Top 20 Lakes in Hedmark

Hedmark, now part of Innlandet county, features several prominent lakes. Mjøsa is Norway's largest lake, offering extensive recreational opportunities. Femunden, the second-largest by surface area, is known for its pristine wilderness within Femundsmarka National Park. Sjusjøen is popular for both summer and winter activities, while Storsjøen provides serene landscapes for traditional outdoor pursuits.

Yes, many lakes in Hedmark offer family-friendly facilities and activities. For instance, Gutulisjøen Parking and Information Point provides campsites with fire pits, benches, and shelter, making it attractive for families. Sjusjøen also features a Lakeside Beach and Playground, perfect for children and those looking for leisure activities. Additionally, the Hamar Diving Tower on Mjøsa is another family-friendly highlight.

The lakes in Hedmark are surrounded by diverse natural beauty. Mjøsa's shores are dotted with charming villages and peninsulas like Nes and Helgøya. Femunden is central to the Femundsmarka National Park, an uninhabited wilderness area with clear waters. From vantage points near Lake Grövelsjön, you can find stunning views of Lake Femund and other peaks. Smaller lakes like Skurufjelltjønna Lake also offer picturesque photo motifs.

The lakes in Hedmark offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing, boating, and lakeside hiking around Mjøsa. Femunden is excellent for canoeing and exploring wilderness areas. For hiking, there are options like the Panoramic trail to Skagsvola or the Hike to Gutulia Seter - Gutulia National Park. Cycling is popular, with the option to cycle the entire 299 km around Mjøsa, or explore trails like the Scenic Trail to Hjerkinn. Mountain biking is also available with trails like Magic Moose.

Yes, Femunden is a prime area for hiking, especially within Femundsmarka National Park. Elgå Pier and Femund II Ferry Terminal serves as a starting point for multi-day hikes into the park. Svukuriset DNT Cabin is another popular starting point for trails leading to peaks like Stor-Svuku and fishing lakes like Revlingsjøane. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking in Hedmark guide.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June-August) is ideal for boating, swimming, hiking, and cycling, with passenger boats operating on Femunden. For winter sports like cross-country skiing, areas around Sjusjøen are popular during the colder months. The region offers beauty year-round, but summer provides the widest range of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Yes, there are various camping and accommodation options. Gutulisjøen Parking and Information Point offers camp sites with fire pits. Båtstø Camping is another facility near a lake. On Helgøya peninsula in Mjøsa, you can find numerous campsites and luxurious farmhouses. Sjusjøen is home to Rustad Hotel & Mountain cabin, providing comfortable stays. For those seeking true wilderness, there are also options for suspended tents by Mjøsa.

Many lakes and their surrounding areas are accessible. For example, Gutulisjøen Parking and Information Point offers a generous parking lot. Elgå Pier and Femund II Ferry Terminal is a terminus reachable by car. While specific public transport details vary, towns like Hamar, Gjøvik, and Lillehammer on Mjøsa's shores are well-connected. Passenger boats operate on Femunden during the summer, providing access to different parts of the lake.

Yes, several lakes offer opportunities for swimming. Sjusjøen has a dedicated Lakeside Beach and Playground. You can also find a Picnic and Bathing Area at the Lake, which is family-friendly and has facilities. Mjøsa, being Norway's largest lake, also provides ample spots for lakeside enjoyment and swimming.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness, especially around Femunden and Femundsmarka National Park. The extensive hiking and cycling trails, like the Scenic Trail to Hjerkinn, are highly rated. The presence of facilities like campsites with fire pits and information booths, as seen at Gutulisjøen Parking and Information Point, also enhances the visitor experience.

Yes, the region around Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, has historical significance. You can explore historic architecture such as Stange Church near the lake. The towns along Mjøsa's shores, like Hamar, Gjøvik, and Lillehammer, also offer cultural insights and attractions.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity across many lakes in Hedmark. Femunden is particularly renowned for its fishing opportunities, especially within the pristine wilderness of Femundsmarka National Park and in lakes like Revlingsjøane. The Elgå Pier and Femund II Ferry Terminal is noted as an excellent place for fishing. Mjøsa also supports a rich biodiversity, making it suitable for fishing.