Top 11 Lakes around Skjåk

Skjåk is home to many glacially-fed lakes with striking turquoise waters. For expansive views, consider the area around View of Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba, which offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains and the Geirangerfjord. Another beautiful option is View of Vågåvatn, known for its large size and crystal-clear, turquoise waters originating from glacial meltwater. Djupvatnet, located at an altitude of around 1016 meters, also offers picturesque views on the way to Geiranger.

Yes, Skjåk is renowned for its extensive fishing opportunities, with over 200 lakes and more than 250 km of rivers accessible with a single license. Most mountain lakes are stocked with trout. Notable lakes for excellent fishing include Pollvatnet, Lundadalsvatnet, Flatvatnet, Bollvatnet, Dørtjønnen, and Spongvatnet for a more remote experience. Røyetjønn is unique as it also contains char.

Several lakes in Skjåk offer family-friendly experiences. The View of Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba is accessible via a toll road and provides facilities and a restaurant, making it convenient for families. View of Vågåvatn is also listed as family-friendly, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. For a dedicated swimming spot, the Swimming Pond at Skjåkvegen features a large parking lot, toilet house, picnic tables, barbecue huts, and a lawn, perfect for a family day out.

The lakes around Skjåk are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the easy 'Rock Formations – Hamse River Canyon loop from Breiddalsvatnet' or the 'Husomtjønn – Stone Shelter loop from Samlarplassen'. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'View of Djupvatnet – Panoramic view of Geiranger loop' or the 'Djupvatnet Frozen Lake – Dalsnibba Mountain Road loop'. For more details on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Skjåk guide and the Cycling around Skjåk guide.

The best time to visit the lakes in Skjåk largely depends on your desired activities. For hiking and general outdoor enjoyment, the summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather and most accessible trails. However, some high-altitude lakes like Styggevatnet Reservoir can remain frozen well into June, offering a unique icy landscape. Even the View of Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba can be snow-covered in summer due to its elevation. For fishing, the season typically runs from late spring through autumn.

While many of Skjåk's lakes are glacially fed and can be quite cold, the Swimming Pond at Skjåkvegen is specifically designed for swimming, offering facilities like a lawn and lifebuoy. For those seeking a more natural dip, the crystal-clear waters of lakes like Vågåvatn might be appealing, though be prepared for cooler temperatures.

Skjåk's lakes are often characterized by their stunning turquoise waters, a result of glacial sediments. The region is nestled between Jotunheimen National Park and Reinheimen National Park, providing a backdrop of towering mountains and lush valleys. You can observe the dramatic glacial landscapes, especially around lakes like Styggevatnet Reservoir, which can feature ice formations even in summer. The area's diverse ecosystems also support various wildlife.

Yes, for experienced hikers, there are challenging routes available. An example is the 'Summit hike to Tverrådalskyrkja (2088 m.) in Breheimen', which is a difficult 19 km trek. You can find more challenging options in the Hiking around Skjåk guide, which details various routes and their difficulty levels.

While specific cafes directly on every lake shore are not detailed, the region offers options. For instance, the Djupvasshytta has been located at the crossroads near Djupvatnet since the 19th century. The View of Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba highlight also mentions a restaurant and facilities, providing amenities at a high-altitude viewpoint overlooking a lake area. The village of Vågåmo, located at the eastern end of Vågåvatn, offers scenic views and recreational opportunities, likely including services.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and the pristine natural environment. The 'great view over the Geiranger Fjord' from Dalsnibba is a highlight, as is the 'large, beautiful lake with turquoise and crystal-clear waters' of Vågåvatn. Many appreciate the quiet roads and the impressive, often frozen, landscapes like Styggevatnet Reservoir. The diverse opportunities for hiking, cycling, and fishing in such a scenic setting are also highly valued.

Yes, there are circular walks available. For example, a loop trail around Grotlivatnet is a recommended hike, offering a pleasant walk to the boat dock. The 'Rock Formations loop from Breiddalsvatnet' is another moderate circular option for hikers. You can find more details on various loop trails in the Hiking around Skjåk guide.