Visit These 7 Gorgeous Lakes in Norway
Norway has more than 450,000 registered lakes, but only a handful stop travelers mid-step with their jaw-dropping color and scale. From turquoise glacial pools tucked beneath ice-age cliffs to Europe's deepest freshwater basin, the country's lake scenery rivals its famous fjords. Whether the goal is a gentle shoreline stroll or an all-day ridge scramble, these 7 lakes deliver views that no camera filter can improve.
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Lovatnet
Lovatnet sits in the Stryn municipality of western Norway, fed by meltwater from the Jostedalsbreen and Tindefjellbreen glaciers. That glacial flour is what gives the water its almost unreal turquoise hue, especially vivid during summer when melting peaks. The Loen Skylift whisks visitors 1,011 meters up Mount Hoven for aerial perspectives of the lake, while kayak rentals from Loen Active put paddlers right on the surface.
The lake also carries a heavy history. Rockslides from Mount Ramnefjellet triggered massive tsunamis in 1905 and 1936, wiping out shoreline villages and killing more than 130 people combined. Today, warning systems are in place, and the rebuilt communities welcome campers, hikers, and road-trippers who follow the narrow toll road south toward Kjenndal Glacier.
What is the best way to reach Lovatnet? Renting a car from Alesund Airport and driving about 3 hours south is the most flexible option. Public buses run to Stryn, but a vehicle makes the narrow lakeside toll road much easier to navigate at a relaxed pace.
Can visitors kayak on Lovatnet? Absolutely — Loen Active offers guided double-kayak tours almost year-round, and solo rentals are available during summer months, giving paddlers direct access to the turquoise water and waterfall views.
Is Lovatnet safe to visit given its tsunami history? Modern geological monitoring and early-warning systems now protect the valley. Visitors can explore confidently while memorials near the southern shore provide a respectful look at the lake's past.
Gjende
Lake Gjende stretches 18 kilometers through the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, its emerald-green color courtesy of glacial clay suspended in the water column. The lake anchors one of Norway's most celebrated hikes: the Besseggen Ridge, a 14-kilometer traverse that draws roughly 60,000 hikers every season. From the ridge's narrow spine, Gjende glows green on one side while the deep-blue Bessvatnet gleams on the other.
Most hikers take the Gjende boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and walk back over the ridge in 6 to 8 hours. Three staffed mountain cabins — Gjendesheim, Memurubu, and Gjendebu — line the shore, offering beds, hot meals, and gear-drying rooms. Booking ferry tickets in advance is essential during July and August when departures fill weeks ahead.
When is the best time to hike Besseggen above Gjende? The season runs from mid-June through mid-October, with July and early August being peak traffic. Late June and September offer fewer crowds and dramatic light, though snow may linger on the ridge.
Do hikers need special gear for Besseggen? Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, layered waterproof clothing, a map, compass, and at least 1 liter of water are recommended. The ridge includes a rocky scramble section with steep exposure on both sides.
Is the Gjende boat ride included in the hike? No — ferry tickets are purchased separately through gjende.no and should be booked well in advance. The 20-minute crossing from Gjendesheim to Memurubu costs approximately 200 NOK one way.
Bondhusvatnet
Bondhusvatnet is a glacial lake nestled in the Bondhusdalen valley of the Hardanger region, backed by the Bondhusbreen arm of Norway's third-largest glacier, Folgefonna. The hike from the Sundal parking area follows the historic Ice Road, built in 1863 to transport ice blocks from the glacier to ships waiting on the Hardangerfjord. At roughly 2.5 kilometers each way, the walk is gentle enough for strollers and motorized wheelchairs.
The lake's crystal-clear water reflects surrounding cliffs so precisely that social media feeds are now packed with Bondhusvatnet photos. Swimming is not allowed since the lake serves as drinking water for nearby communities. Visitors who want more mileage can continue past the north shore for another kilometer to reach the glacier moraine, adding about an hour to the round trip.
How difficult is the Bondhusvatnet hike? It is rated green, or easy, on the Norwegian grading system. The gravel path has a slight incline and takes about 1 hour each way at a normal pace, making it accessible to families and beginners.
What does parking cost at Bondhusvatnet? Parking at the Sundal lot costs 100 NOK as of 2024. Payment is required immediately upon arrival, and the receipt must be displayed on the windshield. The speed limit on the access road is 30 km/h.
Can visitors swim in Bondhusvatnet? No — the lake is a protected drinking water source for the communities of Bondhus and Sundal. Picnicking on the shore is welcome, but bathing is strictly prohibited.
Ringedalsvatnet
Ringedalsvatnet is the reservoir and beautiful lake that lies 700 meters below Trolltunga, Norway's most photographed rock formation. The 7-square-kilometer lake sits in the Hardanger highlands near the town of Odda, its waters held back by the Ringedals Dam built between 1910 and 1918 for hydroelectric power. Historically, two massive waterfalls — Tyssestrengene and Ringedalsfossen — once thundered into the lake, but their flows were diverted for power generation in 1967.
The hike to Trolltunga and its view over Ringedalsvatnet is a 27-kilometer round trip from Skjeggedal, requiring 10 to 12 hours and roughly 1,100 meters of elevation gain. Experienced hikers can go solo from June through September, but guided options and via ferrata routes offer alternatives. Parking at Skjeggedal costs 500 NOK per day, and shuttle buses connect Odda to the trailhead.
