Winter is approaching the planet and many lakes around the world will get covered in ice and snow. However, some of them create a staggering scene – whether it’s the amusing bubbles on the Abraham Lake, ice flowers in Antarctica or a natural skating rink in the Netherlands. Check out our ten choices of the week.
10. Paterswoldse Meer, the Netherlands
The lake is found in the southwestern part of the city, which is among the largest towns in the country. While in summer the lake is a nice place to relax, go boating and kayaking, in winter it becomes a huge natural skating rink. The recreational site attracts many visitors: it is loved by the locals as well as the tourists. The skating experience is special due to its natural spectacular surroundings.
Why to go there?
The lake is a popular recreational area all year round. Meanwhile in winter it proves to be one of the best skating rinks in the country.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Eric Kieboom
Photo by Eric Kieboom
Photo by Eric Kieboom
9. Superior, USA
As the temperatures drop the Lake Superior freezes, thus allowing to walk on its surface and reach the ice caves on the Apostle Islands. The islands are frozen inside out: from the huge ice structures covering the cliffs, to the frozen waterfalls inside the caves. About 10 000 people have visited the caves in two weeks after The National Park Service opened the site last year.
Why to go there?
A very rare opportunity to see the beautiful frozen caves.
Photo by Kelly Marquard (Via Imgur)
Apostle Island Ice Caves on the shores of Lake Superior, Wisconsin
8. Lake Michigan, USA
The huge lake experiences very low temperatures during winter. Therefore its shores get frozen and create some spectacular sites. Like St. Joseph North Pier, which becomes an ice sculpture. Or Chicago, whose shores get covered in a thick layer of ice.
Why to go there?
Experience a true vital force and ferocious nature. Skating and ice hockey are popular activities here in winter.
Photo by Alan Amati
Photo by Hank Cain
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Nam Y. Huh
7. Ontario, Canada, USA
It is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and is comfortably posited next to Ontario – one of the biggest Canadian cities. It provides various activities in summer, where overheated citizens go to have a refreshing dip. Meanwhile in winter it becomes a battle ground for snow and ice. Also a lot of entertaining winter fishing competitions take place.
Why to go there?
A significant part of five natural wonders – huge lakes – that are found on the border of Canada and the USA.
Photo by Tom Stefanac
Photo by Steven Goddard
Photo by Geee Kay
![TORONTO, ONTARIO: January 3, 2014-- ISLAND SKATE -- Tyler Hnatuk skates the frozen Toronto Harbor just off Algonquin Island with the city of Toronto in the background, Friday January 3, 2014. [Peter J. Thompson/National Post] [For Toronto story by Peter Kuitenbrower/Toronto] //NATIONAL POST STAFF PHOTO](https://www.pandotrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Ontario2-740x555.jpg)
Photo by Unknown
6. Prags, Italy
Found in the eponymous commune, situated in South Tyrol, the site is indeed one of the most beautiful in the area. Surrounded with the Dolomites, Prags Lake provides a romantic retreat for the visitors in summer. Meanwhile it boasts a spectacular scene in winter.
Why to go there?
Prags is a tranquil retreat in the mountains, while the lake is a true natural jewel here. The visitors can also go mountain climbing in the Dolomites.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
5. Abraham, Canada
The artificial lake in tranquil surroundings becomes a spectacular site during winter. The temperatures may fall below -30 degrees Celsius here, thus making this big lake freeze. The unique circles are frozen bubbles of flammable methane gas, coming from the depth – a result of bacterias decomposing organic material. This creates the unusual phenomena, which looks so incredible in winter.
Why to go there?
The lake and its surroundings are a beautiful place to visit and have a hike in nature. And of course, see these unique bubbles.
4. Druzhby, Antarctica
Located in faraway land of eternal snow and ice, lake is a truly beautiful natural wonder, especially when frozen. It became a viral sensation after Matthias Wietz has captured the frozen flowers on the lake – the unique ice formations, scattered on the surface of water. It also forms bubbles like Abraham Lake.
Why to go there?
A visit to Antarctica might be a challenge of a lifetime, but definitely worth taking.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Matthias Wietz
Photo by Stu Shaw
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
3. Baikal, Siberia, Russia
The deepest lake in the world, reaching 1,642 m (5,387 ft) depth, becomes a gorgeous spot when is frozen. The freshwater lake is also one of the oldest lakes in the world: at least 25 million years old! The lake also contains about 20% of the world’s unfrozen fresh water. These pictures are made during the cold season and depict amazing ice engravings.
Why to go there?
Visit Siberia and admire its glorious unspoiled nature, where human intervention has been very minimal. Also skating or even driving on the lake provide unique and amusing activities.
2. Chaqmaqtin Lake, Afghanistan
Found in the Little Pamir, which is a valley embedded in the Pamir Mountains, feeds a few rivers. Meanwhile in winter it gets frozen and becomes an access to traveling people as well as migrating animals.
Why to go there?
The Pamir is a magical place – a remote world, far from civilization, where local people have preserved their traditional lifestyle.
Photo by Matthieu Paley
Photo by Matthieu Paley
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Matthieu Paley
Photo by Unknown
1. Namtso, Tibet, China
A lake in the Himalaya mountains is an important sacred place. For centuries during winter, when the lake freezes, pilgrims have been walking to the islands found in the lake. However, today Chinese government have forbidden the practice.
Why to go there?
Tibet is a truly special and sacred place. The country and its surroundings are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Photo by Jan Shen
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Jan Shen