Svanevatn

Lake

A remote lake in northern Norway near the Russian border, Svanevatn draws hikers, anglers and photographers for tundra scenery, migratory birds and long summer daylight; access is by rural roads and simple trails.

Svanevatn BodøTromsøSvolværReineAltaLeknesHonningsvågLofotenSvanevatn

Svanevatn essentials

Country: Norway
Driest months: Feb-Apr
Pay in: Krone (kr)
Language: Norwegian
Emergency: 112

Svanevatn at a Glance

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Svanevatn

Visit in the brief Arctic summer for easiest access and long daylight; winters are harsh and best left to experienced polar travelers.

Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 5-15°C
Long daylight, accessible roads and boat services; best for hiking and birdwatching.
Spring/Autumn (May, Sep-Oct)
May; Sep-Oct · 0-10°C
Migratory birds stopover; fewer tourists but weather can be wet and changeable.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Nov-Mar · -10-0°C
Arctic conditions, closed or difficult access; dramatic low light and potential snow cover.

Weather & Climate near Svanevatn

Climate

Svanevatn's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 16°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 11 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-34°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -15° - -8° -18° 33 mm partly cloudy 98% 3.9 m/s 0.0 low 1.3h
February Poor -15° - -7° -18° 28 mm overcast 98% 4.0 m/s 0.0 low 6.9h
March Poor -11° - -3° -13° 27 mm overcast 96% 4.1 m/s 0.1 low 11.4h
April Poor -5° - 2° -6° 25 mm overcast 94% 3.9 m/s 0.4 low 15.8h
May Poor 0° - 7° 0° 29 mm overcast 86% 3.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 21.3h
June Acceptable 5° - 13° 7° 54 mm overcast 82% 3.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 24.0h
July Good 9° - 16° 13° 63 mm overcast 85% 3.2 m/s 0.9 moderate 23.1h
August Acceptable 8° - 14° 11° 64 mm overcast 88% 2.9 m/s 0.5 moderate 17.5h
September Acceptable 4° - 10° 5° 50 mm overcast 92% 3.2 m/s 0.2 low 13.0h
October Poor -1° - 3° -3° 47 mm overcast 96% 3.8 m/s 0.0 low 8.7h
November Poor -8° - -3° -11° 40 mm overcast 98% 3.7 m/s 0.0 low 3.1h
December - -13° - -6° -16° 32 mm - 98% 3.6 m/s 0.0 low 0.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Svanevatn

Svanevatn lies well north of Norway’s main transport hubs. The nearest towns with scheduled services are likely Alta or Kirkenes; from there, travel by regional road or charter boat is the norm. Road access in summer is most practical; in winter some routes may be impassable and travel by snowmobile or local guide is recommended.

Tips for Visiting Svanevatn

  • If visiting in summer, bring windproof layers - the Finnmark coast can change from calm to biting in minutes.
  • Plan for long daylight in June (midnight sun) and very short days in winter; boat access may be seasonal.
  • Ask local guides about birdlife; Svanevatn is a quiet stop for migratory species in late spring.