Best lakes around Ringerike offer diverse recreational opportunities within Eastern Norway's rich landscape. The region is characterized by large fjords, numerous mountain lakes, and accessible water bodies. These natural features provide settings for activities such as swimming, fishing, and paddling. Ringerike's lakes are a central part of its outdoor appeal, attracting visitors seeking varied natural experiences.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
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A great rest area right next to Kongens Utsikt. Here you'll find a covered bench, which also serves as a shelter for the night if necessary.
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A beautiful vantage point overlooking the fjord. From the hiking parking lot at the hotel, it's a short hike that's also doable with children.
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Great vantage point overlooking the fjord. There are plenty of benches and an emergency shelter. There is currently a forest fire risk, as at least the signs on site warn of this.
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Tyrifjorden is a picturesque inland lake in the Viken county in southeastern Norway, located about 40 kilometers northwest of Oslo. With a surface area of approximately 139 km², it is the fifth largest lake in the country and has an impressive volume of over 13 km³. The lake's deepest point reaches 295 meters. The region around Tyrifjorden is popular for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing. The flora and fauna are also diverse, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.
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Tucked between tall pines and with roots underfoot, this quiet picnic spot offers a front-row seat to Øyungen’s calm waters. It's perfect for a lunch with a view, a break after hiking, or simply soaking up the peaceful forest atmosphere.
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This rest area is located near the bridge separating the large Tyrifjorden from the scenic Steinsfjorden. It's a convenient place for bike tourers to pause and take in the surroundings. Enjoy the views of the bridge structure and the expansive water bodies on either side.
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Store Tryvannet is a popular lake located in the Nordmarka forest, easily accessible from Oslo. It's a common destination for bike tours setting out from the city. The lake offers opportunities for a refreshing swim during warmer months or simply a pleasant break by the water's edge.
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Tyrifjorden, Norway's fifth-largest lake, offers a wide range of water activities. You can go swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating. Crayfishing is popular in August, and the lake is known for trout and whitefish. Its beaches are also great for families during summer. For a scenic view of the lake, visit View of Tyrifjorden from Kongens Utsikt.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The beaches along Tyrifjorden and Sperillen are popular for summer enjoyment. View of Tyrifjorden from Kongens Utsikt is accessible via a short, family-friendly hike. Store Tryvannet Lake is a popular destination for bike tours and swimming. Additionally, the Bjørnholt Cabin offers a cafe and boat rental, making it a pleasant stop for families.
Øyangen at Ringkollen is an ideal location for paddling, with canoe and kayak rentals available. Its numerous islands make it an exciting spot for exploration. You can also rent canoes at Bjørnholt Cabin, which is located near a lake in Nordmarka.
Ringerike offers excellent fishing. Tyrifjorden is known for 14 types of fish, including pike, trout, whitefish, and noble crayfish. Sperillen provides good fishing for trout, perch, and char. The 39 mountain lakes in Vikerfjell are particularly noted for trout and perch, with some having undergone restoration to ensure an excellent trout population. Permits are generally required for fishing; you can find more information at visitnorway.com for Vikerfjell.
Yes, there are several tranquil spots. The Picnic Spot by Lake Øyungen is a quiet area tucked between pines, perfect for lunch or a break after hiking. The View of Tyrifjorden from Kongens Utsikt also features a covered rest area with stunning views. Additionally, the Rest Area at Steinsfjorden Bridge offers a convenient place to pause and enjoy views of Tyrifjorden and Steinsfjorden.
Ringerike offers diverse cycling routes. You can find road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and touring bicycle routes. Options range from easy to difficult, with routes like the 'Tyrifjorden and Steinsfjorden - loop from Hønefoss' for touring bicycles or various MTB trails around the region. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes around Ringerike, MTB Trails around Ringerike, and Cycling around Ringerike.
The summer months are ideal for visiting Ringerike's lakes, especially for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the beaches. August is particularly popular for crayfishing in Tyrifjorden. The Vikerfjell mountain lakes offer excellent fishing throughout the warmer seasons. For hiking, late spring to early autumn provides pleasant conditions, though some mountain lakes may require an hour's hike.
Yes, the Bjørnholt Cabin in Nordmarka offers a cafe with pastries, waffles, and stew, along with boat rental facilities. There are also rest areas like the one at Steinsfjorden Bridge, providing convenient stops for visitors.
The Vikerfjell area boasts 39 spectacular mountain lakes, offering excellent fishing for trout and perch. Some are in open, bare-mountain landscapes, while others are nestled within forests. Many have undergone restoration, leading to a thriving trout population, including red and white meat trout. While some are easily accessible, others require a hike, catering to various activity levels.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity in Ringerike's lakes. Tyrifjorden and Store Tryvannet Lake are noted for offering opportunities for a refreshing swim during warmer months. The beaches along Tyrifjorden and Sperillen are particularly popular for summer enjoyment.
Ringerike's lakes are surrounded by diverse natural features. You can find expansive views over Tyrifjorden from Kongens Utsikt. The region includes large fjords, numerous mountain lakes in Vikerfjell, and forests like Nordmarka where Store Tryvannet Lake is located. The Picnic Spot by Lake Øyungen offers calm waters surrounded by tall pines.
Yes, Øyangen at Ringkollen is highlighted as a good location for camping, in addition to paddling and fishing. This provides an immersive experience in the natural surroundings of Ringerike.


Still not found your perfect lake around Ringerike? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.