15 Alpine Lakes You Can Actually Swim in Without Freezing

Ready to swap icy dips for refreshing swims with mountain views. These alpine and near alpine lakes warm up nicely in summer, offer easy access points, and come with the kind of scenery that makes you linger long after towel time. Aim for sunny afternoons, choose shallow coves, and bring water shoes for smooth entries. Plan around local new moon weekends if you want a stargazing bonus after your swim. Most of these spots post lifeguard hours only at designated beaches, so always check signs and follow local guidance. Here are fifteen lakes where a casual swimmer can enjoy the water without a shock to the system.

Lake Annecy, France

Lake Annecy is famous for clear turquoise water and comfortable summer temperatures. By July and August the surface often sits between twenty two and twenty four degrees Celsius, and it can climb a little higher during heat waves. Locals head for Plage des Marquisats and Plage d’Albigny, two long public beaches with gentle entries and plenty of space. Rent a paddleboard or a pedal boat for an easy warmup before your swim. The cycle path that circles the lake makes it simple to pair a ride with a dip. Evenings bring calm water and golden light on the surrounding peaks for an unforgettable cooldown session.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

This postcard lake is as swimmable as it is beautiful. Summer water temperatures commonly reach the low to mid twenties Celsius, which is perfect for an unhurried float. Grajska Beach on the north shore has a roped area, slides, and a diving platform for extra fun. For a quieter experience, slip in from the grassy banks near the walking path that circles the water. You can swim first, then reward yourself with a slice of the famous cream cake in town. If you bring a camera, aim for early morning when the water is glassy and the island church is mirrored in the lake.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Just up the valley from Bled, Lake Bohinj is larger, wilder, and still warm enough for relaxed swims in midsummer. Shallow edges near Ukanc and Ribcev Laz can reach about twenty to twenty four degrees Celsius on sunny afternoons. The water is exceptionally clear, so a basic mask turns a casual dip into a mini snorkel. Stick close to shore and you will find pebbly entries that are easy on bare feet. Bring a picnic and set up along the grassy banks, then take a late day swim when the crowds thin. The mountain backdrop and quiet coves make every stroke feel like a getaway.

Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda sits on the southern edge of the Alps and soaks up serious sunshine. By late June the surface water often reaches the mid twenties Celsius and can hold there well into September. Choose Sirmione or Desenzano for sandy style entries and calm water, or base in Malcesine for a mountain framed swim with castle views. Morning laps are usually smooth, while afternoons can bring a breeze that keeps the heat in check. Many beaches have showers, lockers, and umbrella rentals, which makes it easy to stay all day. Cap your swim with a lakeside aperitivo and watch sailboats glide by.

Lake Como, Italy

Elegant villages and lush hills make Lake Como an easy choice for a warm water dip. In peak summer the lake commonly reaches the low to mid twenties Celsius near shore. Lidos in Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna offer roped swim zones, sun beds, and snack bars for a simple, low stress afternoon. If you prefer a quieter spot, look for small pebble beaches just outside the main towns where the water is equally inviting. Arrive early to snag parking and a shady patch under a tree. When the sun softens, swim out a little and take in the villas and mountains from the best seat in the house.

Lake Lugano, Switzerland and Italy

Lake Lugano straddles the border and delivers a warm, sheltered basin backed by steep green hills. Expect water temperatures in the low to mid twenties Celsius during July and August. The Lido di Lugano has a broad beach area and easy steps into the lake, plus pools for non swimmers in your group. For a scenic alternative, take the boat to Gandria and slip in from small public access points along the promenade. Pack a simple picnic and enjoy lunch with your toes in the water. Sunset swims are especially pretty when the hills turn pink and the lake calms to a mirror.

Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Do not let the dramatic fjord like shape fool you. Lake Lucerne has several bays that warm up nicely in summer. Seebad Luzern and the Ufschötti lake park both offer gentle entries, floating platforms, and grassy lawns that invite an afternoon nap. On hot days the surface water usually reaches around twenty to twenty two degrees Celsius, which feels refreshing rather than bracing. If you want a scenic approach, arrive by boat from Weggis or Vitznau and hop straight in at a lakeside park. The combination of mountain views and easy facilities makes a swim here feel effortless.

