Nine of nature′s most beautiful places to take a swim | All media content | DW | 27.07.2018

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Environment

Nine of nature's most beautiful places to take a swim

It's hot, hotter, hottest. Even if you are far away from cooling lakes, rivers or the sea, here is a visual refreshment from the world's most beautiful waters.

  • Ik Kil Cenote in Mexico (Patryk Kosmider/Fotolia)

    Ik Kil Cenote in Mexico

    Before you can dip into the deep green waters of the Ik Kil Cenote you have to climb down 26 meters (85 feet). The Maya used it many centuries ago as a source of water — and a site for sacrifices. Today it's a popular tourist destination on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, and a splendid spot for a refreshing swim.

  • Summer at Lake Walchen in Germany

    Lake Walchen in Germany

    This blue green-lake is in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Walchensee, or Lake Walchen, is popular with windsurfers and sailors due to excellent wind conditions. With a refreshing average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months, it begs for a rapid plunge.

  • Tropical beach in Zanzibar with palm trees, hammock and canvas chairs (picture alliance / blickwinkel/M)

    Paradise beaches on Zanzibar

    With its sandy beaches and dazzling waters, Zanzibar is a tourist's paradise. Despite becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, you can still find tranquil spots to swim in the Indian Ocean — accompanied only by beautiful fish.

  • Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA (picture-/alliiance/Bildagentur-online)

    Havasu Falls in the United States

    Pack your swim suit — and your hiking shoes. Before you can dive into the aquamarine waters of Havasu Falls, you will need to hike 16 kilometers (10 miles) through Grand Canyon National Park. But hey, the view along the way ain't bad — and once you arrive, the swim will feel ever so more deserved.

  • Lake Cauma in Switzerland (picture-alliance/Keystone/A. Balzarini)

    Switzerland's "Pearl of the Alps"

    In the middle of Switzerland's pristine wilderness lies the so-called "Pearl of the Alps": Caumasee or Lake Cauma. The turquoise water calls to bathers, inviting them in for a relaxing swim. With its shoreline of only 2 kilometers, the lake is rather small — but due to the remote location, it's never too crowded.

  • Bora Bora in French Polynesia (picture-alliance/dpa/F.Lanting)

    Luxury swim on Bora Bora

    Surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef, the Bora Bora island group in French Polynesia is famous for luxury resorts, over-the-water bungalows and honeymooners. It offers many secluded spots for swimming, diving and snorkeling.

  • Skradinski Buk waterfall in Croatia (picture-alliance/D.Jaramaz)

    Skradinski Buk waterfall in Croatia

    Less secluded and lonely are the Skradinski Buk waterfalls in Croatia. The massive natural pool, unique quality of light and three accompanying waterfalls make it a unique spot for a swim. The waterfall in Dalmatia's Krka National Park is one of the most recognizable and beautiful spots along the Krka River.

  • Marshall Islands

    Natural perfection on Marshall Islands

    In the middle of the Pacific lie the 29 coral atolls of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. White beaches, palm trees, crystal-clear water and colorful fish — the islands are a simply postcard perfect place for a dip.

  • Shore of Lake Louise at sunrise with canoes and Canadian Rocky Mountains Banff National Park Alberta (Imago/All Canada Photos)

    Ice cold Lake Louise

    This might be the most refreshing swimming hole of all. Lake Louise in Banff National Park of the Canadian Rocky Mountains remains frozen until June of each year. If you can stand the glacial temperatures, you will be rewarded with a stunning view.


  • Ik Kil Cenote in Mexico (Patryk Kosmider/Fotolia)

    Ik Kil Cenote in Mexico

    Before you can dip into the deep green waters of the Ik Kil Cenote you have to climb down 26 meters (85 feet). The Maya used it many centuries ago as a source of water — and a site for sacrifices. Today it's a popular tourist destination on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, and a splendid spot for a refreshing swim.

  • Summer at Lake Walchen in Germany

    Lake Walchen in Germany

    This blue green-lake is in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Walchensee, or Lake Walchen, is popular with windsurfers and sailors due to excellent wind conditions. With a refreshing average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months, it begs for a rapid plunge.

  • Tropical beach in Zanzibar with palm trees, hammock and canvas chairs (picture alliance / blickwinkel/M)

    Paradise beaches on Zanzibar

    With its sandy beaches and dazzling waters, Zanzibar is a tourist's paradise. Despite becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, you can still find tranquil spots to swim in the Indian Ocean — accompanied only by beautiful fish.

  • Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA (picture-/alliiance/Bildagentur-online)

    Havasu Falls in the United States

    Pack your swim suit — and your hiking shoes. Before you can dive into the aquamarine waters of Havasu Falls, you will need to hike 16 kilometers (10 miles) through Grand Canyon National Park. But hey, the view along the way ain't bad — and once you arrive, the swim will feel ever so more deserved.

  • Lake Cauma in Switzerland (picture-alliance/Keystone/A. Balzarini)

    Switzerland's "Pearl of the Alps"

    In the middle of Switzerland's pristine wilderness lies the so-called "Pearl of the Alps": Caumasee or Lake Cauma. The turquoise water calls to bathers, inviting them in for a relaxing swim. With its shoreline of only 2 kilometers, the lake is rather small — but due to the remote location, it's never too crowded.

  • Bora Bora in French Polynesia (picture-alliance/dpa/F.Lanting)

    Luxury swim on Bora Bora

    Surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef, the Bora Bora island group in French Polynesia is famous for luxury resorts, over-the-water bungalows and honeymooners. It offers many secluded spots for swimming, diving and snorkeling.

  • Skradinski Buk waterfall in Croatia (picture-alliance/D.Jaramaz)

    Skradinski Buk waterfall in Croatia

    Less secluded and lonely are the Skradinski Buk waterfalls in Croatia. The massive natural pool, unique quality of light and three accompanying waterfalls make it a unique spot for a swim. The waterfall in Dalmatia's Krka National Park is one of the most recognizable and beautiful spots along the Krka River.

  • Marshall Islands

    Natural perfection on Marshall Islands

    In the middle of the Pacific lie the 29 coral atolls of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. White beaches, palm trees, crystal-clear water and colorful fish — the islands are a simply postcard perfect place for a dip.

  • Shore of Lake Louise at sunrise with canoes and Canadian Rocky Mountains Banff National Park Alberta (Imago/All Canada Photos)

    Ice cold Lake Louise

    This might be the most refreshing swimming hole of all. Lake Louise in Banff National Park of the Canadian Rocky Mountains remains frozen until June of each year. If you can stand the glacial temperatures, you will be rewarded with a stunning view.


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