Best lakes around Rana, a municipality in Nordland county, Norway, offers a diverse natural landscape just south of the Arctic Circle. The region features mountainous terrain, glaciers, and large bodies of water. These natural features provide opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views. Mo i Rana serves as the administrative center of the municipality.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Path taken mid-August 2024 on a sunny day. Very muddy, impossible to run. But the landscapes are very beautiful, and it allows access to the glacier without paying for the boat. Possibility of buying a return ticket only if necessary
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!!! The boat doesn't run anymore!!! As you can hear, the company has been abandoned. In addition, the access road is closed 2 km before the lake!
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During the season (around June to August) the boat goes to the other side of the lake. You can save yourself a rather strenuous and difficult part of the way here.
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Kiosk at Svartisvatned, right next to the parking lot. Parking tickets can be bought here. Good starting point for tours on the glacier. Boat dock nearby.
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From here there is a great view of the Getscherzunge, which goes into the Austerdalsvadnet here. Really impressive.
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Glacier lake with waterfall. Absolutely worth seeing. Accessible by boat or on foot from the car park. Footpath is exhausting but beautiful (many small waterfalls).
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For breathtaking views, consider visiting View of the Svartisen Glacier tongue and Austerdalsvatnet, which offers impressive vistas of the glacier entering the lake. Another must-see is Svartisvatnet Lake and Waterfall, a glacier lake with a beautiful waterfall. The region also boasts numerous other mountain lakes and large reservoirs like Langvatnet, all contributing to Rana's diverse natural landscape.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in Rana's lakes. Raudvatnet, known as 'the red lake,' is particularly popular for fishing enthusiasts, rich in trout and Arctic char, offering both summer and winter ice fishing. Local guide services also offer guided trips to 'secret fishing lakes' in the mountains for trout fishing.
Beyond enjoying the scenic views, you can find various outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with trails like the one leading to the Svartisen glacier. You can explore nearby hiking routes around Rana, including options like the Marmorslottet Trail or the Svartisen Glacier loop. The region also offers opportunities for running and road cycling, with several running trails and road cycling routes available.
Some lakes are quite accessible. For instance, Raudvatnet is easily reached as the European route E12 highway runs along its northern and eastern shores. For the Svartisen glacier lake area, a road leads up to it, and boat trips are available across the fjord in summer, which can make it easier for some visitors. While specific accessible trails are not detailed, the path along Svartisvatnet can be done with solid footwear, and some areas might be suitable for families.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (around June to August) is ideal for boat trips across the fjord to the Svartisen glacier lake and for general hiking. Fishing at Raudvatnet is popular in both summer and winter, with ice fishing being a unique winter experience. Winter also offers opportunities for sports like the Blåvegenløpet Skifestival, which starts at Raudvatnet.
Yes, near some popular lake areas, you'll find facilities. For example, at Svartisvatnet Dock and Kiosk, located right next to the parking lot, you can purchase parking tickets. This spot also serves as a starting point for tours to the glacier, with a boat dock nearby during the season. Raudvatnet also has numerous cabins in its surroundings, indicating a developed recreational area.
Yes, you can hike towards the Svartisen Glacier from the lake. From Trailhead for the path along Svartisvatnet to the glacier, you can follow a path along the edge of Svartisvatnet. Be aware that this path can be muddy and challenging, but it offers access to the glacier without needing the boat. The path leads to impressive views of the glacier tongue entering Austerdalsvatnet.
Raudvatnet, meaning 'the red lake,' is unique for its distinctive color and its popularity as a recreational area. It's highly regarded for fishing, being rich in trout and Arctic char, and is accessible via the E12 highway. It's also a hub for cabin owners and hosts the Blåvegenløpet Skifestival, highlighting its use for winter sports.
The Svartisen Glacier is Norway's second largest and is a significant natural monument. It's known for its ability to move independently and has 60 glacier tongues. You can reach the Svartisen glacier lake from Mo i Rana via a road, and during summer, boat trips are available across the fjord. The area offers impressive views, especially of the glacier tongue entering Austerdalsvatnet.
While specific 'hidden gem' lakes are not named, Rana is known for its numerous mountain lakes and unspoiled wilderness areas. Local guide services, such as ExploRana AS, offer guided fishing trips to 'secret fishing lakes' in the mountains, emphasizing the quiet, serene nature of many of the region's less-traveled lakes for those seeking tranquility.
Visitors to Rana's lakes highly appreciate the stunning natural beauty, especially the dramatic glacier views and waterfalls. The tranquility and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are also frequently mentioned. The region's wild and diverse nature, combined with the pristine Arctic-influenced landscape, creates a compelling experience for outdoor enthusiasts.


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