Nature is full of wonders, but some places are so surreal that they seem to defy the laws of reality. Lakes, often seen as tranquil and peaceful, can also be some of the most astonishing spectacles on Earth. From waters that shift in colour to crystal-clear depths that reveal ancient mysteries, these lakes are nothing short of otherworldly. Here are ten of the most unbelievable lakes in the world, where nature’s power is on full display.
10. Plitvice Lake, Croatia: A Cascading Marvel
Nestled in Croatia’s famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, this series of 16 interconnected lakes is a sight to behold. The turquoise waters tumble over limestone and chalk barriers, creating stunning waterfalls and natural pools.
Why It’s Unbelievable: The cascading waterfalls create a fairytale-like landscape, with the water shifting in colour depending on the minerals, organisms, and sunlight. One moment, the water might be emerald green; the next, it could be deep blue.
Fun Fact: As one of Croatia’s most iconic national parks, Plitvice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from around the globe.
9. The Red Lake, Bolivia: The Blood-Red Phenomenon
In Bolivia’s remote Altiplano region lies the Red Lake, also known as Laguna Colorada. The stark contrast of its blood-red waters against the surrounding white salt flats makes this lake appear like a scene from another planet.
Why It’s Unbelievable: The lake’s red colour comes from algae that thrive in the mineral-rich waters. Under the right conditions, the lake turns into a striking, almost unreal spectacle, with pink flamingos standing in the shallow waters, adding to the eerie beauty.
Fun Fact: Laguna Colorada is located in a high-altitude, harsh environment, making it both a natural wonder and a remote, challenging destination for adventurers.
8. Peyto Lake, Canada: Nature’s Turquoise Jewel
Peyto Lake, located in Banff National Park, is one of Canada’s most photographed lakes, and it’s easy to see why. Its vivid turquoise waters, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, make it look like a gemstone dropped in the middle of the Rockies.
Why It’s Unbelievable: The lake’s stunning colour comes from glacial rock flour – tiny particles of rock ground down by glaciers. When the sunlight hits these particles, the lake glows a brilliant blue-green.
Fun Fact: Peyto Lake is shaped like a wolf’s head when viewed from above, a feature that’s made it a favourite spot for aerial photographers.
7. Flathead Lake, USA: The Crystal-Clear Wonder
Flathead Lake in Montana is renowned for its extraordinarily clear waters. Standing on its shores, you’d be forgiven for thinking the water is shallow, but don’t be fooled – this lake plunges to impressive depths.
Why It’s Unbelievable: Thanks to its purity and lack of pollution, the water is so clear that you can see deep into the lakebed, even at considerable depths. This gives the illusion that the lake is much shallower than it really is.
Fun Fact: Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the western United States, spanning an impressive 510 square kilometres.
6. Hiller Lake, Western Australia: The Bubblegum-Pink Oddity
On Middle Island, off the coast of Western Australia, lies a lake so pink that it looks like a giant bubblegum pool. Hiller Lake’s vibrant colour contrasts sharply with the deep blue of the surrounding ocean.
Why It’s Unbelievable: The lake’s striking pink hue remains a mystery. Some scientists believe it’s due to the presence of certain algae, salt, or bacteria, but no definitive cause has been identified. Remarkably, the lake stays pink all year round.
Fun Fact: Unlike other pink lakes, Hiller Lake retains its colour even if the water is removed and bottled, adding to its enduring mystery.
5. Carrera Lake, Chile: The Marble Cathedral
Carrera Lake, on the Chile-Argentina border, is famous for the intricate marble caves that line its shores. These naturally formed structures have been carved out by the waters of the lake over millennia, creating swirling patterns and otherworldly formations.
Why It’s Unbelievable: The marble caves, with their twisting blue and white walls, look like a cathedral made by nature itself. The reflections from the lake’s clear, blue waters add to the sense that this place is otherworldly.
Fun Fact: The marble caves can only be accessed by boat, making the journey just as extraordinary as the destination.
4. Shimshal Lake, Pakistan: The Remote High-Altitude Gem
Hidden in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan, Shimshal Lake is a remote alpine lake that few travellers have laid eyes on. Its pristine waters, surrounded by rugged peaks, make it feel like a lake frozen in time.
Why It’s Unbelievable: At an altitude of 3,100 metres, Shimshal Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. Its deep blue waters, against the backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains, make it seem like you’ve stumbled into another world.
Fun Fact: Due to its remote location, reaching the lake requires a challenging trek, adding to its allure and making it a destination only for the most determined explorers.
3. Gippsland Lake, Australia: The Bioluminescent Spectacle
Gippsland Lake is home to a natural phenomenon that turns the waters into a glowing sea of stars. The lake occasionally lights up with bioluminescence, creating a magical, surreal display that leaves visitors awestruck.
Why It’s Unbelievable: Bioluminescence occurs when certain microorganisms in the water emit light, creating an ethereal blue glow. Walking along the shores of the lake at night can feel like you’re stepping through a scene from a science fiction film.
Fun Fact: The bioluminescent glow is a rare occurrence, often appearing after periods of specific weather conditions, making it an unpredictable and even more magical experience.
2. Lake Baikal, Russia: The Frozen Giant
Lake Baikal is not only the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake, but in winter, it becomes a frozen wonderland. The ice that forms on the lake is so clear that it feels like you’re walking on glass.
Why It’s Unbelievable: The frozen surface of Lake Baikal is famous for its transparency, allowing you to peer down into the lake’s depths. In some places, the ice forms deep cracks, creating incredible visual patterns that stretch for miles.
Fun Fact: Lake Baikal holds around 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater, making it one of the most important natural water sources on the planet.
1. Five-Flower Lake, China: The Kaleidoscope of Colours
In China’s Jiuzhaigou National Park, Five-Flower Lake looks like it was plucked from a fantasy film. Its shallow waters reflect a brilliant array of colours, from turquoise and green to yellow and blue.
Why It’s Unbelievable: The lake’s multicoloured appearance is due to the mix of minerals, algae, and the crystal-clear water. The submerged trees on the lakebed add another layer of mystery and beauty, making the lake look like a kaleidoscope of colours.
Fun Fact: Five-Flower Lake is so clear that the lakebed is visible even at its deepest points, making the entire lake feel like a window into another dimension.
These lakes, with their striking colours, clear waters, and surreal landscapes, offer a glimpse into the most extraordinary corners of our planet. From the glowing bioluminescence of Gippsland Lake to the bubblegum-pink waters of Hiller Lake, each one defies expectations and showcases the remarkable diversity of nature. If you’re looking to experience the unbelievable, these ten lakes should be at the top of your travel bucket list.