By 
A stunning lake among Southern Norway’s majestic mountains and lush forests, Lake Tinnsjøen is a must-visit for nature lovers and keen swimmers. Let’s learn all about the fascinating history of one of Norway’s largest and deepest lakes in this complete travel guide to Lake Tinnsjøen, including where exactly the lake is, how to get there, the best lakeside activities to enjoy and top travel tips for your visit.
All About Norway’s Lake Tinnsjøen or Tinnsjå
At over 51 square kilometers, Lake Tinnsjøen is one of the largest lakes in Norway and it’s also one of the deepest lakes in the whole of Europe, reaching depths of 460 meters. The maximum length of the lake is 35 kilometers and the maximum width is just under 2.5 kilometers, with a total water volume of around 10 cubic kilometers.
Lake Tinnsjøen, also known as Tinnsjå, is fed by both the Måna River in the west and the Mår River in the north. To the south of the lake, there’s a dam that regulates the water level and the lake also drains to the south into the Tinnelva River, then Lake Heddalsvatn.
In 1993, the wreckage of a wartime ferry was discovered in Tinnsjå, which was being used by Germans to transport heavy water samples for nuclear weapons research when it was sunk by the Norwegian resistance.
A new fish species that’s closely related to Arctic char was discovered in Lake Tinnsjøen when a documentary filming crew spotted the fish swimming near the bottom of the lake (at around 430 meters down). They made the discovery of this unusual, translucent fish while recording in 2004 for a documentary about the wartime heavy water ferry sinking.
Where is Lake Tinnsjøen?
Located in the municipalities of Tinn and Notodden in the county of Telemark, Lake Tinnsjøen can be found in the south of Norway not too far from Oslo.
The villages of Austbygdi and Atra lie to the north of the lake, with the village of Miland on the eastern shore and the village of Tinnoset to the south of the lake. On Lake Tinnsjøen’s western edge lies the village of Holvin, which sits atop a hill overlooking the lake.
How to Get to Lake Tinnsjøen
Reaching Tinnsjå from the Norwegian capital of Oslo takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes by car via the E18, E134 and Fv37. Keep in mind that the route requires tolls along the way. The 160 kilometer journey will take you through the port city of Drammen, which lies to the southwest of Oslo, before you reach Lake Tinnsjøen.
If you’re staying in Norway’s second largest city of Bergen and fancy a Norway road trip to Tinnsjå, you’ll need to drive for around 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach the lake. The quickest route takes you along the Rv7 and Fv40 to reach Lake Tinnsjøen and requires tolls along the way.
What to Do at Lake Tinnsjøen
When at Lake Tinnsjøen, here are some of the top things you can do to enjoy your time in this beautiful natural landscape:
- Swim in the crisp mountain water – A popular place for swimmers, Lake Tinnsjøen offers clear mountain water to bathe or swim in.
- Sunbathe on the beach – On sunny days, the sandy beach at Tinnsjå is the perfect place to be. Bring a book or simply relax and soak in the beautiful views. The northern end of Lake Tinnsjøen offers some of the finest sandy beaches in the area.
- Enjoy a relaxing hike around the lake – Where better to walk than around a spectacular lake surrounded by incredible mountains and forests? You can choose to enjoy a simple, relaxing walk or take a more challenging hike depending on your preference.
- Take some stunning photos – Make sure to bring your camera for your trip to Lake Tinnsjøen to capture the incredible natural landscape. If you’re a keen photographer, you might also like to bring a tripod to get the best shots.
- Indulge in a lakeside picnic – Another lovely way to enjoy Lake Tinnsjøen is to bring a picnic to enjoy by the side of the lake, admiring the views and appreciating the delicious food
Top Tips For Visiting Lake Tinnsjøen
Keep these top travel tips in mind to enjoy your time at Lake Tinnsjøen to the max.
- Wear sunscreen and a sun hat – Protect your skin by wearing a high SPF sunscreen and sun hat, especially if you plan to spend time sunbathing at the lakeside beach
- Bring waterproofs – You never know when it might rain, so we recommend packing a light waterproof jacket, even if it’s a sunny day.
- Keep an eye on the weather – As Norway’s weather can change quickly, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the local Norway weather forecast so you can make sure that you’ll be able to enjoy your time at Lake Tinnsjøen.
- Check your route before setting off – Take a look at the up-to-date Norway road conditions to make sure your route is clear before starting your journey.
- Pick up any trash – Help preserve the beauty of Lake Tinnsjøen for the next visitors and look after the environment by picking up any trash and bringing it with you.
Explore Lake Tinnsjøen For Yourself
Who’s excited to spend some quality time in nature at Tinnsjå? Get started with planning your own dream Norway vacation today by finding your campervan rental in Norway, perfect to take you all across the country exploring flowing fjords, amazing forests, glistening lakes and more!
