30 stunning lakes around the world that are surprisingly man-made

Fake lakes

While Mother Nature usually knows best, sometimes human intervention can create places of great beauty as these artificial lakes go to show. The construction of reservoirs, dams and mines has produced some incredible waterways that are equally as gorgeous as their natural counterparts.

To enjoy these pictures on a desktop computer FULL SCREEN, click on the icon at the top right of the image...

Derwent Reservoir, England

Ravishing views of the rugged Peak District reward walkers around this vast inland water in Derbyshire. Along with the Howden and the Ladybower, it is one of three reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley which were constructed in the early 20th century. This trio of artificial lakes were used as a practice field for the Lancaster bombers (also known as the Dam Busters) who undertook the historic Second World War raid on German dams.

Lake Powell, USA

When it comes to beautiful “fake lakes”, Lake Powell, which straddles the states of Utah and Arizona, takes some beating. With its vast blue waters, natural bridges, dams and canyons carved into red and apricot rock, it's an extraordinary place. The lake was created in 1963 when the Glen Canyon Dam was built across the Colorado River. It's America's second-largest man-made lake and the most famous feature is Rainbow Bridge, the world's largest natural stone bridge.

Lake Argyle, Australia

A vast freshwater lake near Kununurra in Western Australia's east Kimberley region, Lake Argyle was formed by the damming of the mighty Ord River. It was filled in 1974 and is the largest reservoir of freshwater in Australia when in flood. With its beautiful bays and inlets, plus rich wildlife (it’s teeming with fish, birds, rock wallabies, crocodiles and wallaroos), it has become one of the remote Kimberley region's top attractions.

Kielder Water, England

The biggest man-made lake in northern Europe by volume, Kielder Water in Northumberland has a 27-mile (43km) shoreline and is 170 feet (52m) at its deepest point. It’s also surrounded by the largest working forest in England, at over 250 square miles (647sq km), and an important sanctuary for native species. Kielder Water & Forest Park is home to otters and the endangered water vole, which were reintroduced here in 2017. It's also the site of the largest conservation salmon hatchery in England – young salmon are raised to be released into the River Tyne.

Lac de Sainte-Croix, France

Sitting at the end of the mighty Gorge du Verdon, a deep canyon carved by the Verdon River in southeastern France, Lac de Sainte-Croix is the country’s second-largest lake. It might be artificial but it certainly looks the real deal with sandy shores (ideal for sunbathing and picnics) and limestone cliffs. It’s usually awash with people messing about on kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats. 

Lusatian Lake District, Germany

Things looked a little different in Lusatia not so long ago. The landscape was pocked with around 120 mining pits and a hive of heavy industry. Now these holes are being flooded as part of a major transformation of the region from industrial eyesore into rural enclave. When it’s complete, the Lusatian Lake District will be Europe’s largest artificial lake district with a chain of lakes, sandy beaches, forests, cycle paths and vineyards. Lake Geierswalder (pictured) is one of them – it’s already a hub for watersports and tourism with its striking “floating homes”.

Buško Blato, Bosnia and Herzegovina

One of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, Buško Blato sits at 2,350 feet (716m) above sea level near the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia. It was constructed in the 1970s on farmland – its name translates as “mud” or “swamp”. The scenic lake is popular with anglers thanks to its plentiful fish including the European chub, minnow-nase and catfish, and swimmers flock to its warm waters in the summer. But things can get a little chilly at this lofty lake in winter.

Lake Jocassee, USA

South Carolina's Lake Jocassee is another man-made beauty proving natural isn’t always best. This reservoir was created in 1973 and is fed by cool, clear water flowing from Appalachian mountain rivers. The shores are largely undeveloped with tucked-away coves, rocky outcrops and waterfalls. Jocassee literally means 'Place of the Lost One' in Cherokee which only adds to the romance of this beautiful spot. The 7,500-acre reservoir plunges to a maximum depth of around 300 feet (91m) and has a smattering of small islets.

Lake Sidney Lanier, USA

The state of Georgia is dotted with gorgeous lakes, most of which were created by dams. Lake Sidney Lanier, a large reservoir constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, is the state's largest. Just an hour’s drive from Atlanta, it's also one of the prettiest and a huge fishing and recreational boating hub with waters fed from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thankfully there’s plenty of space for everyone with 690 miles (1,110km) of shoreline. It’s got campsites, cabins, a resort, 10 marinas, beachside play parks, woodland trails and a water park.

