There is nothing greater than relaxing in a small, peaceful town that is at a proximate distance to a beautiful body of water. Going on a beach vacation is nice, but going on a tranquil lake vacation is incomparable! Discover 10 serene, less touristic lake towns that should become part of the bucket list of every traveler.
10 Chesterton, Indiana
Chesterton is a small town in proximity to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. It has a population of around 13,000 people which makes it big enough for one to find a variety of restaurants and entertainment activities but small enough to stay away from noise and crowds. It is a great destination for outside sports like hiking and biking, and its picturesque lake beaches make for a perfect relaxing vacation destination.
The surrounding Indiana Dunes National Park is a must-visit destination for every nature lover
9 Jasper, Canada
A small Alpine town in the Canadian province of Alberta, Jasper gets very touristic during the summer. Despite attracting more people than usual in those months, it still remains a destination off the beaten track which provides a great sense of tranquility and peace. Surrounded by small, beautiful lakes, Jasper is the perfect spot for outdoor lovers. In just around 30 minutes drive is located one of the most visited Canadian lakes - Maligne lake, where taking a cruise is a must.
Jasper is a great vacation destination for both lake vacation enthusiasts and hiking lovers. Going to the national park there should be on the bucket list of every traveler.
8 Trento, Italy
Trento is a city with a population estimated to be a little more than 100,000. A less-popular destination, it has a very rich history and cultural heritage. Trento was founded by the Celts but passed into the hands of the Romans, centuries later becoming part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Besides immersing in the history of the city, one can also enjoy one-day trips from Trento to the beautiful Lake Garda
Trento hosts many events, including the popular international Trento Film Festival, which takes place in April
7 Struga, North Macedonia
Struga is one of the cities North Macedonia takes pride in. A fairly popular tourist destination, it is definitely a less crowded site compared to the city of Ohrid, and as such, it gets to be one of the best alternative places for a relaxing lake vacation. Located just 14 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Lake of Ohrid, Struga offers rich culture, excellent cuisine, and a tranquil atmosphere.
It’s better for one to visit Struga and Lake Ohrid during the summer
6 Interlaken, Switzerland
When talking about Switzerland, one imagines amazing mountain views, beautiful landscapes, and picturesque valleys. This is what Interlaken offers as well. A year-round vacation destination, this small city always has what to offer. Located between the lakes Brienz and Thun, it is a good starting point both for exciting mountain adventures and relaxing lake retreats.
Taking the train to the saddle of Jungfraujoch is one of the many exciting things one can do in Interlaken
5 Bled, Slovenia
A Julian Alps town, Bled is very popular among tourists. It is an ecotourism destination that attracts many nature lovers. However, this does not make it less serene. With a population of just 9000 people, Bled offers tranquility like no other resort town. Its proximity to Lake Bled - one of the most picturesque lakes in Europe, makes it the perfect getaway for a lake vacation in the mountains.
When in Bled, tourists should try the vanilla and cream pastry
4 Te Anau, New Zealand
Anyone who has watched the movie “Hobbit” would say that the landscapes in it are impressive. It was filmed in New Zealand, and these are the type of landscapes people could expect from the small town Te Anau as well. Being a passing point for many tourists on the way to other beautiful places, this city is a hidden gem that could surprise everyone. Located on the coast of the impressive Lake Te Anau, it is a must-visit tranquil destination.
3 Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria
Located in southwestern Bulgaria, Sapareva Banya is a serene town on the outskirts of the Rila mountain. It is a famous spa destination due to its many mineral springs, used extensively for centuries. Sapareva Banya gets tourists, but it never happens to be as crowded as other resort cities. It is located just a 40-minute car drive from the Seven Rila Lakes, one of Bulgaria’s biggest natural wonders.
The best time to visit Sapareva Banya and the Seven Rila Lakes is from June to September
2 Lindau, Germany
Lindau is a picturesque small town in the amazing province of Bavaria with a population of approximately 25,000 people. It is full of history and beautiful architecture, and it is a very visited city mainly for the perfect conditions for outside sports and activities. Located on the coast of the famous Lake Constance, Lindau is a good choice for a culturally-enriching lake vacation.
1 Traunkirchen, Austria
Traunkirchen is situated on a peninsula on the west shore of Lake Traunsee, the largest one on Austrian territory. It is a very tranquil town and has everything one would expect from such a place - a pleasant church, a lake, and rolling hills. The view across Lake Traunsee is dominated by the Traunstein mountain and has always been a popular subject for painters. Extremely beautiful, Traunkirchen is s must-visit for anyone looking for a relaxing lake escape vacation.