Granvin: Nature and Culture by Granvinsvatnet

Granvin is shaped for visitors by Granvinsvatnet, natural areas and cultural sites. The lake is in Vestland, in the municipality of Voss, just north of the inner end of Granvinfjord. It covers 4.3 square kilometres and lies 23 metres above sea level. If you are looking for a hotel in Granvin, you can decide what to prioritise when planning your trip: the landscape and nature, or the church, route and museum.

Granvinsvatnet and its nature

Granvinsvatnet was dammed by a terminal moraine at the end of the last Ice Age. High mountains surround the lake, and National Road 13 runs along its eastern shore. It drains into the fjord via the fish-rich Granvinelva. The lake is also known for its high fish production. Rare and demanding bird and plant species are found in its delta areas.

The Joberget and Granvindeltaet nature reserves are at the northern end of the lake. Joberget Nature Reserve lies on the north side of Granvinsvatnet and covers 400 decares of elm-lime forest with warmth-loving flora. This gives nature enthusiasts different ways to take in the lake, the delta areas and the distinctive forest flora.

Church, route and museum

Nearby Granvin kyrkje is a typical example of 18th-century church architecture. Its history and age make it an important cultural monument, and its interior is also richly decorated and of cultural-historical interest. It is therefore a cultural focal point in Granvin in its own right.

The route “Granvin - Ulvik - Allmenningsvegen - via Furesetvegen” starts at the bus stop by Granvin kyrkje. Along the way, it offers views of Granvinsvatnet and towards Vassenden. Granvin bygdemuseum in Eide, in the centre of Granvin, displays Johan Havaas’s botanical collection as well as examples of older building styles. The collection and the building styles offer two distinct cultural themes: botany and architectural history.

Swimming in the lake

Granvinsvatnet is recommended for swimming when it is ice-free. The lakebed is gravelly, so socks or shoes are recommended. If you are planning to swim, take both details into account: the condition for the recommendation and the note about the lakebed.

Voss as a wider travel destination

The wider travel destination of Voss offers other cultural and excursion highlights. Mølstertunet is a historic farmstead with 16 buildings, large and small, preserved in their original location. Finnesloftet was built in 1295, is a national monument and is considered Norway’s oldest non-ecclesiastical wooden building. The Voss Gondol runs year-round from the train and bus station in Voss to Mount Hanguren, which is 820 metres high; the journey takes less than nine minutes. Check the timetable before your trip. Voss is accessible by train from Bergen and Oslo; you can also travel by bus or car. The station is the town’s transport hub. Check these connections before your trip too.

Discover more destinations: Granvin, Sund, Ulvik, Fedje, Ullensvang, Modalen, Fusa, Voss

To the wider travel overview: Hordaland.