Hornindalsvatnet

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.

• 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.