Langevatnet is a mountain lake in Møre og Romsdal, on the high road between the Geirangerfjord and the Trollstigen, and it sits in a bleak, beautiful landscape of rock, snow and water. The lake lies at about 1,000 metres, in a bowl surrounded by peaks, and the surface is often still, mirroring the mountains. The nearest towns, Stryn and Stranda, are over thirty kilometres away, so this is a remote place, and the tree line is far below. In summer, the water is glacial blue, and in spring, snowdrifts linger on the banks.
The road you follow is the Geiranger-Trollstigen route, one of the most famous in Norway, running from the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, over the high plateau and down the Trollstigen, the Troll's Ladder. The road climbs from the fjord with eleven hairpins known as the Eagle Road, Ørnesvingen, and then continues over the mountains, passing lakes and snowfields. Most of the road is narrow and winding, with sheer drops and few barriers in places, and the surface is generally good. Tour buses are frequent in summer, so ride early or late.
The weather can be extreme. Even in July, the temperature at the lake can be a few degrees above freezing, and rain, fog and wind are common. In winter, the road is closed by snow, typically from October to May, and the date of opening depends on the avalanche risk and the clearing of the drifts. Keep warm layers close, and be careful of wet, slippery surfaces. In the thick fog, the road can disappear, so slow down.
The area is also rich in nature. Golden eagles and ptarmigan live in the high country, and in some seasons, you may see reindeer or mountain hares. Wildflowers bloom for a short time in July, with a surprising range of colours. There are no services at the lake, so fuel must be taken in advance at Stryn or Stranda, and food and drink are best brought along. A small kiosk may open in summer, but do not count on it. The silence, interrupted only by the wind, is an experience in itself.