Rest on the lakes of Europe

Rest on the lakes of Europe: Lake Garda, Lake Balaton, Wolfgangsee and Bohinj. Hotels and beaches, what to do on vacation by the lake.

When you choose between a vacation at the sea or on a lake, you are not choosing the salinity of the water and the location, but rather the cool air and a special style of relaxation. Recreation on the lake is closer to unhurried contemplation, which includes swimming and sunbathing, daytime hiking and evening walks along the waterfront.

There is no bustle of seaside cities on the lakes, more peace and quiet. And at the same time, European lakes have all the opportunities for active recreation in the mountains, cycling, to spend one of the most active vacations in Europe.

Take a swimsuit, a towel and a blanket – large alpine lakes with turquoise water are waiting for you. The water here is warm in summer, but there is no crazy heat like on the beaches of Spain, Turkey or France. In addition, you will find beautiful mountains and landscapes, as well as a lot of impressions for children and adults – you will definitely not be bored.

I suggest considering a vacation on the lakes of Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia.

Garda, Italy

There are many lakes in northern Italy where you can spend a wonderful vacation. One of the largest and most interesting leisure destinations is Lake Garda, surrounded by the slopes of the Alpine mountains.

Lake Garda is fed by alpine glaciers, its water is clear and very clean. But despite its glacial origin, the water temperature heats up to 24 degrees Celsius in summer. The sensations of swimming in Lake Garda are wonderful – the water seems to be viscous, but at the same time, pleasant freshness and purity give you vigor after swimming. Here you can combine beach, gastronomic, cultural and historical, active and family vacations, including those with children.

I really enjoyed swimming in Lake Garda during my July trip to northern Italy. It’s very pleasant here in the heat, and there are no crowds like on the sea beaches, where everything is occupied by paid lido’s in summer.

I advise you to read it: Vacation on Lake Garda

Beaches on Lake Garda

There are many places for organized and semi-wild swimming around the lake. The beaches to the north are mostly pebble, while in the south they are sandy.

For lovers of secluded and elite recreation, Lonato del Garda – Coco Beach is the place to go: there are sun loungers, showers, kiosks with drinks and food, and the entrance to the lake is partially sandy.
The beaches of Porto di Rivoltella and Spagia Doro are located off to the side of the center of Desenzano del Garda. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, food and drinks are sold, there is a toilet and shower, and a large parking lot is located next to the beach. The sandy beach of Spagia Doro has a gentle entrance – good for families with children.
The beach in Pesquera del Garda is suitable for those who like to relax on the shore with beautiful views. There are free showers and toilets, parking for cars, and the beach is suitable for people with disabilities – there is a special ramp for descending into the water. For children there is a playground with slides, swings and trampolines.
The beaches of Sirmione are among the most popular on Lake Garda. The beach area is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, a cafe, a toilet and a shower.
Although the beach in Riva del Garda is pebbly, it is surrounded by a pine grove, where vacationers can hide in the shade if necessary. The beach has a swimming pool, playgrounds, showers, parking and a cafe.

What to do on Lake Garda

Take the funicular to Monte Baldo Mountain. The funicular, which takes thousands of people to the top of the mountain every day, is considered one of the most modern in the world. The cabin of the funicular, designed for 40-60 people, rotates 360 degrees around its axis, so that no matter where you stand, you can see the panorama of the surrounding mountains and lake in its entirety.
Fly on a paraplane, climbing Monte Baldo to feel like a bird soaring over the alpine expanses and Lake Garda shining in the sun. The flight with an instructor lasts 20 minutes and costs €150-170, depending on the season.
With children, you can spend the whole day on the water slides of one of the water parks – Riovalli and Le Ninfee. Or go on rides, even water rides, in the largest amusement park in Italy – Gardaland.
Climb the tower of the Scaliger Castle in Malcesine. Not only does it offer a magnificent view of the city and the lake, it is also a wonderful monument of the medieval era.
Tasting wines at the Bardolino winery. By the way, great wines known all over the world are produced here.
Go shopping in Desenzano – there is a large selection of outlets and shopping centers. During the summer sale, you can buy inexpensive items of famous Italian brands.
Take a boat ride – there are several boat routes across the lake that are public transportation. It makes it more interesting to get to the opposite shore and the places on them

Where to stay on Lake Garda

Cities around Lake Garda: Sirmione, Desanzano del Garda, Valtenese, Salo, Gardone Riviera, Garniano, Toscolano Moderno, Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, Torbole, Malcesine, Torri del Benaco, Garda, Bardolino Garda.

