Jonsvatnet: a lake district with many facets

Jonsvatnet is not a uniform lake: the lake district comprises three basins that are almost separate from one another: Litjvatnet, Storvatnet and Kilvatnet. Together with the deeply indented shoreline, its many bays and islands, this division shapes the character of the area. Jonsvatnet lies in the eastern part of the municipality of Trondheim and is by far the largest and deepest lake in its surroundings. If you are looking for a holiday rental for a stay filled with water, nature and outdoor activities, the lake offers several ways to plan your trip.

Lake landscape and surroundings

The distinctive shape of the shoreline and the division into three basins give Jonsvatnet a varied appearance. The lake lies at the centre of the Vikelva water system, which is important for outdoor recreation. Haukås Statsallmenning is also located by Jonsvatnet. In addition to its importance for recreation, the lake plays an important role in the water supply: it is the main water source for the municipalities of Trondheim and Malvik and a reserve water source for the municipality of Melhus. Nature experiences and a vital role for the surrounding municipalities thus meet in this place.

Fishing across several waters

Jonsvatnet is the central lake in the Jonsvannsområdet fishing-permit area. This permits recreational fishing in 28 lakes and ponds. At Jonsvatnet, rod fishing is permitted from the shore or from a boat. Those interested in Arctic char can also consider Storvatnet, where there is a very large population of this fish species. The fishing waters of Haukås Statsallmenning are also part of the Jonsvannsområdet fishing-permit area.

Crayfish fishing has its own requirements: at Jonsvatnet, Litjvatnet and Kilvatnet, both a fishing permit and permission from the relevant landowner are required. If you are planning your stay primarily around fishing, this distinction helps you choose the right waters and activities. This also means that people travelling together can pursue different interests around the lake, without everyone needing to focus on the same thing.

Winter at Jonsvatnet

In winter, tour skating, known in Norwegian as Turskøyting, is one of the popular activities on Jonsvatnet and offers nature experiences. Because of the lake’s hydromorphological conditions, its areas and bays often freeze over at different times. This is a feature of the lake’s deeply indented landscape and does not affect just one stretch of shoreline. There is also a large outdoor recreation area around Jonsvatnet, with prepared ski trails in winter. If you are planning a trip with winter activities, you can choose between tour skating on the lake and cross-country ski trails in the surrounding outdoor recreation area.

Agricultural heritage and getting there

The farms at Øvre Jervan are also part of the area’s history: they are among the most outstanding examples of the former agricultural culture around Jonsvatnet. This cultural perspective on the landscape complements the activities on the water and outdoors.

The road journey from Trondheim follows the E6 exit onto Omkjøringsveien at Moholt, then continues along Jonsvannssveien to Jonsvatnet and the lake’s southeastern end. The road around Jonsvatnet is also used for cycling training rides. You can also find other destination pages for Heimdal and Trondheim.

Back to the main travel overview: Trondheim.