Take a Euro lakes break
Sarah Marshall on a refreshing change from the seaside
When Europe’s temperatures start to soar, there’s no better place to be than by the water. But that doesn’t necessarily mean heading for the coast.
Inland, around 15.5% of the world’s fresh water can be found on the continent, providing a calm, clean and refreshing environment to swim, kayak or relax on beaches.
Lake Saimaa, Finland – summer water temperature: 18.7C
There are more than 188,000 lakes to choose from in Finnish Lakeland, in the south-eastern corner of the outdoor-loving Nordic country. The largest is Lake Saimaa, a watery labyrinth dotted with thousands of islands. Measuring 14,500km, its lake coastline is the longest in the world, providing plenty of scenic spots to sunbathe or stroll. Away from the water, rural roads wind through pine forests, farmland and charming towns. How: Baltic Travel Company (baltictravelcompany.com) offers the eight-day Finnish Lakes & Forests tour from £915 per person. Fly with Finnair (Finnair.com) from London to Helsinki from £155 pp.
Lake Constance, Germany – summer water temp: 25-26C
Fringed with orchards, vineyards and views stretching towards the Alps, this scenic body of water sits in a region dubbed the German Riviera. Combine easy half-day strolls with visits to the gardens of Mainau or the monastic island of Reichenau using the efficient local boats, trains and buses to move around. Relax on sand and pebble beaches, dotted around the lake, or choose to bathe at one of the seasonal summer lidos.
How: Inntravel (inntravel.co.uk) offers a six-night B&B trip in July and August from £1,260pp (two sharing), including return rail from London St Pancras.
Lake Pirkdorfer, Austria – summer water temperature: 27C
Guaranteed to make your skin feel silky soft, the water in this crystalclear lake in the South Carinthia region is so clean it’s considered good enough to drink. Backed by the Karawanks mountains, it’s an excellent area for hiking and biking. But with paddleboards and pedal boats available for hire, there’s enough to keep you occupied on the lake. Lakeside Petzen Glamping offers safari tents, poolside lodges
and luxurious tree-top tents – or bring your own A-frame and stay for just £17.98 per night for two. How: Pitchup (pitchup.com) offers a one-bedroom safari tent (sleeps two) from £130.29 per night, with a two or three-night minimum stay.
Lake Skärsjön, Sweden – summer water temperature: 23C
Swedes are masters of lakeside escapes. Every holiday season, people retreat to their summer houses to celebrate the longest
days of the year. Foreign families can tap into the Scandi culture for spending quality time with each other in nature, by booking into a lakeside, off-grid eco lodge – just 2½ hours from Stockholm by train. Enjoy a floating sauna, go on a beaver safari or head into the forest to track moose. An on-site organic grocery provides everything needed for wild dining – with the option to forage for a few extra berries and herbs.
How: Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.com) offers three-night breaks from £630pp (with discounts for children, minimum age 12). Includes meals, evening tours, bushcraft session, sleeping bag, canoe rental and a return transfer from Skinnskatteberg.
The Italian Lakes – summer water temperature: 24C
Synonymous with glitz and glamour, Italy’s northern lakes have always been popular with the rich and famous – making the region as much of an A-list star as the Amalfi coast. Try out water sports on Lake Como, Europe’s deepest lake, and visit the 18th century Villa Balbianello, a location in James Bond film Casino Royale. Botanical fans can indulge themselves at
Lake Maggiore and its celebrated gardens. Italy’s second largest lake is also within reach of Cannero and Stresa, towns favoured by walkers. How: Citalia (citalia.com) offers an eight-night Lake Maggiore and Lake Como twin centre holiday from £1,049 per person, including flights from London, and private transfers. Regional departures also available.