10 Best Lakes In Norway

Did you know Norway is said to be the land of lakes? Yes, the country is filled with half a million lakes, all being identified. The lakes cover an estimated area of 17,100 km2. Moreover, these lakes evolved due to glacier erosion. Additionally, freshwater lakes and a few deepest lakes named Hornindalsvantnet (514 m) and Salsvatnet (464 m) are found in the country. So, to get a grip of these lakes, read this article on the 10 best lakes in Norway while also choosing your exciting Norway package from Pickyourtrail!

10 Top Lakes In Norway

Norway is springing with lakes here and there. However, below listed are some of the major lakes in Norway. Check out these top 10 lakes and get set on your journey to Norway.

1. Rossvatnet
2. Mosvatnet
3. Randsfjorden
4. Tyrifjorden
5. Snasavatnet
6. Tunnsjoen
7. Limingen
8. Oyeren
9. Femunden
10. Mjosa

1. Rossvatnet

Rossvatnet is the second largest lake in Norway after Mjosa. It spreads over an area of around 219 square kilometres. A beautiful lake that existed a long time ago serves as a lake as well as a reservoir. The depth of the lake is 240 meters and has a volume of about 15 cubic kilometres. Did you know you can witness the amazing Northern Lights from here?

2. Mosvatnet

The tenth-largest lake in Norway is scattered in an area of about 78 square kilometres. Lying in the watershed of the Skein River, it is drained into the Mana River. The local people use the lake for hydroelectric production. Did you know it is one of the few lakes where one can find Norway’s highest mountain farms?

3. Randsfjorden

Randsfjorden Lake covers an area of about 138 square kilometres and is 120 meters deep. Also considered one of the largest lakes in Norway, this lake is about 135 meters above sea level. Having got its name from the fjord, a saltwater inlet, it is one of the most prominent freshwater lakes. Situated in the county of Oppland, it is a narrow, shaped lake on a north-south axis, present in the districts of Land and Hadeland.

4. Tyrifjorden

Set in 40 kilometres northwest of Oslo, it covers an area of 137 square kilometres. Having a depth of 295 meters, it is the fifth-largest lake in Norway. The name of the lake has been acquired from the word ‘tyri’, which means old or dead wood. Local people say that the lake was known as Tyri in the beginning. The Begna River, the primary source of the lake, discharges into Tyrifjorden at Honefoss. Vikersund, the primary outlet of the lake, is present near the southwest corner of the lake. It is where Tyrifjorden drains into the Drammenselva River.

5. Snasavatnet

Located in the municipalities of Steinkjer and Snasa in Trondelag county, this lake is the sixth-largest lake in Norway. It covers an area of 120 square kilometers, and surrounding it you will find the villages of Folling and Sunnan at the south-western end and the village of Snasa at the north-eastern end. Situated 24 meters above sea level, a railway line called Nordlandsbanen runs along the southern shore. Did you know it is one of the few lakes that evolved due to glacier erosion?

6. Tunnsjoen

Lying in the south of a large lake, this beautiful lake is known as Limingen. It is spread over an area of about 100.18 square kilometres. If you are in Norway, you will find it in the municipalities of Royrvik and Lierne in Trondelag county. Presently 358 meters above sea level, it lies in the west of the border with Sweden. You can enjoy a lot of heroic and daredevil activities like skiing, snowmobiling, water-rafting, cycling, and hiking.

7. Limingen

Limingen is the eighth-largest lake of Norway in Europe and lies 418 meters above sea level. It covers an area of around 93 square kilometres. You will find this present in the municipalities of Royrvik and Lierne in Trondelag county, just north of the other lake, Tunnsjoen. Did you know it is one of the few lakes that is regulated by dams? Also, an exciting fact is that there are various museums in the surrounding areas.

8. Oyeren

Covering a surface area of around 85 square kilometres, it is the ninth-largest lake in Norway. You will find it in the municipalities of Enebakk, Skedsmo Fet, and Raelingen. It is advisable to arrive early at the lake.

9. Femunden

Did you know Femunden is one of the third-largest lakes in Norway? The third-largest lake lies in a serene area, constituting the border of Femundsmarka National Park in the northeast part of the lake. Spread around the area of 204 square kilometres, it has a depth of about 130 meters.

10. Mjosa

Mjosa is Norway’s largest and one of the deepest lakes in Norway and Europe. Located in the southern part of Norway, it is the fourth-deepest lake in the country. It is present about 100 km north of Oslo.

Tips for Your Norway Tour

1. Norway is a long country, so if you want to see every place, it is highly recommendable to spend some days extra or plan more than one trip.
2. You have nothing to fear, as there are not many dangers in the wild.
3. Norwegians eat a lot of tacos, so don’t forget to grab one.
4. The difference between southern Norway and northern Norway is huge. If you plan a vacation to Norway, properly decide which one to see first.
5. The midnight sun isn’t a different sun. Hence, don’t start touring every nook and cranny of Norway in search of it.

So, what are you waiting for? Book from Pickyourtrail’s wide range of Norway honeymoon, family vacation, or luxury getaways to visit these fascinating lakes in Norway. Here, you can do a lot of things, like plan a romantic picnic with your partner or indulge in the most thrilling water sports activities. There is no limit to what you can do. Moreover, you can customise your Norway itinerary and choose what suits you the most.

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Norway Trip