Liking this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Lake Plastiras, Greece

Surrounded by dense forests, the slopes of the Agrafa Mountains, little rural villages and monasteries, Lake Plastiras in Thessaly on mainland Greece is a hot spot for hikers and outdoor lovers. It’s hard to believe this scenic high-altitude lake hasn’t always been part of this beautiful landscape, but the reservoir was created in 1959 after a dam was constructed for irrigation and power.

Lake Mead, USA

America’s largest artificial lake, Lake Mead was formed when the Hoover Dam was constructed in the 1930s. As well as supplying Las Vegas with water, the vast desert oasis is a huge playground for boating, sailing and fishing. A bird's-eye-view gives some sense of the lake's scale and it's usually possible to get up close on the water, on a boat tour of the lake to see the gigantic Hoover Dam.

Mare aux Vacoas, Mauritius

Most people look to the white sand beaches of Mauritius to get their water fix, but the lush island also has gorgeous inland rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Mare aux Vacoas in the southeast is one of them. The large reservoir was built in 1885 and is a beautiful tranquil spot for a picnic and stroll. There are hiking and horse riding trails around the nearby forest and the Grand Bassin, a stunning natural lake that formed inside the crater of an extinct volcano.

These are the world's most jaw-dropping waterfalls

Lake Bokodi, Hungary

Famed for its pretty stilt villages, Hungary’s Lake Bokodi is a popular summer retreat, especially with anglers. But the season extends into the winter as the lake never freezes despite the region's bone-chilling temperatures. That’s because the lake is actually a cooling pond for a power plant that pulls cool water out and pumps warm water back in. 

Rutland Water, England

The largest man-made lake in England by surface area, Rutland Water was created in the 1970s. Its most famous landmark is the listed 18th-century Normanton Church, which appears to sit right on the water. The church was saved just before the area was flooded after public pressure. The reservoir is also an important wildfowl sanctuary with over 30 hides. It’s been home to the Rutland Osprey Project for 20 years – spring and summer are the best time to see these rare fish-eating birds swoop into the water.

Periyar Lake, India

Periyar Lake is situated in a wildlife reserve in the Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. The reserve is home to elephants, wild boar and a scattering of Royal Bengal tigers, and the lake is usually a popular place for boat safaris before guided hikes into the surrounding park in the hope of tracking the elusive tiger. The pretty lake was created by the British in 1895 when a dam was built across the River Periyar. 

Norfolk Broads, England

You may be surprised to learn that the Norfolk Broads are completely man-made. The discovery was made in the 1950s when research revealed the sides of the deep lakes were vertical and did not slope gently as you would expect from naturally formed rivers. It's believed the lakes were created by accident in the 9th and 10th centuries when settlers began digging for peat, a natural fuel, and the excavations were flooded. It eventually created a vast network of lakes and rivers that is now one of the UK’s most popular destinations for boating vacations.

Abraham Lake, Canada

Set in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the mighty Abraham Lake was formed in 1972 following the construction of the Bighorn Dam. Although man-made, the water appears the same colour as other glacial lakes in the region because of the flow of rock flour – a silt that gives the waters a deep blue shade. In winter, frozen patterns also appear under the surface. These jewel-like bubbles are actually pockets of methane that form when dead leaves and animals sink to the bottom and are consumed by bacteria, which then excrete the gas.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Iceland is packed with natural wonders but one of its most well-known sights, the Blue Lagoon, is actually man-made. In fact, the geothermal spa which is rich in minerals, was formed in 1976 by accident – it’s actually wastewater produced by a nearby power plant. People began bathing in the warm waters in the early 1980s and discovered its benefit for skin conditions. It was officially opened to the public in 1992. The lagoon's distinct blue waters are caused by its high silica content which reflects the light.

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made reservoir, created by the completion of the Kariba Dam in 1958. Covering an incredible 2,085 square miles (5,400sq km), the waters stretch along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. During its construction, floodwaters covered vast areas of important wildlife habitats and a dramatic rescue operation was launched to save more than 5,000 animals from drowning. Hundreds of dead trees can still be spotted protruding out of the waters. The lake is now a popular birdwatching and safari location, and its waters teem with crocodiles.

