Hornindalsvatnet
Lake Norwegian lake, Europe's deepest freshwater lake
Europe’s deepest lake, Hornindalsvatnet sits in Vestland; visitors come for clear water, fishing, kayaking and nearby mountain hikes that access fjord landscapes.
Hornindalsvatnet is a freshwater lake in Vestland county in western Norway known for its exceptional depth. It is the deepest lake in Norway by measured depth.
The lake is set in a steep, glacially carved valley and offers clear water and mountain-framed scenery; popular local activities include fishing, boating and shoreline hiking. Roads and small villages around the lake provide the usual visitor access points rather than large tourist facilities.
Hornindalsvatnet is a glacial lake formed by ice-age erosion and has been part of local settlement and transport routes for centuries. Its depth and clarity are the primary natural features that have defined its use and protection.
Geographically it lies in the western Norwegian fjord-and-mountain landscape of Vestland, within easy driving distance of regional towns and set between steep ridges typical of the Nordfjord area.
- Maximum depth: Maximum depth reaches about 514 metres, making it the deepest lake in Norway and the deepest lake in Europe by measured depth.
- Access: Fringed by steep mountains and small settlements, it is commonly accessed from the nearby villages in Vestland county for fishing, boating and hiking.
Tips for Visiting Hornindalsvatnet #
- Aim for early-morning visits in late spring to summer when winds are usually light-calm water produces the best mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains.
- Use the smaller shoreline roads and roadside pullouts rather than trying to view the lake only from the main highway; multiple informal viewpoints around the lake give different perspectives and are quieter than the handful of marked spots.
- Most visitors focus on the deepest-point stories; take time to explore short side roads toward local villages for quieter viewpoints and local signage about the lake's geology and history.
Best Time to Visit Hornindalsvatnet #
Best visited in summer (June-August) for mild weather, long daylight and easy access for hiking and lake activities.
Weather & Climate near Hornindalsvatnet #
Hornindalsvatnet's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1617 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
