Prestvannet Lake

Overview

Prestvannet Lake is a beautiful urban lake located in the heart of Tromsø, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Arctic Cathedral. It's a popular spot for walking, picnicking, and birdwatching, especially during the midnight sun season.

Prestvannet Lake is a significant natural landmark in Tromsø, providing a peaceful escape within the city and a habitat for various bird species.

Nature Reserve Birdwatching

Location

Address

Prestvannetveien, Tromsø, Norway

Neighborhood: City Center

Coordinates

69.649900, 18.955400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 24 hours (public access)

tuesday 24 hours (public access)

wednesday 24 hours (public access)

thursday 24 hours (public access)

friday 24 hours (public access)

saturday 24 hours (public access)

sunday 24 hours (public access)

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May - August

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds and better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

2 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Cold to mild

• Birdwatching
• Nature walks

summer

Mild to warm

• Midnight sun
• Outdoor concerts

autumn

Mild to cold

• Autumn colors
• Northern lights (late autumn)

winter

Cold and dark

• Northern lights
• Snowy landscape

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress in layers, as weather can change rapidly
Bring binoculars for birdwatching
Check for guided tours and events

What to Bring

essential

Warm clothing (in winter) Comfortable walking shoes Camera

seasonal

Sunscreen and hat (in summer) Ice grips for shoes (in winter)

not allowed

Drones (without permission) Littering

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate

• Uneven paths can be slippery, especially in winter
• Be aware of thin ice in winter

Medical facilities: Nearest medical facility: Tromsø University Hospital (5 km away)

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Typical Costs

entry Free

parking Free

food Varies

souvenirs Varies

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Dress in layers and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, Walking or hiking shoes, Inappropriate or dangerous attire

Booking Tips

• Not usually required for general visits, but recommended for tours and events
• Official tourism website or local tour operators
• Varies by tour or event
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Visit Tromsø

Size: 30 MB

Features: Maps and navigation, Event calendars, Tourist information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Nearby cafes and restaurants, Public areas in the city center

Charging Stations: Not specified

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Tromsø Airport (TOS)

Distance: 5 km

Travel Time: 10-15 minutes

Taxi

$20-25 10-15 min

Public transport

$4 20-25 min

From City Center

Distance: 1-2 km

Walking

Free 15-20 min

Biking

Free (if using a rented or personal bike) 10 min

Bus

$4 10-15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Prestvannet Lake is a beloved urban oasis where locals enjoy nature, outdoor activities, and a sense of community

Historical Significance: The lake has been a central part of Tromsø's landscape and cultural life for centuries, serving as a source of food, transportation, and recreation

Insider Tips

The best spots for northern lights viewing are often less crowded and require a short walk from the main paths
Local cafes and restaurants near the lake offer great views and traditional Norwegian dishes

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Polar Museum for a deeper understanding of Arctic history
• Try local delicacies at the nearby cafes and restaurants
• Take a guided birdwatching tour to learn about the local avian species

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hei

thank_you Takk

where_is Hvor er

how_much Hvor mye koster

beautiful Vakker

ticket Billett

Guide Languages: Norwegian, English, Other languages depending on the tour

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Viewpoint near the Arctic Cathedral

Best Time: Late afternoon (in summer) or around midday (in winter for northern lights)

Tips: Use the cathedral as a foreground for scenic shots

Result: Stunning images of the lake with the cathedral or mountains in the background

#Prestvannet #Tromso #Norway #LakeView #ArcticCathedral

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas of the lake and surrounding paths

prohibited areas Private properties and restricted areas

flash photography Allowed but may disturb wildlife

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Allowed with permit

tripod policy Allowed

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Landmark

Polar Museum

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum

Tromsø Cathedral