The 10 deepest lakes in the world

True natural and historical monuments, the lakes around the world are real havens of peace for regulars and visitors. If the’Europe is rich of sumptuous lakes, in particular in Switzerland with the famous lake Léman, in Italy but also in France in the Alps, many lakes more amazing than the others are to be discovered throughout the world. We invite you to leave France to discover these natural jewels during a virtual visit of the deepest lakes in the world.

Enough to make you dream and feed your travel plans.

Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia – 1 637 meters deep.

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world with a depth of 1,637 meters and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It is also the largest freshwater lake in the world, containing about 20% of the world’s unfrozen fresh surface water. Located more than 8000 kilometers from France at the border of the’oblast of’Irkutsk and the Republic of Buryatia, this lake surrounded by a dense and nuanced nature is an undeniable favorite stop for travelers on the Trans-Siberian Railway . Nicknamed “Pearl of Siberia” by the locals, this opaline-like lake is about 40 meters deep and turns into a great ice rink in winter.

It is also the epicenter of various nature reserves where various wild animals are found.

Lake Tanganyika, Central Africa – 1,470 meters deep.

It is also estimated to be the second largest freshwater ecoregion in the world by volume. The lake, located in Central Africa, is divided between four countries – Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Zambia. Michel Sardou already sang the praises of the lake in his successful song Africa farewell, head of the’a work of biodiversity.

On the shores of Gombe Stream National Park, the lake is home to no less than 400 species of fish, as well as reptiles, fishing birds and hippos.

The Caspian Sea – 1,025 meters (3,363 feet).

And yes we see your surprise, the one that is often described as the largest closed sea in the world with its overwhelming surface and its singular salinity, is none other than a lake on a strictly legal point of view. The Caspian Sea has no outflow and is bounded by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia. In addition to its atypical dimensions, the lake is also characterized by its abundance of sturgeon, which provide caviar. Note that the Caspian Sea is also, among our selection, the closest destination to France.

Lake Vostok, Antarctica – 900 meters (3000 feet).

Nestled in the’At the other end of the planet, Lake Vostok is the largest of the 400 known sub-glacial lakes in Antarctica. The lake is located under the Russian station of Vostok. This freshwater lake, covered by no less than 4000 meters of ice, carries within it organisms that lived millions of years ago’years and which were until then completely foreign to us.

A favourite study ground for many researchers, Lake Vostok also offers a unique panorama to its less chilly visitors.

Lake O’Higgins-San Martín, Chile & Argentina – 836 meters deep.

Located in Patagonia, this lake of glacial origin has an area of 1,013 km and a coastline of 525 km. Seen from above, the lake consists of a series of finger-shaped flooded valleys, 554 km of which are in Chile and 459 km in Argentina. Named Lake O’Higgins in Chile and Lake San Martìn in Argentina, this impressive turquoise water expanse presents idyllic sceneries against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

Between volcanic rocks and waters as far as the eye can see, a great feeling of freedom embraces us. Be careful however, the winds are violent.

Lake Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi – 706 meters (2 316 feet).

The third largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi is the southernmost lake in the Rift Valley. It is distinguished by a remarkable aquatic fauna which makes the happiness of the divers of the whole world. Natural border between Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi, Lake Malawi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The ideal destination for a moment of relaxation and romance, the lake is a perfect match for safaris in Zambi and Malawi.

As a bonus, the waters of the lake are at least 24 degrees Celsius even during the coolest times.

Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan – 668 meters (2,192 feet).

Although it is surrounded by snowy peaks, Issyk Kul never freezes, hence its name, which means “warm lake” in Kyrgyz language. The lake is one of the largest in Central Asia and is a key point of tourism in Kyrgyzstan, various resorts have developed around the lake in recent years. The region offers many possibilities for walking, cycling or horseback riding around the lake.

Great Slave Lake, Canada 614 meters (2,015 feet)

If its name does not make us dream at first sight, the Great Slave Lake, named after a first nations tribe, offers a most pleasant panorama in Canada. It is the deepest lake in North America with an area of 27,200 km 2 . Free of ice between May and September, it is also a place not to be missed to practice various aquatic and nautical activities. Sport fishing is very popular here.

Crater Lake, Oregon, USA 594 meters (1,949 feet).

The lake came to nestle and partially fill a nearly 2,148-foot (655 m) deep caldera that was formed about 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mazama Volcano. It took almost 500 years to fill this gaping hole in the heart of the volcano. A lake in altitude with sumptuous shades of blue and a breathtaking view of the Cascade Range in the southwest of the state’Oregon state.

Matano, Indonesia – 590 meters (1,936 feet).

Also known as Matana, it is one of the two main lakes of the Malili Lake system. The lake was formed from thousands of small springs. Its waters of an incomparable clearness shelter numerous species of fish. With a small island with trees in its center, the lake has a lot of character.

Matano is derived from Dongo which means spring in Sorowako, ideal for this lake surrounded by the mountains where it is good to live. The lake is also distinguished by its numerous underwater caves to explore. A must for a successful honeymoon in Indonesia.