EikesdalsvatnetAbout Eikesdalsvatnet
Eikesdalsvatnet is a long freshwater lake in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway, occupying a steep glacial valley. It is a distinctive, elongated lake set within rugged mountain scenery.
The lake stretches for roughly 18 kilometres within a narrow valley and is framed by steep mountainsides. The area is valued for hiking, fishing and scenic drives, with concentrated visitor activity at the lake ends where access roads and footpaths meet the water.
The valley and lake were shaped by glacial processes during the last ice ages; human use has centred on small settlements, farming and seasonal travel routes rather than large-scale development. Recreational use expanded with modern road access into the valley.
Located in the Eikesdal valley in Møre og Romsdal, the lake sits inland amid Norway’s western mountain country and is reached via regional roads that connect to nearby towns and ferry routes.
- Size: The lake is a long, narrow glacial valley lake of roughly 18 kilometres in length, set in steep-sided mountain terrain.
- Visiting season: Best viewpoints are along the access road and short footpaths at the lake’s ends; summer and autumn offer the most reliable travel conditions.
What to See#
- Mardalsfossen: A dramatic, high-drop waterfall that descends from the Mardalen valley into the southern end of the lake; it is one of the area’s most noted natural attractions and a common hiking objective.
Best Time to Visit Eikesdalsvatnet
Eikesdalsvatnet is a long, narrow glacial lake in Møre og Romsdal framed by steep mountains and fed by notable waterfalls. It's a dramatic, accessible feature of the inland fjord landscape.
Weather & Climate near Eikesdalsvatnet
Eikesdalsvatnet's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -2°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (904 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -2° - 4° | -2° | 94 mm | overcast | 92% | 2.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.8h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 4° | -2° | 71 mm | overcast | 92% | 2.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 6° | 0° | 71 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 4° | 49 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.6h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 9° | 37 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.5h |
| June | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 49 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 19.3h |
| July | Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 67 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 18.4h |
| August | Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 67 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 15.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 93 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 6° | 95 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 6° | 1° | 94 mm | overcast | 93% | 2.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 4° | -2° | 117 mm | overcast | 94% | 2.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.7h |
How to Get to Eikesdalsvatnet
Eikesdalsvatnet is reached by road from the town of Molde or from Åndalsnes; local county roads thread the valley and parking is available at trailheads and near the village of Eikesdal. Distances and road conditions vary by season, so check local travel information before setting out.
Tips for Visiting Eikesdalsvatnet
- Drive or cycle the scenic route along the valley; many viewpoints are just a short walk from the road.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching and to watch the high waterfalls that feed the lake during spring melt.
- If aiming to photograph the lake's mirror surface, visit early morning on a windless day - light and stillness are fleeting.