Published on
November 8, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Switzerland joins Finland, Austria, Croatia, and Germany in offering tourists a unique winter charm that is hard to resist. These countries are becoming the ultimate destinations for those seeking the magic of snow and frozen lakes.
From the vast frozen landscapes of Switzerland to Finland’s icy lakes and Austria’s alpine adventures, each destination promises something special for winter enthusiasts. Croatia’s serene winter beauty and Germany’s hidden frozen gems add to the diversity of this winter wonderland. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone looking to experience the peaceful allure of snow-covered lakes, these countries provide unforgettable winter experiences.
Switzerland, with its breathtaking snow and frozen lakes, stands shoulder to shoulder with other top destinations like Finland, Austria, Croatia, and Germany, making them the go-to places for your next winter holiday. Dive into this guide to explore why these destinations are redefining winter tourism, offering everything from scenic beauty to thrilling ice sports.
Winter brings a unique charm to Europe, especially when it transforms lakes into vast, frozen wonders. From the snow-capped mountains of the Alps to the serene, icy waters of Scandinavian countries, Europe is home to some of the most thrilling frozen lake adventures. Whether you’re an ice-skating enthusiast, a hiker, or someone looking for a different kind of winter thrill, these frozen lakes are the ultimate playgrounds. Let’s dive into the world of frozen lakes across Europe, starting with Switzerland, and uncover where you can experience this magical adventure.
Switzerland: Frozen Lakes in the Heart of the Alps
Switzerland isn’t just famous for skiing — it’s also a prime destination for frozen lake adventures. The country’s icy lakes, set against breathtaking alpine backdrops, offer a variety of winter activities, from ice skating to hiking on frozen surfaces.
Frozen Lake Wonderland in Vallée de Joux
The Lac de Joux, located in the Jura Mountains, is one of Switzerland’s largest natural ice rinks. When temperatures plummet, this vast lake transforms into a giant ice skating surface. The area is well-known for its winter activities, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy walking or skating on the ice, or simply take in the views of the snow-covered landscape.
The best part? The entire 9.5 km² of the lake freezes, providing plenty of space for winter sports enthusiasts. Families and beginners can enjoy skating near the villages of Le Pont and L’Abbaye, where refreshment stands and festive activities add to the charm. However, safety is crucial, so always check whether the ice is declared safe before venturing out.
Adventure at High Altitudes
Switzerland is home to numerous other frozen lakes, many of which lie at higher altitudes. The Lac des Vaux, located at 2,543 metres above sea level, freezes early and stays frozen for a long period, providing an exciting destination for winter adventurers. For those looking for more rugged experiences, remote lakes like Obersee in Arosa offer a more secluded adventure, with the opportunity to trek through snow-covered trails to reach the frozen water.
The frozen lakes in Switzerland are perfect for anyone seeking a blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Whether you prefer the excitement of skating on expansive frozen surfaces or the tranquillity of hiking to remote high-altitude lakes, Switzerland has it all. Just remember to always confirm the ice conditions before embarking on your icy adventure.
Finland: Land of a Thousand Frozen Lakes
Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”, and in winter, these lakes transform into frozen playgrounds. Finland offers one of the most exciting winter experiences in Europe, with activities like ice skating, ice fishing, and even ice-floating becoming popular pastimes.
Frozen Lakes in Lapland
The northern region of Finland, Lapland, is where the magic happens. Lapland’s lakes freeze early in the season, usually in late October or November, creating vast surfaces of ice perfect for skating or walking. Visitors can enjoy skating on these pristine frozen lakes, taking in the surrounding snowy wilderness.
But Finland doesn’t stop there. The country has a thrilling adventure known as “ice floating”. This activity involves wearing a warm, dry suit and floating in a frozen lake. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a new way to enjoy the winter beauty of Finland’s frozen waters.
Safety and Adventure in Finland
The lakes in Finland are safe to explore, but it’s essential to ensure the ice thickness is adequate for walking or skating. In general, you’ll need at least 5 cm of clear ice to walk safely, and thicker ice is required for vehicles. Finland’s frozen lakes offer a range of experiences for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.
