Lakes are all the rage in summer, and for good reason. From lounging on the shore to boating over the water, lakes provide an endless number of leisure activities to enjoy while the sun is hot and the water is cool. But there’s something to be said for the charms of a frozen lake in winter. From frosted lighthouses on the shore to trapped bubbles beneath the water’s surface, lakes provide an endless supply of wintery wonders that make them worth the cold and a special trip to enjoy them in person in all their winter glory. So whether you’re an avid fan of winter photography, a lover of all things frozen—and not just the Disney movies—or looking for a seasonal change of pace, then keep reading to discover eight frozen lakes that are bound to make any winter trip magical.
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Table of Contents
- 8 Stunning Frozen Lakes You Have to See to Believe
- What Is the Largest Lake That Freezes?
- Traverse a Winter Wonderland of Frozen Lakes with Next Vacay
8 Stunning Frozen Lakes You Have to See to Believe
Brace yourself for the chill and dive—not literally—into these eight stunning frozen lakes that take wintery wonders to the next level.
Abraham Lake, Canada
Created in 1972 with the construction of the Bighorn Dam, Abraham Lake is man-made. But its frozen delights are all natural. Come winter, thousands of ice bubbles spread across the vast lake in a display that’s nothing short of breathtaking. While plenty of Canada’s lakes boast ice bubbles, none come close to Abraham Lake, where these ice bubbles layer atop one another like the floating matter inside a lava lamp. The cold winds do their part to polish the water’s glassy surface, creating perfect windows to peer inside and snap some iconic shots of these methane bubbles.
For the best view, head to Preacher’s Point, where the deep water turns the lake a dark blue-green, making the stark white bubbles stand out even more. Or head to Allstones Cove for an aerial view of the mesmerizing lake. Whether you decide to plan your trip yourself or join a tour, you won’t regret visiting Abraham Lake to take in its magic in person.
Lake Baikal, Russia
Compare Abraham Lake, a decades-old, man-made body of water, to Lake Baikal, estimated to be nearly 30 million years old and the world’s oldest and deepest lake. Here, age and beauty come hand in hand.
The lake freezes over for roughly 5-6 months of the year with ice so thick people and even cars can travel across it. And the lake’s pure water means you can peer deep into the depths to see methane bubbles stacked on top of one another like giant columns. Ice drifts over the surface, frozen trees on the shore, and ice-covered rocks paint a landscape of beauty. From exploring Olkhon Island, an ice cave covered in icicles and snow, to camping on the lake’s surface, frozen Lake Baikal is one of the most stunning frozen lakes in existence.
Jökulsárlón, Iceland
Jökulsárlón is technically a lagoon rather than a lake—its name even means glacier river lagoon. But its dazzling beauty earned its way onto this list. The times this pseudo-lake freezes over are rare. That said, there’s another frozen phenomenon here, making it a must-see: giant icebergs. These icebergs are over 1,000 years old and litter the water, with small pieces washing up on the black sand shore to glitter like precious gems in the sunlight. This is also how the lagoon earned its famous moniker of Diamond Beach.
While you can’t walk over the lagoon like you could a proper frozen lake, you can boat across it, hike the walking trail that encompasses the lagoon, and explore nearby ice caves. And if you’re fortunate, you might just see the Northern Lights dancing across the icy lagoon at night.
Lake Superior, Wisconsin
Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, is a sight to see in any season. But winter brings singular charms you won’t experience at any other time. The colder temperatures mean Lake Superior freezes over, and a whole new world opens up at the largest Great Lake in the United States. Namely, the ice caves on the Apostle Islands.
Visitors must trek a mile across the frozen lake to the Apostle Islands to access these enchanting natural landmarks. In addition to the breathtaking ice caves, you can glimpse frozen waterfalls, their cascades suspended in mid-air, snow-dusted lighthouses, nordic trails, and so much more. Between the Apostle Islands and the serenity of the lake, Lake Superior is easily one of the most beautiful frozen lakes in the US!
Blue Pond, Hokkaido, Japan
Another human-made creation, Japan’s Blue Pond isn’t your typical frozen lake. Created to protect the town of Biei from dangerous mudflows after Mt. Tokachi erupted, it has become a must-see attraction on the island of Hokkaido. Its eye-catching color is the main reason. Natural minerals from nearby waterfalls and mountains that feed into the lake give the water its incredible coloration of deep blue and stunning aquamarine. During the winter, this bright blue color shines through the lake’s thin, frozen surface, which, when illuminated, looks otherworldly. In the middle of the lake are dead trees, leafless and white in color, adding an eerie element to the enchanting scenery.
Lake Louise, Canada
Lake Louise is a gem among frozen lakes. Cold all year round, thanks to the glacial melt that feeds the lake, it starts freezing fairly early, around November. And after a good coat of snowfall, the scenery becomes snowglobe-worthy. From snow-covered trees to snow-capped mountains, the wintery landscapes here are breathtaking. And as far as winter activities go, Lake Louise doesn’t disappoint. Dogsledding and cross-country skiing are popular ways to explore the striking landscape, while ice skating is a leisurely way to enjoy the frozen lake and epic views. If you plan your trip in January, you can catch the Ice Magic Festival at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise to see stunning ice carvings and walk through mesmerizing galleries of sculpted ice.
Lake Michigan, Illinois
Lake Michigan has never completely frozen over, but it’s home to fantastic frozen phenomena that make the frigid winters around Lake Michigan worth experiencing. Frozen shards bob along the surface of chilly Lake Michigan and become larger as the temperature drops. Ice volcanoes blow out cold air and frigid waters. Frozen balls bob along the shore in the shallow waters of the beach. Ice caves and frozen waterfalls await exploration. And due to the polar vortexes that occur around Lake Michigan, you’ll find strange formations of ice bloom across sculptures and other structures around the area. Enjoy Lake Michigan alongside the striking Chicago skyline, sledding along the dunes in Empire, or visiting frozen lighthouses in St. Joseph.
Lake Braies, Italy
Imagine sipping on a cup of hot chocolate in an Italian cafe and then heading out to the most beautiful winter wonderland imaginable. Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the rugged Dolomites lies Lago di Braies, a must-see winter destination in Europe. Framed by snow-capped peaks and a treeline frosted in snow, you’ll find that Lake Braies, like many other Italian destinations, spares no expense for beauty, or adventure, for that matter.
The scenery makes this lake the perfect spot for some picturesque snowshoeing, while the hills make it perfect for tobogganing down the snowy slopes. From snapping picture-perfect photos of the mesmerizing frozen lake to enjoying the hot chocolate and holiday goodies at the annual Christmas market—Lake Braies is the definition of a winter wonderland.
What Is the Largest Lake That Freezes?
At 49 miles wide, 395 miles long, and 5,387 feet deep—Lake Baikal is the largest lake by volume that freezes over. It’s so large that the locals call it a sea, Sacred Sea, in fact. Its frozen surface can reach over five feet in thickness, allowing intrepid travelers to cross this sea by car and even set up camp on the frozen lake! Just don’t be spooked by the eerie sci-fi laser sounds; it’s just the sound of ice shifting deep below!
Traverse a Winter Wonderland of Frozen Lakes with Next Vacay
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