Top 20 Lakes around Stranda

One of the most unique historical features is at Lygnstøylsvatnet. This lake was formed in 1908 after a rockslide submerged a small village. You can still see the preserved remains of farmhouses, a country road, bridges, and an old forest beneath its clear waters, making it a fascinating spot for divers and kayakers.

Yes, Djupvatnet is a prominent high-alpine glacial lake situated at an altitude of 1,016 meters near the iconic Dalsnibba mountain. It's known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain views, often remaining partially frozen even in summer. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The road to the Dalsnibba Skywalk, offering panoramic views, begins nearby. You can learn more about this lake on Djupvatnet's highlight page.

Stranda offers diverse hiking opportunities near its lakes. For instance, the area around Nedstevatnet Lake provides a beautiful mountain lake experience with a rest area for cyclists and hikers. For more extensive options, you can explore various trails listed in the Hiking around Stranda guide, which includes routes like the Storseterfossen Trail and paths from Geiranger up to Vesterås.

While specific family-friendly lake activities are not detailed for all lakes, areas like Geiranger Village, located at the head of the Geirangerfjord, are considered family-friendly and offer viewpoints and facilities. The village itself is a highlight you can explore on its highlight page. Many easy hiking trails around Stranda are also suitable for families.

The best time to visit the lakes around Stranda is generally during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is milder and most roads and trails are accessible. However, high-alpine lakes like Djupvatnet can still be partially frozen or rimmed with snow even in summer, offering a unique, serene appeal. The Dalsnibba viewpoint, near Djupvatnet, is often snow-covered even in summer due to its altitude.

Absolutely. The View of Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and the Geirangerfjord, accessible via a toll road. This viewpoint is near Djupvatnet, providing breathtaking vistas. You can find more details on its highlight page.

While specific designated wild swimming spots are not detailed, the clear, cold waters of lakes like Lygnstøylsvatnet and Djupvatnet are appealing. Lygnstøylsvatnet's clear water helps preserve its submerged village, and Djupvatnet is a high-alpine glacial lake. Be aware that mountain lakes in Norway are typically very cold, even in summer.

The lakes in Stranda are set amidst stunning natural landscapes, including towering peaks and deep fjords. You can expect to see crystal-clear waters reflecting surrounding mountains, and unique geological formations. Lygnstøylsvatnet, for example, is in the scenic Norangsdalen valley, known as one of Norway's narrowest. Djupvatnet is surrounded by steep mountains, often with snow even in summer.

While Lygnstøylsvatnet and Djupvatnet are notable, Stranda also features numerous other mountain lakes and high-alpine glacial lakes that might offer a more secluded experience. These include lakes that are part of the Glomma river system, such as Litledalsvatnet, Langvastjønna, Langvatnet, and others, which are often accessed via hiking trails and may be less frequented than the more famous spots.

Beyond hiking, Stranda offers excellent opportunities for running and mountaineering. You can find various routes in the Running Trails around Stranda guide, with options like the Storsæterfossen loop. For more challenging adventures, the Mountain Hikes around Stranda guide provides routes for mountaineering, including difficult loops around peaks like Slogen and Vinsåshornet.

Visitors frequently praise the unique nature and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, especially at spots like Nedstevatnet Lake. The breathtaking scenery and the refreshing experience after an ascent are often highlighted. The dramatic mountain backdrop and the serene atmosphere of places like Geiranger Village at the head of the fjord are also highly appreciated.