Summary
The world encompasses numerous lakes, situated at various altitudes—from mountaintops to sea level. Lakes may be either saltwater or freshwater, they can exist as endorheic basins or have outlets, and they can be either ancient or artificially created. Their depths, lengths, and volumes vary significantly and they are prevalent globally.
Below, we present the 15 largest lakes in the world, each deserving a spot on your travel itinerary. Prepare your swimwear or diving gear and embark on an adventure around these expansive lakes.
1. Caspian Sea; Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia & Turkmenistan
Despite its designation as a sea, the Caspian Sea is actually a lake, being entirely landlocked and spanning five countries. The Romans designated it as a sea due to its saline nature, but it remains a genuine lake.
Covering an area of 371,000 square kilometers, the Caspian Sea is the largest lake globally, lying 28 meters below sea level. This ancient water body dates back over 5.5 million years and is subdivided into three distinct regions: the Northern, Middle, and Southern Caspian.
The Northern Caspian is shallow, containing only one percent of the lake’s total water volume, while depth increases in the Middle Caspian. The Southern Caspian, conversely, holds 66 percent of the lake’s volume, and is characterized by its warmth and increased visitor activity.
2. Lake Superior; Canada & USA
Situated within the Canadian province of Ontario and the United States states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Lake Superior ranks as the largest of the Great Lakes in North America, as well as the largest freshwater lake worldwide. Its surface area measures 82,100 square kilometers, with an elevation of 183 meters above sea level.
Lake Superior features a shoreline extending 2,783 kilometers and encompasses a variety of islands. This region boasts captivating locations, recreational areas, and scenic drives, including the Lake Superior Circle Tour.
Key sites along the Circle Tour include the dramatic Kakabeka Falls, the Great Lakes Aquarium, beautiful Presque Isle Park, and the picturesque Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
3. Lake Victoria; Tanzania, Uganda & Kenya
Lake Victoria stands as the largest of the African Great Lakes, measuring 68,870 square kilometers, making it the third-largest lake globally. Additionally, it is recognized as the world’s largest tropical lake, predominantly replenished by rainfall and minor streams.
The majority of the lake is situated within Tanzania (49%), followed by Uganda (45%) and a small portion in Kenya (6%). It hosts 85 islands, almost all of which belong to Uganda, save for one located in Kenya.
Lake Victoria is renowned for its rich wildlife, particularly the endemic cichlid fish, along with other unique species such as the Lake Victoria deepwater catfish and Xenobarbus loveridgei. The surrounding wildlife includes hippopotamuses, giant otter shrews, African clawless otters, Nile crocodiles, African helmeted turtles, and marsh mongooses.
4. Lake Huron; Canada & USA
Another of the Great Lakes, Lake Huron is located within Canada’s Ontario and the United States’ Michigan. It is a favored summer retreat, with many individuals owning homes along its 2,980-kilometer shoreline or on one of its islands.
More than half of its 59,600 square kilometers of surface area resides in Ontario, with Sarnia being its largest city. Notably, Lake Huron boasts the world’s largest lake island, Manitoulin Island, which attracts many visitors.
The shoreline is dotted with various attractions including Wasaga Beach, Goderich, Sauble Beach, and Port Huron. Additional noteworthy sites include the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Mackinac Bridge, and Bruce Peninsula National Park.
5. Lake Michigan; USA
As the fifth largest lake globally, Lake Michigan ranks third among the Great Lakes, being entirely located within the USA. It extends for nearly 500 kilometers across four states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
The surface area of 58,000 square kilometers makes Lake Michigan a significant transportation route, with the Port of Chicago being the largest port along its 2,300-kilometer shoreline. Additionally, tourism forms a vital industry for the lake, owing to its extensive beaches, passenger vessels, and recreational options.
Beyond its myriad beaches, Lake Michigan is enriched by various islands, national parks, state parks, and lighthouses, along with being a favored destination for sport fishing, housing species such as salmon, smelt, whitefish, walleye, and river trout.
6. Lake Tanganyika; Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania & Zambia
This African Great Lake is recognized as the second oldest freshwater lake and, at 673 kilometers, stands as the longest freshwater lake in the world. Lake Tanganyika is enveloped by mountains and valleys within the Albertine Rift, situated at an elevation of 773 meters above sea level.
Approximately 85 percent of its 32,600 square kilometers are located within Tanzania and the DR Congo, with water flowing into the Congo River and the Atlantic Ocean. The lake hosts several islands, including Kavala Island, Milima Island, and Mutondwe Island.
Inhabiting the rocky shores of the lake is the threatened storm’s water cobra, found only here. Various species, including Nile crocodiles, terrapins, and numerous cichlid fish species, contribute to the lake’s biodiversity.
7. Lake Baikal; Russia
Lake Baikal, the deepest lake globally, also holds the title of the largest freshwater lake by volume. Spanning 31,500 square kilometers, this ancient lake dates back 25-30 million years, qualifying it as the world’s oldest lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Encircled by mountains, the lake’s eastern shores are inhabited by the Buryat tribes, residing on its largest island, Olkhon Island, which is also known as the world’s fourth-largest island situated within a lake.
