The beautiful lake in Europe as pretty as Garda or Como but without the crowds

One of the most beautiful lakes in Europe isn't located where you might expect. Lake Garda and Lake Como are perhaps the most famous lakes in Europe, and attract huge numbers of tourists every year. However, there are scenic lakes dotted all around the continent that offer amazing views and opportunities to explore on and off the water. One of those is located in Germany, and it's one you may not have heard of before.

Featuring wetlands, beaches, orchids and vineyards, this lake has a huge amount to offer visitors, even though it doesn't tend to be on many people's radar. National Geographic recently released its list of the five lakes that tourists need to visit in Europe. At number one on the list is a stunning lake in the south of Germany, bordering both Switzerland and Austria. Lake Constance was described by the esteemed travel publication as "a knockout", being central Europe's third largest lake bordering three countries.

The lake is striking for its "extraordinary hit of beauty" and its views of the not-too-far-away Alps. You can explore the waters by ferry or canoe, or you can take in the views of the lake by cycling around its 60-mile circular path. You will also find plenty of people swimming and windsailing at various parts of the lake.

"This lake is like Europe in microcosm, knitting together beaches, orchards, vineyards, bird-rich wetlands, wooded gorges, gardens, historic towns and art galleries," author Kerry Walker says. Some of the best towns dotted around Lake Constance include Konstanz, Friedrichshafen and Uberlingen in Germany, Kreuzlingen in Switzerland and Bregenz in Austria.

Visitors have been dazzled by this lake in the past. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: " Fantastic place [that is] well worth a visit. Beautiful scenery and architecture. Plenty of places to eat and drink. Lots of individual shops."

Another said: "On and off the water were both lovely. We enjoyed a relaxing stroll along the grand promenade. Another highlight was a ferry trip to and from Mainau."

A third commented: "We enjoy coming to this region to take in the scenery and marvel at the historic sites. And now that bicycle renting is so easy, you can enjoy leisurely day rides around the lake."

Lake Constance spans a whopping 206.9 square miles. It is the third largest lake in central Europe, beaten only by Lake Geneva between France and Switzerland, and Lake Balaton in Hungary.

Travel guides advise tourists to make the most of the lake's unique position between three countries. Lonely Planet says you should wake up and have breakfast in Germany, cycle across to Switzerland for lunch, and finish your day in Austria.

If you don't want to cycle between three countries in one day (which isn't something you can say often), you can take ferries between the major towns and cities located on the lake's shore. Reddit users who have visited the lake before have shared their recommendations, with one person saying that "Konstanz and Meersburg are both beautiful".

Meanwhile, another suggested: "If there is one place to visit, don't forget the Island of Mainau. It's a privately owned island, really beautiful. Lots of restaurants there and full of flowers and special trees... It's even called the Flower Island."

To get to Lake Constance from the UK, you would typically fly to Zurich or Friedrichshafen and then travel by train, bus, or car to one of the towns or cities around the lake.