Jølstravatnet is the long lake that runs through the whole Jølster valley. It is about 30 kilometres long, a bit over a kilometre wide, and 233 metres deep at its lowest point, which is deeper than most Norwegian fjords. It sits 207 metres above sea level.
The lake has fed generations of farmers, powered sawmills and trout fisheries, and inspired one of Norway's most important painters. Nikolai Astrup grew up on its shores and spent most of his life painting the hills and water around it. His home, Astruptunet, still stands on the south side and is open as a museum.
The lake is considered the richest trout lake in Northern Europe, with roughly 15 tonnes of Jølster trout caught every year. Cold meltwater from the Jostedalsbreen glacier keeps the water clean and the fish well fed. There is a trout festival in Vassenden at the start of June.
Road 5 runs along the northern shore, the smaller county road 451 follows the southern shore. The southern route is slower but more scenic and passes Astruptunet.
The lake has fed generations of farmers, powered sawmills and trout fisheries, and inspired one of Norway's most important painters. Nikolai Astrup grew up on its shores and spent most of his life painting the hills and water around it. His home, Astruptunet, still stands on the south side and is open as a museum.
The lake is considered the richest trout lake in Northern Europe, with roughly 15 tonnes of Jølster trout caught every year. Cold meltwater from the Jostedalsbreen glacier keeps the water clean and the fish well fed. There is a trout festival in Vassenden at the start of June.
Road 5 runs along the northern shore, the smaller county road 451 follows the southern shore. The southern route is slower but more scenic and passes Astruptunet.