Austria: Alpine Adventures on Frozen Lakes
Austria’s frozen lakes are nothing short of magical. Known for its alpine landscapes, Austria boasts lakes that freeze into natural rinks, providing the perfect setting for winter sports. One of the standout locations in Austria is Lake Weissensee, located in the Carinthian Alps.
Lake Weissensee: A Giant Ice Rink
Lake Weissensee is one of Europe’s largest natural ice surfaces. Spanning 6.5 km², the lake becomes a hub for winter sports, offering 25 km of ice skating tracks. The lake is a paradise for ice enthusiasts, with its speed-skating rink, hockey tracks, and areas for leisurely skating.
Besides ice skating, visitors can enjoy ice diving, ice fishing, and even winter hiking. The breathtaking mountain views and the serene surroundings make this a perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation. The region of Tirol is also home to several frozen lakes, providing even more options for those seeking alpine frozen-lake adventures.
Ice Sports and Adventure in Austria
If you prefer organized activities, Austria’s lakes are ideal. The prepared ice tracks and well-maintained infrastructure make it easier for beginners to enjoy their adventure. Whether you’re gliding across the ice on skates or trying your hand at ice fishing, Austria’s frozen lakes provide an ideal setting for a winter escape.
Croatia: A Serene Winter Escape with Frozen Lakes
While Croatia may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of frozen lakes, its winter landscapes are truly enchanting. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning destination in winter, where the waterfalls freeze into beautiful ice sculptures, and the lakes turn into sparkling frozen wonders.
Frozen Beauty at Plitvice Lakes
During the winter months, the Plitvice Lakes transform into a serene winter wonderland. The crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls freeze, creating a magical scene that attracts visitors from around the world. Although the lakes are not large enough for ice skating, they provide a perfect environment for winter hiking, photography, and simply soaking in the beauty of the frozen landscape.
A Different Kind of Frozen Adventure
Croatia’s frozen lakes offer a different kind of winter adventure. It’s more about enjoying the beauty of frozen nature rather than engaging in ice sports. If you’re looking for a scenic, peaceful winter experience, Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination.
Germany: Hidden Gems for Winter Explorers
Germany may not have the same vast frozen lakes as Switzerland or Finland, but it still offers some delightful frozen water features, especially in regions like the Black Forest.
Frozen Waterfalls and Lakes in the Black Forest
In the Black Forest, the frozen lakes and waterfalls create an enchanting winter atmosphere. These frozen landscapes are perfect for winter hiking, photography, and exploring the quieter, less-visited parts of Germany.
Although you won’t find large ice rinks here, the scenic beauty of the frozen water features makes Germany an excellent choice for those seeking a more tranquil and picturesque winter adventure.
Switzerland, Finland, Austria, Croatia, and Germany: Europe’s Frozen Lake Hotspots
Europe is brimming with incredible destinations for frozen lake adventures. From the rugged mountains of Switzerland and Austria to the serene winter landscapes of Finland and Croatia, each country offers a unique experience for winter thrill-seekers.
Why These Destinations Stand Out
Each of these countries brings something special to the table. Switzerland’s frozen lakes offer large natural rinks and spectacular alpine views, while Finland’s frozen lakes are perfect for ice skating, ice floating, and winter hiking. Austria’s lakes are ideal for ice sports, with prepared tracks and stunning mountain backdrops. Croatia, on the other hand, offers a serene winter landscape for those who prefer a quieter, more peaceful winter retreat. Lastly, Germany’s Black Forest provides hidden gems for winter hikers and nature lovers.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking tranquillity in nature, Europe’s frozen lakes have something for everyone. The key is to plan ahead, check ice conditions, and choose the destination that suits your adventure style.
Final Thoughts: A Frozen Lake Adventure Awaits You
If you’re looking for the ultimate winter adventure, look no further than Europe’s frozen lakes. From skating across vast ice surfaces to hiking through snow-covered trails and experiencing the magic of frozen waterfalls, these destinations offer an unforgettable winter experience. So, pack your warmest clothes, lace up your skates, and get ready to explore the frozen wonders of Europe.
In the end, whether it’s the vast, frozen landscapes of Switzerland, the winter magic of Finland, or the serene beauty of Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes, Europe is waiting to be explored — frozen, icy, and full of adventure.
