see as well as the fishermans life reigns supreme on the lake. Although in recent years the lake has become a great tourist attraction for the masses that love to spend time on the calm water of the lake or on one of the many islands that the lake holds. There are around 365 islands that can be found on the lake; although some are small they are all great for exploring or having a nice family barbeque on. There are many boat rentals that can be found in the coastal villages and some of the major resort areas along the lakes shores.


These 10 lakes are the grandest in Europe and there is something for everyone to do on the lakes, around the lakes and even swimming in the lakes is a major attraction. Whatever reason brings you to the shores of these lakes it doesnt really matter, what is important is that with all these wonderful lakes in their respective countries you will find what you are looking for. One thing that was much mentioned is that around all of these lakes you will easily find some really great accommodations with a selection that will suit anyones budget and their requirements. Many of the bigger towns on the coasts of these lakes have numerous holiday rentals as well, so you will never be far from having a great place within your reach.