Hovatn, lake in Norway
Hovatn is a reservoir in the municipality of Bygland in the Agder region, situated at an elevation of about 691 meters. The lake covers roughly 7 square kilometers and is controlled by dams and tunnel systems that direct water to a power station in the valley below.
The lake was first regulated in 1912 with a dam that allowed water to be stored on the highland. A new dam was constructed in 1916, and in 1970 the Hovatn power plant was built to generate electricity for the region.
The lake is accessible via gravel roads from the villages of Åraksbø and Austad and offers opportunities for walking and fishing. The terrain is open and rocky, so visitors should bring appropriate clothing and equipment depending on the season and weather conditions.
Old dam structures are visible at the lake, particularly when the water level is low, dating back to an initial damming project from the 1840s for the copper works industry. These remnants reveal the long history of water power use in the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
