Top 9 Lakes around Bodø

The lakes around Bodø offer a variety of recreational activities. Popular options include hiking, wild swimming, kayaking, and in winter, ice skating. For instance, Svartnatnet is part of a popular hiking trail to Keiservarden, while Tussvatnet is excellent for swimming and has a unique rock formation for jumping. Vatnvatnet is renowned for extensive ice skating routes in winter, and Valnesvatnet is ideal for kayaking.

Yes, several lakes in Bodø are suitable for families. Tussvatnet, for example, offers an easy forest hike and clean water for swimming, with a small cave tunnel that children might enjoy exploring. There's also a gapahuk (shelter) and fireplace for resting. The Bodømarkas Venner Picnic Shelter is another family-friendly facility near a bathing area.

Tussvatnet is highly recommended for swimming, known for its clean water and temperatures that can exceed 20 degrees Celsius in summer. It also features 'Tussen,' a rock formation with various jump-off points. The Bodømarkas Venner Picnic Shelter is located near a nice bathing area as well.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June-August) is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and hiking in warmer weather. Winter (December-March) transforms many lakes, like Vatnvatnet and Tussvatnet, into popular spots for ice skating and snowshoeing, provided the ice is safe.

Absolutely. Many lakes are integrated into hiking networks. For example, Svartnatnet is visited on the popular hike to Keiservarden. Tussvatnet offers an easy forest hike, and Skivikvatnet provides a moderately short forest hike. For more extensive hiking, you can explore trails within Sjunkhatten National Park, which surrounds Heggmovatnet. You can find various running trails, including one around Øvre Vollvatnet and Svartnatnet, on the Running Trails around Bodø guide.

Yes, kayaking is a popular activity. Valnesvatnet is particularly noted for its kayaking opportunities, offering a roughly 16.5 km route around the lake. Vatnvatnet also allows for kayaking, especially in its upper reaches. Børvatnet is another lake suitable for kayaking.

Yes, there are facilities available. The Bodømarkas Venner Picnic Shelter offers a covered picnic bench near a bathing area. Additionally, the Fridal Cabin by the Lake is located within Sjunkhatten National Park and provides barbecue facilities, accessible from a hiking car park.

The lakes often provide stunning natural vistas. For instance, the View of Lakes and Fjord offers expansive views over multiple lakes and the fjord, rewarding a strenuous climb. Lakes like Heggmovatnet, situated within Sjunkhatten National Park, offer pristine natural scenery.

Yes, there are spots suitable for wild camping. The Lakeside Wild Camping Spot is highlighted as a marvelous place to pitch a tent, offering great views and options to camp right by the water, out of sight and hearing of the road.

Vatnvatnet is one of Bodø's most popular lakes for ice skating due to its easy accessibility and sizable surface, offering a 10-12 km round trip when safe. Tussvatnet is also a popular spot for ice skating during winter.

Yes, the Bodø region offers cycling opportunities that may pass by or near some lakes. For example, the 'Soløyvannet Lake – River Rapids View loop' is a moderate cycling route. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Bodø guide.

Yes, Heggmovatnet, a significant water source for Bodø, is entirely surrounded by Sjunkhatten National Park. This offers opportunities for nature observation and hiking within the park's protected areas.