A popular lake in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park has been named among the best wild swimming spots in Europe.

Wild swimming has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, with millions of people in the UK alone venturing to lakes, lagoons and lochs for the experience.

​​From crystal clear lakes nestled between mountains and tidal lagoons to nature pools surrounded by beech forests, Europe is full of unique and beautiful spots for adventurers to take a dip. 

But it's a lake in North Wales' very own backyard which has been named one of the must-visit destinations when it comes to wild swimming. 

The lake in Snowdonia National Park named among the best in Europe

Llyd (Lake) Idwal was named the second best wild swimming spot in Europe in a recent study by StressFreeCarRental.com.

North Wales Pioneer: Llyn Idwal was named the second best spot for wild swimming in Europe.Llyn Idwal was named the second best spot for wild swimming in Europe. (Image: Getty Images)

The study said: "Llyn Idwal is a mountain lake with crystal clear water of an emerald and blue colour, surrounded by the jagged peaks of Snowdonia.

"As swimmers dip in, they can catch the reflections of surrounding mountains that loom above.

"The lake was sculpted by glaciation, and its stunning rock formations and enchanting wildlife make it an enchanting spot."

Top 10 best wild swimming spots in Europe

According to the hire car comparison and booking site, StressFreeCarRental.com, the top 10 best wild swimming locations in Europe are: 

  1. Lake Lungern, Obwalden- Switzerland
  2. Llyn Idwal- Snowdonia
  3. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye- Scotland​
  4. Linhope Spout, Northumberland- England
  5. Pulvermaar Nature Pool- Germany
  6. Lough Ouler, County Wicklow- Ireland
  7. Lac d’Annecy, Haute-Savoie- France
  8. Cascata Capelli di Venere- Campania-  Italy
  9. Ponte de São João, Rio Coura, Viana do Castelo- Portgugal
  10. Fuentes del Algar, Alicante- Spain

The benefits of wild swimming

StressFreeCarRental.com said there are a number of benefits that come from wild swimming.

According to their research into wild swimming 69% of people said they did it for their mental health, while 94% claimed it makes them feel happier and less stressed. 

The location was also important to swimmers with 84% saying scenic swims with a focus on landscape and nature was their priority.

North Wales Pioneer: Lake Lungern in Switzerland was named the best place for wild swimming. Lake Lungern in Switzerland was named the best place for wild swimming. (Image: Getty Images)

CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com, John Charnock, added: “Wild swimming has many benefits, whether for the mental restoration, the thrill or simply for fitness purposes- which is why we have seen it increase in popularity in recent years. 

“The landscape and nature are a big part of what makes wild swimming so enjoyable, and more people are willing to travel to new locations in search of the perfect spot to take a dip and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime scenery.

“There are plenty of stunning locations in Europe for tourists like Lac d’Annecy in France which has stunning backdrops, or in the rocky canyons and freshwater pools of Cascata Capelli di Venere, in Italy.

“It is important to remember that wild swimming can be dangerous, and you should only consider it if you are a strong swimmer and have taken all the necessary safety precautions such as checking for potential hazards.”