When deciding where to stay on Lake Garda, there are some factors to consider:

The further north Lake Garda is, the more unstable the weather is. Therefore, if you are interested in warm water and sun, it is better to choose the southern part.
Do you want easy access to big places, i.e. Venice, Verona, Milan? Or do you visit Lake Garda without a car and rely on public transportation? Then choose the southern part, which is easily accessible by train. Namely, the cities of Desanzano del Garda, Peschieriand del Garda – trains from Bergamo.
If you are traveling by car, you can choose any city on the lake.

Lake Garda has a huge selection of accommodation options: BnB – private bed and breakfasts. There are also hotels, and cozy agritourisms with vineyards and farms in the mountains a little further away. You can rent an apartment or stay at one of the coastal campsites in a tent or house with basic amenities.

Hotels on Lake Garda:

Hotel Riviera≫ – is a great hotel located in Desanzano Del Garda on the promenade leading by Lake Garda, near the beach, about 10 minutes to the ferry that will take you to most places around the lake.

Garda Suite Hotel≫ – is a wonderful hotel in Limona sul Garda , located near the city beach. But it has several swimming pools of its own, which is very nice for relaxing on the lake overlooking the Alps.

Aquacamp≫ – excellent camping with equipped cabins located nearby Malcesine. There is a small, clean beach near the campsite – we chose this town because we wanted to relax on the beach, spend the whole day on Monte Baldo Mountain, and in the evening walk quietly through the narrow streets, sit in a restaurant and enjoy the fresh air and views of Lake Garda.

Getting to Lake Garda

By rented car from the airports of Milan and Bergamo along the A4 toll highway (the price for traveling in sections is about 10 €) and the free highways SP510 and SS45bis, which circle the lake around the perimeter.
From Milan and Bergamo you can get there by train, you need to go to the station Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera. Travel time – 1.5 hours, ticket price – about 10 €.
Buses run from Desenzano to all towns on the western bank of the Garda, and from Peschiera to the eastern bank.

Balaton, Hungary

Lake Balaton is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Europe, located in western Hungary. Because Hungary is an inland European country, the Balaton is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea.

There are many thermal and mineral springs on the lake’s shore. Due to the fact that Balaton is a rather shallow lake (the average depth is only 3.5 meters, the maximum depth reaches 12.5 meters), the water in it warms up very quickly, in summer it is like steamed milk.

On Balaton, you can combine beach, gastronomic and health recreation. People come here to breathe fresh air, swim and sunbathe, drink water from mineral springs, go sailing, and taste local wines and Hungarian dishes. There are also many pleasant hiking and cycling routes without much climbing, which are a pleasure to walk or ride a couple of dozen kilometers a day.

Beaches on Lake Balaton

In the south of the Balaton, sandy beaches stretch for kilometers. Some of them are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas – for a fee, mostly city beaches. But there is also a choice of free ones.
The lake is shallow in the southern and western parts. To swim, you have to walk about 500 meters from the shore. There is a gentle entrance to the water, a sandy bottom, and children can splash around here.
Most of the beaches in Shiofoku are green – it’s nice to lie on the grass in the shade of trees, occasionally swimming in the lake water.
In the north, the lake is deeper than in the south, and the rocky shores are not the best choice for families with children. The beaches are equipped with stairs going down into the water and have railings. A staircase into the water is made from a green grass beach or embankment.