Caumasee, Switzerland

Caumasee near Flims is a small mountain lake that behaves like a natural pool. Its shallow, sheltered basin warms quickly, often sitting around twenty to twenty four degrees Celsius in midsummer. The water is a striking emerald color and the timber decks around the shore create simple entries for all ages. There is a cafe for snacks and a rental stand for paddleboards if you want a gentle warmup. Arrive mid morning to claim a shady spot among the pines. Linger after your swim and watch the light shift across the cliffs of the nearby gorge.

Weissensee, Austria

Weissensee is known for exceptionally clear water and a quiet, nature first shoreline. Summer temperatures often reach the mid twenties Celsius in the shallow bays, which makes it one of the warmest alpine lakes in Austria. Public lidos in Techendorf and Neusach offer docks, floating platforms, and grassy banks for a full day by the water. Paddlers and swimmers share the calm surface with mutual respect, so it never feels crowded. Bring a picnic and a good book, then swim in short bursts as the day heats and cools. Evenings bring perfect conditions for an unhurried final dip.

Wörthersee, Austria

Wörthersee combines classic lake resorts with reliably warm water. By July the surface can hover around twenty four to twenty seven degrees Celsius, which invites long swims and lazy floats. Klagenfurt, Pörtschach, and Velden all have well run bathing areas with lifeguards, lockers, and rentals. If you like a little activity, pair a morning run along the lakeside path with a refreshing cooldown in the shallows. Families appreciate the gentle entries and plentiful shaded lawns. Stay for sunset to see the mountains turn rose and the water mellow to a perfect evening swim.

Lake Zell, Austria

Lake Zell sits in a broad valley with a ring of peaks that frame the water beautifully. In high summer the lake typically reaches about twenty to twenty three degrees Celsius near shore. Strandbad Zell am See has slides and platforms, while Thumersbach and Seespitz offer quieter lawns with easy access. The lake path makes it simple to combine a bike ride with multiple swim stops. On still mornings the water can be calm enough to reflect the surrounding glaciers. Pack a light jacket for after your dip because mountain evenings cool down quickly even on warm days.

Faaker See, Austria

Faaker See delivers a tropical look in an alpine setting thanks to its bright blue color and sandy shallows. Summer water commonly reaches the mid twenties Celsius, and the sheltered coves keep things comfortable when afternoon breezes pick up. Public bathing areas offer smooth entries and plenty of space to spread out. Rent a pedal boat or a kayak for a gentle warmup before sliding in for a swim. The shoreline paths connect small beaches and viewpoints, so you can turn the day into a relaxed lake crawl. It is hard to leave once you settle into the rhythm here.

Johnson Lake, Banff National Park, Canada

Most Canadian mountain lakes stay brisk, but Johnson Lake is the friendly exception because it is shallow and sun warmed. On hot July and August afternoons the surface often climbs into the high teens or low twenties Celsius. Locals head to the sandy cove on the north side, where the entry is gentle and the vibe is relaxed. There are picnic tables, washrooms, and a loop trail if you want to stretch your legs between swims. Bring a float and drift while staring up at Cascade Mountain. Go early on weekends to secure parking and a shady spot near the water.

String Lake, Grand Teton National Park, USA

String Lake is a classic summer swim when you want alpine views without icy water. It is shallow and clear, and on sunny days the temperature can reach the high teens or around twenty degrees Celsius near shore. The picnic areas and easy access from the parking lot make it perfect for a half day by the water. Wade in slowly, then swim along the shoreline with the Tetons towering overhead. Afternoon winds are common, so plan your longest swim for late morning. Pair your dip with a short hike to Leigh Lake for another quiet cove.

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Lake Wanaka offers big mountain scenery and water that warms enough for comfortable summer swims. January and February often bring temperatures in the high teens to low twenties Celsius, especially in shallow fringes near Roys Bay. The town beach has an easy entry, showers, and plenty of space for families. For a quieter spot, head to Eely Point or Glendhu Bay where calm coves make for relaxed laps. Morning swims are smooth and peaceful, while evenings bring soft light across the Southern Alps. If you paddle, stash your board on shore and take a celebratory plunge after a short cruise.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance