Top 20 Lakes around Nord-Fron

The region offers several stunning lakes. Gjende in Jotunheimen National Park is famous for its emerald-green waters and as a starting point for the Besseggen ridge hike. Its neighbor, Bessvatnet, offers a striking contrast with its deep blue, clear waters. In Rondane National Park, Rondvatnet is popular for fishing and as a base for mountain tours. For a more family-friendly option, Lake Øyangen near Beitostølen is ideal for canoeing and swimming.

Yes, the lakes are central to many hiking experiences. Gjende is the gateway to the iconic Besseggen ridge hike. Rondvatnet in Rondane National Park is integrated into an extensive network of trails, including routes to prominent peaks like Storronden and Rondeslottet. You can also find various routes for gravel biking and MTB trails that pass by or near several lakes in the wider Nord-Fron area.

The best time to visit is typically during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild, hiking trails are clear of snow, and ferry services on lakes like Gjende and Rondvatnet are fully operational. This period allows for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Yes, Lake Øyangen is particularly well-suited for families, offering canoe tours, guided instruction, and opportunities for swimming, kayaking, or SUP boarding. Rondvassbu, a DNT cabin located on Rondvatnet, is also considered family-friendly and offers facilities and access to easier trails.

You'll encounter diverse natural beauty. Gjende is known for its unique emerald-green glacial water, while Bessvatnet boasts exceptionally clear, deep blue waters. From viewpoints like View of Gjende and Bessvatnet Lakes, you can witness the dramatic color contrast between these two lakes. High-altitude lakes like Prestesteinsvatnet offer stunning mountain panoramas and a sense of remote wilderness.

Mountain lodges and cabins are available, especially in the national parks. Rondvassbu is a popular DNT cabin located directly on Rondvatnet in Rondane National Park, offering accommodation, food, and facilities. Near Gjende, options like Gjendesheim, Memurubu, and Gjendebu provide lodging and services for hikers.

Yes, several lakes offer good fishing opportunities. Rondvatnet in Rondane National Park is known for excellent fishing, particularly for trout and Arctic char. Lake Øyangen also supports a healthy trout population, making it suitable for fishing from a boat or the shore.

Access varies by lake. Gjende is well-served by ferries operating between Gjendesheim, Memurubu, and Gjendebu, which are popular transport options for hikers. Rondvatnet also has a ferry service. For some high-altitude lakes like Prestesteinsvatnet, access is via scenic mountain roads like Sognefjellsvegen. Public transport options to major trailheads like Gjendesheim are available, especially during peak season.

The lakes in Jotunheimen, such as Gjende and Bessvatnet, are renowned for their dramatic glacial origins. Gjende's distinctive light-green color comes from glacial rock flour, while Bessvatnet's deep blue waters are among the clearest in Northern Europe. Their proximity and striking visual contrast, especially when viewed from the Besseggen ridge, make them truly unique.

At Lake Øyangen, visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or SUP boards for self-guided exploration. At Rondvassbu near Rondvatnet, bicycles are available for rent, which can be used to reach the hut from the Spranget parking lot.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking scenery, the dramatic contrast in lake colors (like Gjende and Bessvatnet), and the sense of tranquility found in less-frequented areas. The extensive hiking opportunities and the well-maintained facilities at mountain huts like Rondvassbu are also highly appreciated.

While many trails are challenging, Bessvatnet offers a more peaceful experience with options for easier walks to its far end. Lake Øyangen is also suitable for more relaxed activities like family canoe tours and shore-based fishing, implying more accessible surroundings. Some viewpoints, like View of Lake Gjende, can be reached via paths that offer expansive panoramas without requiring extreme difficulty.