RingedalsvatnetRingedalsvatnet at a Glance
About Ringedalsvatnet
Ringedalsvatnet is a freshwater mountain lake in Vestland county, western Norway, situated in the valley above the town of Odda.
The lake is a focal point for alpine hiking and viewpoints, most famously overlooked by the cliff known as Trolltunga; routes around the lake offer panoramic views of steep rock faces and glacially carved valleys. The waterbody is also regulated by a dam and functions as a reservoir for regional hydropower.
The lake and surrounding highlands have been used and modified to support hydroelectricity, with the dam controlling water levels and outflow. Over time access has increased due to the popularity of the hiking routes.
Ringedalsvatnet sits inland from the Hardangerfjord region, above Odda in Vestland, framed by steep mountains and short alpine plateaus.
- Hiking length: The most common access route for hikers starts near the town of Odda and the round trip to the main cliff viewpoint is a long mountain hike often 20-25 km depending on route and conditions.
- Best season: Best months for hiking are typically mid-June to mid-September when snow has melted on the high trails; weather can change quickly above the lake.
What to See#
- Trolltunga: A prominent cliff that projects horizontally over the landscape and overlooks the lake, forming one of the region’s most photographed viewpoints; the hike to the feature is a full-day mountain trek often started from the town of Odda.
- Ringedalsdam: A dam at one end of the lake that regulates water levels for downstream hydroelectric schemes and provides a clear viewing platform over the reservoir.
Best Time to Visit Ringedalsvatnet
Best in summer for hiking access; outside of June-September the area can be snowbound and hazardous.
Weather & Climate near Ringedalsvatnet
Ringedalsvatnet's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1916 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -7° - -2° | -9° | 213 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | -7° - -2° | -9° | 162 mm | overcast | 96% | 2.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 1° | -6° | 158 mm | overcast | 95% | 2.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 5° | -2° | 80 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 10° | 5° | 81 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 94 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 18.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 16° | 12° | 107 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 16° | 12° | 142 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 11° | 6° | 199 mm | overcast | 93% | 2.5 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 6° | 2° | 220 mm | overcast | 94% | 2.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 2° | -4° | 220 mm | overcast | 97% | 2.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | -5° - -1° | -7° | 240 mm | overcast | 97% | 2.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Ringedalsvatnet
Closest road access is via the village of Odda; from there local roads and marked hiking trails lead toward the Ringedalsvatnet area. For Trolltunga hikers, the usual trailhead is at Skjeggedal (accessible by road and shuttle during the high season), with the hike to the viewpoint taking most of a day.
Tips for Visiting Ringedalsvatnet
- If hiking to Trolltunga, plan for 10-12 hours round-trip and bring navigation-trail sections are exposed and weather changes fast.
- Photographers should visit late evening in summer for soft light over the western face of the lake.
- Check hydropower dam notices: water levels in Ringedalsvatnet are managed and can change the look of the shoreline.