What to do on Lake Balaton

Visit the Tikhany Peninsula, where lavender blooms and smells fragrant in June in literally every pot. Also visit the ancient Benedictine abbey located on the peninsula.
Visit Balatonfüred in August to attend the Borhetek Wine Festival (August 9-31, 2024). On Tagore’s waterfront, you can taste about three hundred types of the region’s best wines from thirty grape varieties. This time, the popular gastronomic event is also accompanied by concerts.
Visit the underground cave of lake Tapolce and the Tavash cave. They are located right under the city and the entrance to the cave is in the center of Tapolca on Kishfaludi Street, 2 – 74 steps lead to the cave. The dry part of the Tavash Cave is the beginning of an underground lake where you can go boating.
Visit the Baroque Festetich Palace in Keszthely. There are many lavish halls, gilded chandeliers, and a very large beautiful park, where it is pleasant to walk in the summer heat.
You can diversify your vacation with children by visiting the Annagora Water Park, which is located between Tihanyu and Füred.
In Balatonfüzfe, you can go bobsledding in the bobsleigh park – you can ride on special sleds even in summer.

Where to stay on Lake Balaton

The main resorts of the southern part of the Balaton: Szijjofok, Szentod, Balatonfeldvar, Fonyod. Popular resort destinations include Keszthely, Badacsony, Tihanyi, Balatonfüred and Tapolca. But there are many accommodation offers in the villages adjacent to the lake, located between these cities.

Szijjofok is the summer night capital of Hungary. It hosts major festivals, various concerts, nightclubs and bars.
In Keszthely, you can stay in sanatoriums and spa hotels with thermal springs.
But the main resort on Lake Balaton is the town of Balatonfüred, located on the northern shore of the lake. There are many baths where you can sit for hours on end, and a quiet aristocratic atmosphere reigns here, preserved from the beginning of the last century. The Balatonfüred resort is famous for its medical centers that treat the cardiovascular system.

Hotels on Lake Balaton:

Hotel Lido≫ – is a hotel located in Szijjofok on the first line, so you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Balaton from your room and for breakfast every day. The hotel offers everything you need for a vacation on the lake: proximity to the water, many dining and visitor attractions within walking distance, and a ferry crossing within a few minutes drive, so you can visit different towns on the lake.

Hotel Helikon, Keszthely≫ – A nice hotel in Keszthely with a great location near Lake Balaton. Comfortable rooms with everything you need to relax, comfortable beds, a spacious bathroom, a beautiful view of the lake. There is a large spa complex with indoor pools and a Jacuzzi, and there is also a nice indoor children’s pool and a small rooftop children’s pool. A nice recreation area by the lake, there is everything you need – a pontoon for a comfortable descent into the water, sunbeds, umbrellas, pillows for swimming. Great restaurant, great choice of food for breakfast and dinner, everything was delicious, and there was plenty of everything. There is also a bar near the spa area where you can order drinks and food during your stay.

Aquilo Hotel Panoráma≫ – is a hotel located on the Tihanyi Peninsula (near Balatonfüred). Located near the center of Tiananmen, but quiet and surrounded by greenery. There is a parking lot in front of the building. In fact, this is a separate house for a family vacation, but for a very nice price. It has all the amenities for relaxing in the kitchen and in the garden (barbecue). Not far from the lake with a private beach.

Getting to Lake Balaton

Arrive by car from Ukraine (via the E71 highway) or by rented car from Budapest Airport (via the same E71 highway).
Public transportation from Budapest: by train from Delhi Station, from which dozens of flights depart for Lake Balaton every day. From 4:00 am to 9:00 pm, there are about 20 trains to the town of Shiofok, located on the southern shore of the lake. Travel time – 2.5 hours, tickets are sold at the ticket office or on the website of the Hungarian Railways. It takes 3-4 hours to get to the north coast in Keszthely.
There are also VOLANBUSZ buses from Budapest to the lake, departing from the Nepliget bus station.
Balaton is also a navigable lake: in summer, it is regularly sailed by ships, and a ferry runs between the cities of Santod and Tihanyi, connecting the southern and northern shores of Balaton. Information on fares and schedules is available on the website of ferries and ships.

Bohinj, Slovenia

Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia, but it is quite small in size compared to other European lakes. The lake is 4.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. You can walk around it in 2.5 hours.

