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A beautiful natural wonder in Norway, Lake Snasavatnet is a spectacular place to visit for hikers, fishers and nature enthusiasts alike. Learn everything you need to know about this gorgeous Norwegian lake in our complete guide to Lake Snasavatnet, including where exactly the lake is, how to get there, the best things to do at the lake and top tips for your visit.
All About Lake Snasavatnet in Norway
Norway’s sixth-largest lake, Lake Snasavatnet is around 40 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. Created by glacial erosion, the lake reaches a maximum depth of 186 meters and sits 22 kilometers above sea level.
Looking like an extension of the Trondheim Fjord on a map, Lake Snasavatnet runs out into the River Byaelva to the south, which then flows into Beitstad Fjord (the innermost arm of the Trondheim Fjord).
Where is Lake Snasavatnet?
Located in the central part of Norway, also known as Mid-Norway, Lake Snasavatnet is just north of the city of Trondheim. The lake spans two municipalities, Steinkjer and Snåsa, which both lie in Trøndelag county.
How to Get to Lake Snasavatnet
To reach Lake Snasavatnet from the nearby city of Trondheim, you’ll need to drive for around 2 hours and 40 minutes along the E6 and Fv763. Keep in mind that this 170-kilometer route involves tolls.
If you’re traveling to Lake Snasavatnet from the Norwegian capital city of Oslo, the 660-kilometer drive will take 8 hours and 40 minutes. This route along the Rv3 (Nord-Østerdalsveien) and E6 also has tolls.
Activities to Enjoy at Lake Snasavatnet
Here are the best things you can do at Lake Snasavatnet to enjoy your time here:
- Look at the Bølarein – Next to Lake Snasavatnet, there’s a historical landmark called Bølarein. Discovered in 1842, this petroglyph (rock art/carving) is Norway’s most famous one, depicting a life-size reindeer, bear, elk, seabird and skier.
- Explore Saemien Sijte – Visit the South Sami museum and cultural center to learn more about the history and culture of the Sami people in Norway.
- Relax at one of the beaches by the lake – Around Lake Snasavatnet, there are several lovely beaches you can visit to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, including Austerøra and Digersand. These are the perfect places to take a picnic and a good book for a much-needed break after your long days exploring Norway’s beautiful fjords, waterfalls and cultural heritage sites.
- Enjoy the view at the Hill Fortress Roaldstein – The view from Roaldstien is spectacular, making it well worth the visit to this hilltop scenic viewpoint. Just make sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible panoramas.
- Camp at one of the beautiful lake campgrounds – Around Lake Snasavatnet, there are many wonderful campgrounds you can choose to stay at. Here, you can enjoy a night among the stars in the very heart of nature, gazing at the gorgeous scenery and breathing in the fresh air.
- Go fishing in the lake – Home to a diverse range of fish species, including trout, whitefish and char, Lake Snasavatnet is the perfect place for both beginner and experienced anglers to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing.
- Walk around the beautiful forests and mountains – A beautiful natural area, the greenery surrounding Lake Snasavatnet makes for a fantastic hiking spot. Simply taking a stroll around the lake will allow you to soak in all the wonderful natural scenery.
Top Tips for Visiting Lake Snasavatnet
When you’re planning to visit Lake Snasavatnet, we recommend keeping these top tips in mind to ensure you have the best possible time at the lake.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast – As Norway’s weather can be very changeable, we recommend checking the weather forecast in Norway ahead of your trip. That way, you can make sure you choose a day with pleasant weather to enjoy the lake and avoid any heavy rain.
- Pack some drinks and snacks – As Lake Snasavatnet is in a fairly remote area, it’s a great idea to bring along some of your favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy during the day to make sure to keep yourself energized and hydrated.
- Wear a waterproof coat and shoes – Stay cozy and dry during your time at Lake Snasavatnet by wearing waterproof outer layers. A rain-resistant coat and waterproof shoes will be particularly helpful.
Explore Norway For Yourself During Your Own Epic Vacation
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