THE LAKES

Both Tunsbergdalsvatnet and Styggevatnet are part of Norways National Grid of Hydropower. During the tours we encourage discussion on nature and energy resources and what better place to think about these issues than where the two meet.

TUNSBERGDALSVATNET was dammed in 1978, making what was once a 2km lake in a flat riverbed, into a 7km long lake. The lake now comes to within 2 km of Norways longest glacier arm, Tunsbergdalsbreen. This lake sits at 478m above sea level when full at the end of the summer, and can be drained 38m vertically for hydropower production. The top 7m of this resovoir holds more than 50% of it's volume!

STYGGEVATNET is a newer project, completed in 1989. This dam resulted in the connection of two small lakes (Styggevatnet and Austdalsvatnet) into a single reservoir 6km length and 90m deep. With its impressive altitude, 1200m above sea level, Styggevatnet represents huge potential for hydropower prodution, with the water dropping 1180m vertically through the hydro turbines, producing the highest 'head-pressure' on any turbines in Northern Europe. The resovoir also holds water that has flooded the Jostedalen valley. Flooding is now a thing of the past for Jostedal locals.

Of course, as well as providing a great source of energy to Norways National Grid, these lakes are now accessible to us by kayak, opening up wonderful, quiet, areas away from the masses, for exploration of glaciers.