But unlike the neighboring, more popular Lake Bled, vacationing on Bohinj means peace and quiet combined with clear water, clean air of mountains and pine forests. In summer, there are great opportunities for hiking in the mountains, walking to waterfalls, cycling and kayaking.

Beaches of Lake Bohninj

The water in Lake Bohinj warms up to 24 degrees Celsius, which allows swimming and sunbathing. There are several sandy beaches in Rybchevyi Laz, and you can also lie on the grass in the shade of trees and rent a sun lounger and umbrella. At the shore, the bottom is sandy and shallow, but the depth begins quite abruptly – be careful with children, make sure they do not go into the water, do not move away from the shore.

What to do on Lake Bohinj

Climbing to the top of Triglav is a hike that is accessible not only to experienced climbers, but also to ordinary outdoor enthusiasts. The route starts from Stara Fuzhyna.
Take a lift to the top of Mount Vogel, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Round-trip tickets cost €24 for adults, €12 for children (6 to 15 years old), and €21 for youth (15 to 18 years old) and students.
In the village of Rybchev Laz, you can rent a canoe – a 1.5-hour excursion costs from 37 € per person.
There are bicycle paths around the lake, and bicycle rental starts at €7 per hour.
You can go canyoning – swimming and safe jumping into the rivers that run along the bottom of the canyon. The cost of the excursion is 69 € per person, accompanied by experienced instructors, the price includes rental of wetsuits, equipment, canyoning shoes and helmets.
On the way, stop by Lake Bled, climb to the Bled Castle, take a boat ride on the lake to the island where the Chapel of the Assumption is located.

Where to stay on Lake Bohinj

The lake is stretched from east to west. The road from Ljubljana approaches the eastern edge of the lake, and there are two villages on this side: Ribčev Laz, and – a little to the side – Stara Fužina. On the western side is the village of Ukants and the Zolotoryg campsite.

For those who prefer silence, it is better to choose Stara Fużyna or Ukants.
And those who, in addition to nature, need an active social life, should settle in Rybchev Laz. This is where all public transportation arrives. The village has a tourist office, a large supermarket, cafes, and shops.
Another nice place is Stara Fużyna. Despite the fact that buses run less frequently, you can find more budget accommodation options in Stara Fużyna, such as guesthouses and hotels.
The village of Ukants is located at the far end of the lake. It is the final stop for buses arriving from Ljubljana. There is a grocery store, kayak, canoe, and bicycle rental. There is a marina here. There is also a budget type of accommodation – camping. It is located in the southwestern part of Lake Bohinj in front of Ukants. Here you can stay in tents, right on the shore of the sandy beach.

Hotels on Lake Bohinj

Hotel Jezero≫ – The hotel is located in Rybchev Laz, 50 meters from the lake. Only 6-8 kilometers from the cable car to Mount Vogel. The hotel is well equipped with a gym and a swimming pool. They offer buffet meals, including drinks, for just 25 euros per person – a good alternative to eating out.

Pr `Agotnik Apartments & Rooms Bohinj≫ – apartments in Stara Fužina with nice furnishings and everything you need for your stay – kitchen, washing machine, refrigerator and all necessary utensils. Beautiful views around, many places for hiking, 15-20 minutes walk to the lake.

Apartments Ukanc≫ – beautiful apartments in the village of Ukants near the lake. They have a fully equipped kitchen including a nesspresso coffee machine, very clean. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.

Getting to Lake Bohinj

Most travelers come here by car. From Ukraine, you can get there via Hungary (via the E71 highway), then to the capital of Slovenia – Ljubljana (via the E65 and E57 highways). The E61 and 905 roads lead to the lake.
Public transport – buses from Ljubljana run to the eastern part of Lake Bohinj, to the villages of Ribčev Laz and Stara Fužina. A little to the west is the village of Ukants. The bus station in Ljubljana is located near the railway station. Bus schedule of the buses on the website of the bus company buses run every hour, travel time – 2 hours.

Wolfgangsee, Austria

Lake Wolfgangsee is located near Salzburg and is famous for its clear alpine water. Surrounded by gentle mountain slopes, this mountain lake is located at an altitude of over 500 meters above sea level and its depth reaches 114 meters.

