Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
This glacial lake in Canada's Rocky Mountains between Jasper and Banff is stunning, the snow-capped mountains and forest reflected in the still, blue water. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking, canoeing, fishing and mountain biking in summer - or take a cruise on the lake. Stay in rustic cabins or splash out on luxury Chateau Lake Louise.

Lake Garda, Italy
The largest of the Italian Lakes, Garda is surrounded by mountains with gentle slopes at one end and the foothills of the dramatic Dolomites at the other. Take the cable car from Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo for great views, jump on a steamer for a tour of the lake or sail or windsurf on the water.

Yellowstone, The Rocky Mountain States, United States
In Yellowstone Park, America's largest national park, lies the vast Yellowstone Lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, the perfect place to experience the Great Outdoors. At more than 7,000 feet up, the lake freezes over in winter. In summer, it has excellent fishing and boating, and the banks of the lake are home to moose, otters and muskrats.

Scottish Highlands
Up here, a lake is a loch, and you'll find plenty of them. Loch Awe is one of the finest, with spectacular mountains at the northern end and rolling hills covered in thick forest in the south. Loch Lomond is one of the most famous, dominated by 3,196ft Ben Loman, while around Loch Morlich lies Glen More Forest Park. They're all great for walking, fishing and wildlife watching.

Lake Zel, Austria
Surrounded by the Grossglockner mountain range, Lake Zel is particularly picturesque. Take a cable car up the 6,500ft Schmittenhohe mountain for the best views. Watersports of all kinds are available and even in summer you can ski on the nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The town of Zell Am See on the lake has plenty of cafes for soaking up the scene.

Andorra
The tiny principality of Andorra, tucked in between France and Spain in the heart of the Pyrenees, has an unspoilt landscape of mountains and lakes. Hike around the glacial lakes of Monmantell and Forcats in spring and summer, or take to the slopes in winter. There are pretty walks from Soldeu too as far as Lac Dels Pessons.

Lake Bled, Slovenia
Like something from a fairytale, Lake Bled is surrounded by mountains and thick forest, with a medieval castle on a tiny island in the middle of the water. In summer you can go rowing, fishing or diving (at its deepest point the lake gets down to about 30m). In winter, skiing is good and there's curling on the lake if it's sufficiently frozen.

Lac d'Annecy, France
Nestling under the French Alps, Lac d'Annecy is 15km long - a great spot for watersports, boat trips, hiking or just enjoying a picnic on its shores. At the northern end lies Annecy, a picturesque historic town with narrow streets, medieval buildings and flower-lined canals, the capital of France's Haute-Savoie department.

Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken - 'between lakes' - is one of Switzerlands oldest resorts, flanked by the deep blue waters of lakes Thun and Brienz and surrounded by mountains. For a panoramic view, take the funicular up to Harder Klum and dine at its famous restaurant. The picturesque heart of Interlaken, the Stadhaus, dates from the 15th century.

Queenstown, New Zealand
Lake Wakatipu lies in the shadow of the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. The year-round alpine resort of Queenstown is on its shores. Closeby is the hamlet of Glenorchy, gateway to the scenic Paradise Valley and Wanaka with its clear lake and mountain backdrop and Mt Aspiring National Park, known for its glaciers.

Source: Teletext Holidays - September 2006