Lovatnet Lake
Vestland
Lovatnet Lake, located in Stryn Municipality in Vestland county, Norway, is a spectacular natural feature fed by meltwater from the Jostedalsbreen and Tindefjellbreen glaciers. It lies near the village of Loen and is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the nearby Skåla. The lake is notable for receiving water from Ramnefjellsfossen, one of the world's highest waterfalls, cascading from 818 meters. Lovatnet is composed of three basins with depths reaching up to 138 meters, and it has a unique flat bottom formed by sedimentation over thousands of years. Historically, the lake is infamous for two devastating landslide-triggered megatsunamis in 1905 and 1936, which caused massive destruction to nearby villages, claiming over 130 lives combined and reshaping the local landscape. Today, Lovatnet attracts visitors with its breathtaking scenery, glacier-fed waters, and poignant reminders of its turbulent past, including the wreck of the tourist boat "Lodalen" stranded inland by the 1936 wave. The lake's pristine natural setting and dramatic history make it a unique and compelling destination in Norway's fjord region.
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Tip: The best time to visit Lovatnet is during the summer months when weather conditions are favorable for sightseeing and boat tours. Visitors are advised to book boat trips in advance, especially during peak season, to explore the lake safely and comfortably. While there are no specific ticket prices mentioned, discounts may be available for groups or families. Be sure to check local information centers for updates on weather and trail conditions, as the area is mountainous and can be challenging. Guided tours can enrich the experience by providing historical context about the megatsunamis and local geology.
Interesting facts
- •Ramnefjellsfossen waterfall feeding Lovatnet is among the highest waterfalls globally at 818 meters tall.
- •The 1905 landslide generated three megatsunamis up to 40.5 meters high, destroying villages and killing 61 people.
- •The 1936 landslide produced even larger megatsunamis, with the highest reaching 74 meters, resulting in 74 fatalities and widespread destruction.
- •The wreck of the tourist boat "Lodalen" was thrown hundreds of meters inland by the megatsunamis and remains a poignant historical landmark.
- •Lovatnet's lake bottom is unusually flat due to sedimentation over approximately 9,000 years.
History
Lovatnet Lake has a dramatic history marked by two major landslide disasters in the 20th century.
In 1905, a massive landslide from Ramnefjellet fell into the lake, triggering megatsunamis up to 40.5 meters high that devastated villages and killed 61 people.
Despite geological assessments suggesting low future risk, a second, even larger landslide occurred in 1936, generating waves as high as 74 meters.
This catastrophe destroyed farms, homes, and infrastructure, killed 74 people, and led to the depopulation of the affected areas.
These events are significant in Norwegian natural disaster history and have shaped local settlement and safety measures.
Place Guide
Ramnefjellsfossen Waterfall
A tiered horsetail waterfall with a total height of 818 meters, considered one of the highest waterfalls in the world. It feeds Lovatnet Lake with meltwater from the Ramnefjellbreen glacier, an arm of Jostedalsbreen.
Lovatnet Lake Basins
The lake consists of three distinct basins: the inner basin about 2 km long and 35 meters deep, the middle basin about 5 km long and up to 138 meters deep, and the outer basin about 3 km long and around 90 meters deep. These basins feature steep underwater slopes and a flat bottom formed by sedimentation over thousands of years.
Lodalen Tourist Boat WreckEarly 20th century
The wreck of the motorboat "Lodalen" was thrown hundreds of meters inland by the megatsunamis of 1905 and 1936. It remains visible near the southern end of the lake as a reminder of the disasters.