How long does it take to hike to Trolltunga and see Ringedalsvatnet? Most hikers need 10 to 12 hours round trip from the P2 parking at Skjeggedal, or 7 to 10 hours from P3 Mågelitopp. Starting before 10 a.m. is strongly recommended to finish in daylight.
Is the Trolltunga hike dangerous? The trail is classified as very demanding due to its length and mountain terrain, but it is well-marked with red T symbols. Weather changes rapidly at elevation, so warm layers, rain gear, and a headlamp are essential even in summer.
Can visitors reach Ringedalsvatnet without doing the full Trolltunga hike? The lake is visible from portions of the extended Ringedalsvatnet loop trail, but there is no easy shortcut. The terrain surrounding the reservoir is rugged and best accessed via the established Trolltunga trail system.
Blåisvatnet
Blåisvatnet — the Blue Lake — sits at 189 meters above sea level in the Lyngen Alps of northern Norway, fed by meltwater from the Lenangsbreen glacier. The color is genuine and almost startling: glacier-ground minerals suspended in the water reflect sunlight to produce an intense turquoise that deepens on sunny afternoons. The trailhead is a 2.5-hour drive from Tromsø, including a possible ferry crossing from Breivikeidet to Svensby.
The 8-kilometer round-trip hike follows a mostly flat path through low birch woodland before hitting a rocky glacier riverbed. Ankle-supporting boots are important because the loose stones underfoot make up most of the final stretch. At the lake, flat rocks along the shore provide picnic spots, and the brave can take a quick plunge in water that hovers near freezing year-round.
Is the Blåisvatnet hike suitable for families? The terrain is relatively flat and manageable for older children, but the rocky riverbed section requires careful footing. Allow about 3 hours round trip including rest time at the lake.
When is the best time to visit Blåisvatnet? Summer months from June through September offer the best conditions, with sunny afternoons producing the most vivid water color. September adds autumn foliage contrast, and northern lights camping is possible in the fall.
How much does parking cost at the Blåisvatnet trailhead? The large parking area charges 254 NOK per day via the EasyPark app. Clean toilet facilities and picnic tables are available at the lot. Campervan overnight stays are permitted at the parking area.
Want more? Check out more things to do in Norway.
Hornindalsvatnet
Hornindalsvatnet holds the title of Europe's deepest lake at 514 meters, with its surface sitting just 53 meters above sea level. Located in the Nordfjord area between Vestland and Møre og Romsdal counties, it runs 25 kilometers long and up to 5 kilometers wide. Unlike most Norwegian lakes, Hornindalsvatnet is not fed by glacial rivers — snowmelt keeps it remarkably clear, making it one of the most transparent bodies of water on the continent.
The small village of Grodås at the lake's eastern end serves as the main gateway, offering hotels, camping, and access to hiking trails like the strenuous Otredalsfjellet route. Fishing for brown trout, charr, and eel is popular, though the outflow river Eidselva is better known for salmon. A 2006 ROV expedition discovered a previously unknown variety of deep-dwelling Arctic charr living in the lake's muddy bottom.
What kind of fish are in Hornindalsvatnet? The lake supports brown trout, lake trout, Arctic charr, and eel. Anglers should note that the outflow river Eidselva offers better salmon and trout fishing, and a license is required for all fishing in Norway.
How do visitors reach Hornindalsvatnet? The lake is roughly a 5-hour drive from Bergen or 6.5 hours from Oslo. The European route E39 passes nearby, and the scenic tourist highway between Nordfjord and Stryn runs right alongside the southern shore.
Is swimming possible in Hornindalsvatnet? Technically yes, though the water is extremely cold. There are a few sandy beaches near Grodås, but the lake is better known for boating, kayaking, and shore-based activities than for swimming.
Djupvatnet
Djupvatnet rests at 1,016 meters above sea level on the scenic County Road 63 between Geiranger and Dalsnibba, covering about 2 square kilometers and plunging 200 meters deep. The lake stays frozen for much of the year, and even midsummer visitors often find snow blanketing the surrounding peaks. Its position along the Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route makes it one of Norway's most conveniently dramatic photo stops.
The Dalsnibba Skywalk, reached by a toll road that begins at the lake's northwest corner, stands at nearly 1,500 meters and offers panoramic views of Geirangerfjord below. The historic Djupvasshytta Hotel sits on the lakeshore and serves as a rest stop for motorists making the winding ascent. Combining Djupvatnet with the Eagle Road's 11 hairpin turns and the Seven Sisters waterfall creates a full-day scenic loop from Geiranger.
Is Djupvatnet accessible year-round? No, County Road 63 and the Dalsnibba toll road are typically open only from late May through October, depending on snowfall. The lake remains frozen well into June in heavy snow years.
Can visitors swim or kayak in Djupvatnet? The water is near freezing even in summer, and the remote high-altitude location makes water activities impractical. Djupvatnet is best appreciated as a roadside scenic stop and photography subject.
How far is Djupvatnet from Geiranger village? The lake sits about 12 kilometers south of Geiranger along Road 63. The drive takes roughly 20 minutes but involves steep, winding switchbacks that require cautious driving and occasional pullover stops for oncoming traffic.
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