The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Storavatnet

Our guide features 8 family-friendly hiking routes around Storavatnet. These include 6 easy trails and 2 moderate trails, ensuring options for various fitness levels and ages.

The terrain around Storavatnet is diverse, offering a mix of accessible paths, forested areas, and rocky outcrops. Many trails provide tranquil lake views and are generally well-suited for families. Some routes might have slight elevation gains, but the easy trails are designed to be manageable for most.

Yes, for a shorter, easy walk, consider the Såta – Lake View with Picnic Table loop from Fossevatna naturreservat. It's just under 4 km with minimal elevation, perfect for families with young children or those looking for a relaxed stroll.

Absolutely! The Lake View with Picnic Table – Såta loop from Fossevatna naturreservat is a great circular option. It's an easy 6.2 km hike that offers lovely lake views and a picnic spot, making it ideal for a family outing.

While Alisfjellet offers panoramic views, it's a more challenging ascent. For family-friendly viewpoints, many of the trails around Storavatnet itself provide beautiful perspectives of the lake and its surroundings, often with picnic spots. The region's natural beauty is accessible even on easier paths.

Storavatnet is located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Bergen's city center. Bergen has a good public transport network, and while specific bus routes to trailheads might vary, it's generally possible to reach the vicinity of Storavatnet using public transport from Bergen. We recommend checking local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in Norway, but they must be kept on a leash, especially during certain times of the year (e.g., nesting season for birds, lambing season). Always ensure your dog is under control and that you clean up after them to preserve the natural environment for everyone.

The area around Storavatnet is known for its tranquil lakes, reflective surfaces, and surrounding forests. A unique geological feature is the old shoreline of hard bedrock, with small caves, which becomes visible when the Herlandsfossen power station taps the reservoir. This is a result of frost-weathering over thousands of years and offers an interesting sight.

The hiking season in this region typically runs from spring through autumn. Spring offers fresh greenery and blooming flora, while summer provides warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly.

While many trails are accessible, dedicated stroller-friendly paths might be limited to specific sections or paved areas. The easy routes generally have less challenging terrain, but it's always best to assess the path conditions on arrival if you plan to use a stroller, as some may involve uneven surfaces or roots.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful lake views, and the accessibility of trails for various fitness levels, making it a popular choice for families seeking a refreshing outdoor experience.

Yes, for families looking for a slightly longer adventure, the Herdla Bridge – Herdla Bird Sanctuary loop from Gulbrandsøyna is a moderate 9.4 km route. It offers a different landscape experience, exploring the coastal area near Herdla, which is a short drive from Storavatnet.