European lakes face tourism and ecological challenges

Popular European lakes are facing varying degrees of environmental and tourism-related challenges. In Italy, the Lago di Tovel in the Adamello Brenta Natural Park is highlighted as a quieter alternative to the overcrowded Lake Garda. Located at 1,178 meters, the lake is noted for its turquoise waters and autumn scenery, offering a four-kilometer walking path around its perimeter.

In contrast, Austria’s Wörthersee is struggling with ecological pressures. Despite excellent bathing water quality, the lake's overall ecological state is rated as moderate. Key issues include high levels of privatization, with over 80% of the shoreline in private hands, extensive construction, motorboat waves, invasive species, and the impacts of climate change and heatwaves. The Kärnten Institute for Lake Research has noted that underwater plants, or macrophytes, are currently in a moderate state of health.