9 frozen lakes that will make you believe in winter magic

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like when it pauses? When temperatures drop, winds hush, and lakes transform into crystal canvases? Winter isn’t just cold—it’s theatrical, dramatic, and downright magical. For travellers chasing adventure (or Instagram-perfect landscapes), there’s nothing quite like witnessing a frozen lake in its icy glory. Some lakes turn into mirror-like surfaces reflecting snow-dusted mountains, while others trap bubbles and light in ways that seem almost impossible. Whether you’re skating across icy expanses or sipping cocoa while staring at frost-kissed scenery, these nine frozen lakes promise memories that are as chilling as they are unforgettable. Time Out’s curated list of the globe’s winter wonders is your ultimate guide to icy enchantment.

1. Lake Baikal, Russia – Step on the World’s Largest Piece of Glass
Imagine walking on a lake that stretches endlessly, its surface so transparent you can see the depths below. Lake Baikal freezes into a sprawling, electrifying sheet of ice every winter, with jagged cracks like frozen lightning dancing across the surface. It’s surreal, thrilling, and a bucket-list must for the bravest travellers.

2. Lake Louise, Canada – Your Fairytale Winter Wonderland
Canada’s Rockies are magical in summer, but winter transforms Lake Louise into a frozen kingdom. Picture turquoise waters under a crisp ice layer, with snow-capped peaks framing your selfies. Sleigh rides, cozy cabins, and steaming mugs of cocoa make it feel like a snow globe come to life.

3. Abraham Lake, Canada – A Photographer’s Ice-Dot Dream
Ever seen frozen bubbles trapped in time? Abraham Lake is a natural phenomenon, where methane bubbles rise from below and get locked in crystal-clear ice, creating surreal polka-dot patterns. Photographers and nature lovers flock here for this otherworldly spectacle every winter.

4. Blue Pond, Hokkaido, Japan – Nature’s Turquoise Gem
Japan’s Blue Pond turns icy in winter, but its signature turquoise hue remains. Snow-dusted trees, quiet reflections, and icy formations create a serene, almost magical atmosphere that makes every photo feel like a postcard.

5. Lake Sørvágsvatn, Faroe Islands – Nature’s Gravity Trick Gets Icy
Already famous for its optical illusion—it appears to float above the sea—Lake Sørvágsvatn becomes even more surreal in winter. Moody Nordic skies, crisp air, and icy surfaces make it feel like stepping into a Viking legend.

6. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland – Where Icebergs Pose for Your Lens
This lagoon doesn’t freeze completely, but its floating icebergs, turquoise hues, and mirrored reflections under winter sunlight are cinematic. Curious seals often peek out, inviting visitors to marvel at the frozen spectacle alongside them.

7. Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia – The Mirror of the North
Mongolia’s “younger sister of Baikal” freezes into a flawless, blue-tinted mirror. Miles of untouched ice, snow-laden pines, and solitary reindeer herders make it feel like the edge of the world. Silence has never been this beautiful.

8. Lake Superior, Wisconsin – America’s Majestic Winter Giant
The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior freezes into a dramatic winter playground. Winds carve snow dunes across icy shores, frozen cliffs glint in the pale sunlight, and the sheer scale leaves visitors awe-struck.

9. Ellery Lake, California – A Desert Ice Surprise
High in California’s White Mountains, Ellery Lake freezes into a dazzling sheet in winter. Surrounded by stark desert landscapes dusted with snow, the contrast of icy blue water against rugged peaks is unexpectedly breathtaking.