Lake Baikal is elevated over 455 meters above sea level and hosts approximately 1,000 plant species and 2,500 animal species, including the rare Baikal seal, one of only three known freshwater seal populations globally.
8. Great Bear Lake; Canada
The largest lake entirely situated within Canada, Great Bear Lake is positioned directly on the Arctic Circle at an elevation of 156 meters. This expansive 31,000 square kilometer lake remains frozen for most of the year, served by an ice road connecting the town of Deline to the far side of the lake.
On the western side, one can find the Saoyu-ʔehdacho National Historic Site, the largest historic site in Canada. Surrounding the lake are three recreational lodges known for their fishing and hunting opportunities.
Although reaching this remote lake requires effort, the odyssey is rewarding, offering breathtaking views alongside significant cultural insights. The indigenous Sahtu Dene people reside around the lake, where traditional tipis can often be seen.
9. Lake Malawi; Malawi, Mozambique & Tanzania
Known as Lake Nyasa or Lago Niassa, this lake ranks as the ninth largest in the world and the second deepest across Africa. Stretching over 29,500 square kilometers, it borders Malawi extensively while also touching Mozambique and Tanzania.
Lake Malawi is celebrated for having more fish species than any other lake globally, with at least 700 varieties of cichlids present, alongside 28 species of freshwater snails and crustaceans.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Malawi National Park, is located at the southern end, serving to protect the lake’s aquatic ecosystems. The area features stunning beaches and two inhabited islands, both of which are noteworthy destinations.
10. Great Slave Lake; Canada
The second-largest lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Great Slave Lake spans 27,000 square kilometers and lies at an elevation of 156 meters above sea level. This lake is recognized as the deepest in North America and forms part of the expansive glacial Lake McConnell’s remnant.
Due to its geographical position, Great Slave Lake remains frozen for eight months annually, with an ice road connecting Yellowknife, the capital of Northwest Territories, to the First Nations community of Dettah. The west and south sections of the lake are accessible year-round by road.
Great Slave Lake is well-known for houseboaters who reside on its perimeter year-round, living in self-sufficient communities. A documentary titled “Ice Lake Rebels” has been produced concerning their unique lifestyle.
11. Lake Erie; Canada & USA
Lake Erie is the southernmost of the five Great Lakes, shared between Ontario in Canada and the US states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Covering 25,700 square kilometers, it is adjacent to the international boundary and flows into the stunning Niagara Falls.
Divers frequently target Lake Erie due to its rich underwater heritage, featuring 270 known shipwreck dive sites, with many others yet to be explored. The lake also caters to kayaking enthusiasts, swimmers, and pleasure cruising.
The lake’s 1,286 kilometers of shoreline are lined with numerous beaches and public parks on both Canadian and American sides. Many summer cabins and residences are available for rental around the lake, including on islands such as Pelee Island, Kelleys Island, and South Bass Island.
12. Lake Winnipeg; Canada
This expansive 24,514 square kilometer lake is relatively shallow and lies within Southern Canada’s most undeveloped watershed. Positioned just north of the city of Winnipeg, it stretches for 416 kilometers.
Flanked by a pristine boreal forest and rivers on its eastern edge, its remaining areas display impressive limestone cliffs, caves, and secluded sandy beaches. The lake holds several undeveloped islands, with one hosting a 600-year-old reserve of the Sagkeeng First Nation.
Lake Winnipeg is renowned for its protected areas, attracting many migratory birds, including endangered piping plovers. Two fish species, the shortjaw cisco and the bigmouth buffalo, are also threatened within the lake.
13. Lake Ontario; Canada & USA
At 18,960 square kilometers, Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes in North America, with Canada’s largest city, Toronto, situated along its western shore. Named after the province of Ontario, it also resides within the US state of New York.
Along its 1,020 kilometer shoreline, numerous beaches and parks are available, alongside many islands, predominantly located on the eastern and northeastern shores.
Many individuals aspire to swim across the lake, with 50 successful crossings recorded. Another ideal way to appreciate Lake Ontario’s beauty is by traversing the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, recognized as a US National Scenic Byway.
14. Lake Ladoga; Russia
Covers an area of 18,130 square kilometers, Lake Ladoga resides in North-western Russia and is recognized as the largest lake entirely in Europe. The lake is celebrated for its Valaam archipelago, comprising over 50 islands and the historically significant Valaam Monastery.
Lake Ladoga is fully navigable and forms part of the Volga-Baltic Waterway, linking the Baltic Sea and the Volga River. Historically, it served as a crucial trade route for the Varangians.
This freshwater lake hosts around 48 different fish species and is a prime location for sport fishing, particularly from the charming towns nestled along its shores.
15. Lake Balkhash; Kazakhstan
Boasting a surface area of 16,400 square kilometers, Lake Balkhash is among Asia’s largest lakes. It is located within the deepest section of the Balkhash-Alakol depression, part of the Dzungarian Alatau mountain range.
Characterized by a winding shoreline comprising numerous bays and coves, Lake Balkhash is home to over 40 islands. The surrounding basin is inhabited by over three million people, with the city of Balkhash being the largest residing nearby.
Several beaches are present around the lake, particularly in the city of Balkhash, attracting both residents and tourists, especially during summer months when land temperatures can exceed 29°C and water temperatures can reach up to 25°C.