Central Park Lake, USA

Up until the 1850s, Central Park in New York City was a mass of untamed swamplands. It was transformed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux who famously redesigned the area to include woodlands, wildlife habitats, lawns, promenades and statues and, at the heart of it all, the stunning main lake. Today, the lake is an urban sanctuary and a popular place for a boat ride, with rowboats or gondolas for hire from the Loeb Boathouse. Egrets, herons, and loons are common sightings around the water.

Kenyir Lake, Malaysia

Surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, Lake Kenyir in Malaysia’s Terengganu state is the largest artificial lake in South East Asia. It was formed in 1985 after a power station dammed the Kenyir River. As well as providing electricity to the region, the expansive waters have dramatically boosted tourism too. Islands, limestone caves and waterfalls lie dotted around its waters and shores, which are only accessible by boat. Birdwatching, kayaking and canoeing are usually popular activities here.

Lake Campotosto, Italy

Lake Campotosto is a scenic stretch of water in Abruzzo’s mountainous Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. The artificial lake was formed in the 1930s to establish a water reservoir that could be used to generate hydroelectric power for the nearby Vomano valley. Surrounded by a network of hiking trails, the stunning lake is a popular spot for walkers, horse riders, cyclists and campers.

Lake Dunstan, New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island has many beautiful bodies of water. Most are natural but not Lake Dunstan in the Otago region, which was formed on the Clutha River following the construction of the Clyde Dam in 1993. But it’s none the less stunning. The small historic town of Cromwell sits on the water’s edge – many of its old buildings were moved when the dam was created.

Lake Pichola, India

Dreamy Lake Pichola sits alongside the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. It was created in 1362 so merchants could transport grain and was later enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh, who built his royal palaces and temples on the water’s edge. The luxurious Taj Lake Palace (pictured), set on Jag Island in the heart of the lake, is the most famous sight. It was also one of the locations featured in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy.

Lake Nasser, Egypt

Lake Nasser in southern Egypt is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, stretching across 2,030 square miles (5,257sq km). It was formed when the Aswan High Dam was built across the Nile between 1958 and 1970, threatening to submerge several historical tombs and temples, and spurring a major international campaign to save them. Today traditional felucca sailboats usually take tourists to see the ancient sites located on its shores, including the Great Temple at Abu Simbel.

Qiandao Lake, China

Qiandao Lake in China’s eastern province of Zhejiang, also known as Thousand Island Lake, was created in 1959 following the construction of the Xin'an River hydroelectric station and dam. It flooded the area, controversially forcing 290,000 people to relocate their homes and submerging two ancient cities. Island-hopping boat tours are usually popular with visitors and it’s possible to scuba dive to see the water-logged ruins.

Kaolin Lake, Indonesia

Indonesia's striking Kaolin Lake is an abandoned quarry which was built to collect industrial minerals needed for cosmetics, toothpaste and paper production, and later flooded. Located on the island of Belitung, its dazzling turquoise expanse is surrounded by mountains of excavated white rocks. Swimming in its waters is reputed to have health benefits.

Lake Burley Griffin, Australia

The park-lined Lake Burley Griffin lies at the heart of Australia’s capital Canberra both physically and socially. The large and beautiful lake was created in 1963 when the Molonglo River was dammed and was named after Walter Burley Griffin, who designed the city. Many of Canberra's national institutions lie along its shores and it’s usually a hub of activity year-round – it’s where locals come to sail, paddleboard, canoe and jog.

Lake Vyrnwy, Wales

With its fairy tale-esque water tower and brooding mountainous surrounds, Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, Wales, is a dreamy spot. It’s hard to believe that the stretch of water isn't natural, but the lake was created in the late 19th century to provide safe water to the rapidly growing city of Liverpool. The impressive stone dam that stretches across the Vyrnwy river valley was completed in 1889 – it was the first large stone-built dam in Britain. It flooded the old village of Llanwddyn, the remains of which can sometimes be seen when water levels are low.

Discover more reasons to love Wales

Durlassboden Basin, Austria

Surrounded by the Zillertal Alps and the Reichenspitz mountain range, the stunning Durlassboden Basin stretches between the Austrian states of Tyrol and Salzburg. The high-altitude reservoir (4,593ft/1,400m) is usually a hive of activity with hikers and cyclists doing the circuit around the water (there are cozy mountain restaurants to refresh along the way) or venturing further up in to the mountains. The lake is a lovely spot for swimming and watersports too, and lays claim to having the highest sail and surf school in Austria.

Liked this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now look at these stunning pictures of the world's most magnificent mountains