The water in Wolfgangsee is cool and incredibly clear with a slight turquoise tint. Wolfgangsee is a great place to relax, where you can not only swim, but also fish, sail, hike in the picturesque surroundings, and go diving – there are underwater sites with various submerged objects in the lake.

Beaches on the Wolfgangsee

The swimming season lasts all summer, and the water warms up to +25℃ degrees. The beaches of Wolfgangsee are known for their cleanliness and well-groomed condition. As a rule, there are no beaches with bulk sand, instead there is often a soft grass carpet that stretches literally to the water.

Sometimes there are sun loungers on the beaches, but this is rather rare – more often you need to come here with your own towel and take the best places under the sun. The beach in St. Hilgen has a large sandy area for young children.

What to do in Wolfgangsee

Take a ride on an excursion boat, the ticket price for one person is €21.2, a family ticket (2 adults and a child from 6 to 14 years old) is €48.4. www.wolfgangseeschifffahrt.at
Ride a real steam train to the top of the Schaffberg. At an altitude of 1783 meters, there is a station, an observation deck, and a couple of restaurants with hot soup for those who didn’t bring a sweater and got cold. But in summer, it’s a good place to have a beer overlooking the lake. The round-trip fare is €39.6 for adults and €19.8 for children. Details on the website of the railroad.
Take the Zwölferhorn Mountain Cable Car to the top of the Zwölferhorn. This cable car is unique in Austria. Due to the gentle ascent, it feels like you are floating upwards between Lake Wolfgangsee and Lake Fuschlsee. At the top, you can take a circular walk along the Illinger Alm route among the mountains, where restaurant huts are scattered here and there, where you want to go and taste local specialties such as beer and beef sausages. Ticket prices for the funicular are as follows: adult – €24.5, children – €15.
In the lakeside resort town of St. Wolfgang, visit the ancient Gothic church, the main attraction of which is the ancient German altar that has survived to this day.
Devote a couple of days to walking around Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a beautiful, almost doll-like Austrian city.

Where to stay around Wolfgangsee

Small resort towns are located around the lake: Strobl am Wolfgangsee in the east of the lake, St. Hilgen in the western part of the lake, and St. Wolfgang in the central part of the lake. The villages are Reed, Farhen, and Gschwandt. Hotels and guest houses are located around the perimeter of the lake.

St. Hilgen is always full of tourists and is convenient in all respects: there are many hotels, apartments, restaurants and shops, a city beach with slides and jumps, a yacht club, bicycle rental, motorized and non-motorized boats.

Hotels on Lake Wolfgangsee:

Hotel Brandauers Villen Superior≫ – hotel in Strobl am Wolfgangsee has a courtesy view of the lake and mountains. The rooms are very large and clean, the restaurant offers delicious cuisine. There is also a private sauna and a small grass beach with sun loungers and its own descent into the water.

Jugendgästehaus St. Gilgen≫ – The hotel enjoys a great location in St. Gil gen next to Lake Wolfgangsee. The rooms are quite large and have a view of the lake, there is a private beach with bulk sand and pontoons.

Seehaus Familie Leifer≫ – A very beautiful house located in the town of St. Wolfgang. The rooms have all the necessary equipment, a balcony with 180-degree views of the lake and mountains. The location is also good for visiting the surrounding area. It is better to stay here for a few days to enjoy the beautiful alpine nature.

Getting to Wolfgangsee

By car from Ukraine via the E71 highway in Hungary and the E60 in Austria. You can rent a car at Vienna Airport – .
Public transportation from Salzburg, which is 30 kilometers from Wolfgangsee. From Salzburg to St. Wolfgang there is a bus #150 to Strobl, a ticket costs 6.8€, then transfer to bus #2560 to St. Wolfgang, a ticket costs 1.80€. Travel time is about an hour. Boats and ferries run on the lake – schedule and cost on the website of the transport company.

Useful links for organizing a trip to Malta:

Car rental – I am looking for inexpensive options on Rentalcars.com
Booking hotels and apartments – traditionally on Booking.com
Travel insurance with discounts – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Excursions – book in advance on GetYourGuide

Summer vacation on European lakes