Top 15 Lakes around Oppdal
Best lakes around Oppdal are found in a region nestled between the Dovrefjell and Trollheimen mountains in Norway. This area features a natural landscape with several lakes. These bodies of water offer diverse activities and contribute to the region's serene environment. The lakes are known for their peaceful settings, surrounded by open alpine terrain and mountain peaks.
Best lakes around Oppdal
- The most popular lakes is Renndølsetra, a hut that offers accommodation and local produce in an idyllic mountain pasture setting. It provides views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Another must-see spot is Innerdalen, a gorge often recognized as Norway's most beautiful valley. This area features the towering pyramid of Innerdalstårnet and offers accommodation options.
- Visitors also love DNT Gjevilvasshytta, a hut that serves as a starting point for hikes and trips to Gjevilvassvatnet. It is one of Norway's older cabins, offering basic rooms and views.
- Oppdal is known for its mountain lakes, some with calm waters and others featuring beaches. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, suitable for different activities.
- The lakes around Oppdal are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 highlights and 20 upvotes.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
DNT Gjevilvasshytta
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Dinner is not to be missed. There (as in many other staffed cabins) are excellent Norwegian dishes.
The cabin's age comes at a price: leaving your cell phone unattended or charging it overnight is a fire hazard.
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Renndølsetra
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Innerdalen
Highlight • Gorge
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Scenic Trail to Hjerkinn
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Skarvatnet
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Often touted as Norway's most beautiful valley, Innderdalen is a spectacular place. This part of the valley is dominated by the towering pyramid of Innerdalstårnet, a great objective that requires scrambling. For accommodation, there's the Innerdalshytta DNT hut or the privately owned Renndølsetra.
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Renndølsetra is a mountain pasture farm in an absolutely idyllic setting. There's accommodation, with evening meals for guests, while hikers not staying can also sample some local produce here too. It's a great place for a break in beautiful Innerdalen.
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Gjevilvasshytta’s got that old-school charm – basic rooms, big views, and loads of character.
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A mountain bike is not necessary. Can be done on a gravel or touring bike as well.
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One of the oldest cabins in Norway and also one of the most beautiful. The rooms are simply furnished. Dinner is not to be missed. There (as in many other staffed cabins) are excellent Norwegian dishes. The cabin's age comes at a price: leaving your cell phone unattended or charging it overnight is a fire hazard.
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At Skarvatnet Lake you will find some idyllic bathing places in summer to refresh yourself during a bike trip. In winter the lake is ideal for ice fishing.
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Good starting point for hikes and trips to Gjevilvassvatnet. Free parking space; Toll road to the hut
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for family-friendly activities in Oppdal?
For families, Skarvatnet Lake offers idyllic bathing spots in summer. Gjevilvatnet is also excellent for family trips, with opportunities for short walks along its shoreline and renting canoes or kayaks from Oppdal Safari.
Where can I find scenic views and natural features around Oppdal's lakes?
The Oppdal region is rich in scenic beauty. Gjevilvatnet, often called the 'crown jewel of Trollheimen,' is known for its calm waters and majestic mountain views, especially from Osen. Ångardsvatnet in Storlidalen offers stunning mirror reflections of the surrounding peaks like Gråfjellet and Kråkvasstind. Innerdalen, recognized as Norway's most beautiful valley, features a lake dominated by the towering pyramid of Innerdalstårnet.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Oppdal?
The lakes around Oppdal offer diverse activities. In summer, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Many lakes are accessible via hiking trails, such as those around Gjevilvatnet. For more structured outdoor adventures, you can explore various routes like the 'Orkelsjøen Loop' for mountain biking or 'Ørnsnydda loop from Jenstad' for mountain hiking. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Oppdal, Mountain Hikes around Oppdal, and Gravel biking around Oppdal guides.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, DNT Gjevilvasshytta, located near Gjevilvassvatnet, is one of Norway's older cabins, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain accommodation. Renndølsetra is a mountain pasture farm in an idyllic setting that offers accommodation and local produce, providing a cultural experience of traditional Norwegian mountain life.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Oppdal?
The summer months are ideal for visiting the lakes, offering clear skies, opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking. Cooler seasons bring a tranquil atmosphere with changing colors, perfect for quiet scenery. In winter, Ångardsvatnet transforms into a hub for groomed ski trails and ice fishing, even hosting an annual ice fishing contest around Easter.
Can I swim in the lakes around Oppdal?
Yes, swimming is possible in several lakes during summer. Gjevilvatnet is a popular spot for swimming, and Skarvatnet Lake offers idyllic bathing places. Kullsjøen is also mentioned as a good spot for swimming. However, be aware that mountain waters are typically very cold, so long periods of swimming are generally not recommended.
Are there opportunities for fishing in the lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Ångardsvatnet provides excellent opportunities for sports fishing, and permits are available. In winter, Ångardsvatnet is also a hub for ice fishing, hosting an annual contest.
Where can I find accommodation or amenities near the lakes?
Several options are available. DNT Gjevilvasshytta offers basic rooms and is a starting point for hikes. Renndølsetra provides accommodation and local produce in a mountain pasture setting. In Innerdalen, you can find accommodation at the Innerdalshytta DNT hut or the privately owned Renndølsetra.
Are there any lakes known for birdwatching?
Orkelsjøen is noted for providing opportunities to spot colorful birdlife, making it a good destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
How accessible are the lakes in Oppdal?
Many mountain lakes in the Oppdal region are easily accessible from hiking trails and mountain roads. For instance, Gjevilvatnet can be reached via a toll road to DNT Gjevilvasshytta, which has free parking. Ångardsvatnet is approximately 35 km west of Oppdal village in the Storlidalen valley.
What makes Gjevilvatnet a special lake to visit?
Gjevilvatnet is often referred to as the 'crown jewel of Trollheimen' due to its picturesque setting within a scenic mountain valley. It's known for its calm waters, majestic mountain views, and the unique chalk-white beach at Rauøra, which offers an 'arctic-tropical' photographic opportunity and a perfect spot for a break.
What unique features does Ångardsvatnet offer?
Ångardsvatnet, located in the Storlidalen valley, is framed by mountains like Gråfjellet and Kråkvasstind, offering stunning mirror reflections of the peaks. Beyond summer activities like swimming and fishing, it transforms in winter to host groomed ski trails and an annual ice fishing contest around Easter.
Most popular attractions around Oppdal
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