The thrill of taking the plunge alone in the great outdoors is nothing compared to what it is like. These wild swimming spots in Europe show that the best things in life are free.

These free European al-fresco aquatic adventures are a great way to get into the water.

The Baggy Point headland in England jutting out into the Celtic Sea
What sea life will you spot from Baggy Point? © tomholderimagery / Shutterstock

Baggy Point, England

It's best to swim with seals and dolphins.

One of the best places to swim in the world is at this delightful Devonshire dipping spot. You may be able to swim with a seal, dolphin or porpoise if you share your swim with them.

These UK hikes are some of the best in the world.

A river running through an urban area. Platforms either side of the river have many people lounging on them, with several swimmers in the river
Join the locals for a wild swim in Zürich's River Limmat © Westend61 / Getty Images

Upper Letten Riverpool, Switzerland

It's the best for city swimming.

Hundreds of swimmers flock to this 400m long swimming canal in the fast-flowing River Limmat during the summer months. There is a bar and beach volleyball fields.

There are seven urban breaks to dive into.

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A clear pool of water surrounded by large grey boulders.
Find your own private plunge pool in Purcaraccia Canyon, Corsica © salajean / Getty Images

Purcaraccia Canyon, Corsica, France

It's the best for a nature made pool.

It is worth the effort to get to the pools in Purcaraccia Canyon. You can swim in a series of pools fed by crystal-clear mountain water and slide between them.

There are twelve best beaches in France.

A man swims through the waters of Lake Bohinj, with mountains in the background and a cloudy blue sky overhead
Take a refreshing dip in the clear, cool waters of Lake Bohinj in the Julian Alps © Spanic / Getty Images

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

It's best for a cold mountain dip.

The Lake Bled lido is one of the top swimming destinations in the country. You can find wilder scenery for free if you travel down the road to the lake. The Sava Bohinjka River is a great place to swim.

The national park of Slovenia is the best in the world.

A vast, still lake surrounded by peaks at dusk
Explore offshore islands and swim in deep alpine waters in Lake Walchen © Luigi R. Viggiano / Getty Images

Lake Walchen, Germany

If you want a turquoise green soak, it's best.

The deep lake of Lake Walchen, located in the mountains south of Munich, is one of the best bathing spots in the world. There are Gravel beaches around the turquoise water.

There are a lot of things to do in Germany.

A large, still lake, with a settlement across the water at the foot of a mountain. Several boats are on the lake, and a wooden pier leads out into the water
Mountain gazing should keep you occupied between swims in the pure waters of Lac d'Annecy © Pidi / Getty Images

Lac D’Annecy, France

It's the best for hot springs.

The lake is heated by hot springs. Plage d'Albigny Annecy and Plage des Marquisats are free during the summer months. Some spots are great for cliff jumping.

There is a guide to Europe's best hot springs.

A view of a pathway leading down to the turquoise waters of Lago di Fiastra in Italy with green mountains in the background
Seek out a fabled submerged settlement – or just chill out on the beach – at Lago di Fiastra in Italy © Beverly Pritzi / Shutterstock

Lago di Fiastra, Italy

For underwater exploration, it's the best.

You can camp beneath the mountains on the north shore of the lake. A rumored submerged village is one of the things to explore.

You will be going to Italy for the first time.

Hikers walk down a lush hill in front of a large lake.
Finish a hike with a dive into Loch Lomond © Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock

Loch Lomond, Scotland

It's best for the hearts.

If you want to swim in Scotland, you need a brave heart, but the picturesque Loch Lomond is a good place to start. The home of the Great Scottish Swim and also, apparently, a monster is here.

There are 10 best wild swimming spots in the United Kingdom.

The article was published about 5 hours ago.