Bessvatnet

Lake Mountain lake in Innlandet, Norway, scenic.

Bessvatnet sits beside the Besseggen ridge in Jotunheimen National Park; hikers cross the famous ridge to view the lake’s contrasting colours and Alpine peaks on established trails.

Main image

Bessvatnet is a freshwater lake in Innlandet county in Norway, lying within a mountainous and sparsely settled part of the region. It is one of many alpine lakes that characterise the inland highlands.

The lake is approached via mountain trails and is used for outdoor recreation such as walking, photography and sometimes fishing, depending on local regulations. The surrounding terrain is typical of Norway’s inland mountain areas, with open slopes and occasional patches of forest.

There is no prominent historical narrative tied to the lake; like many lakes in the region, it has been part of traditional land use for grazing and seasonal travel routes.

Set within Innlandet’s upland landscape, the lake sits in a remote mountainous area away from major urban centres and is reached by local roads and footpaths leading into the high country.

  • Access: As an alpine lake in Innlandet county it is typically accessed from nearby mountain trails and is part of local recreational networks for hiking and fishing.
Bessvatnet
Bessvatnet, Lom municipality, Innlandet, Norway
61.5244, 8.7654

How to Get to Bessvatnet #

Access from trailheads in the Lom municipality and paths that connect with Jotunheimen hiking routes. Nearest larger access points include the village of Lom and road E6 connections.

Tips for Visiting Bessvatnet #

  • The trail around Bessvatnet is best done in clear weather for views of surrounding Jotunheim peaks.
  • Combine a visit with hikes in the adjacent Jotunheimen National Park for a fuller alpine experience.
  • Expect alpine conditions above the treeline; layers and wind protection are advisable even in summer.

Best Time to Visit Bessvatnet #

Summer months are most accessible; spring offers dramatic meltwater but more variable footing.

Summer
June-September · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Trails are mostly snow-free and the light is excellent for alpine scenery.
Late spring (snowmelt)
May-June · 0-10°C (32-50°F)
Higher snow patches remain but waterfalls and streams are at their strongest.

Weather & Climate near Bessvatnet #

Climate

Bessvatnet's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (837 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-31°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° -7°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.1h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-13° -6°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-12° -5°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
14.5h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
18.9h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 89 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
18.1h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
15.6h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.7h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

29 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -4°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-12° -6°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.1h daylight

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