Photo. Vansjø, Vansjo, Lake Vansjø, Vannsjø, Moss in Norway. © Katariina Raukko. The photo was taken on a dark evening in Moss by Katariina Raukko from Finland on 6th September 2011.
Lake Vansjø is located in the region of Moss near the capital Oslo in Norway. This region is for genuine adventurers. It has a beautiful countryside, the ydillic peninsula of Jeløya, wooden hills and dense pristine forests. Moss offers an abundance of trails and paths, but most exciting is venture out on the off beaten tracks. There you can discover Viking heritages and other historical sites.
When it comes to wildlife adventures at Lake Vansjø, it offers many activities in the beautiful landscape: hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, bathing, canoeing, kayaking and exploring of historical sites.
With a coastline of over 20 mil is Vansjø one of the largest lakes. Vansjø united all the municipalities in the region. The Vansjø landscape is full of fjords, islands, islets and inlets, which are wonderful for outdoor recreation and nature experiences.
Vansjø is the largest lake in the county Østfold with an area of 36.9 km² and an estimated coastline of about 250 km. Etymologically the name likely derives from "Varna sjor", the ancient name of the district of Rygge.
Ever since Stone Age people settled here for the 4000-5000 years ago, the lake served as a waterway and rich source for food. Still, there are remains of Stone Age settlements and burial mounds around Vansjø. You can also explore remains of village forts from the migration time for approximately 1500 years ago. Nearby you can explore the mysterious historical site from the Stone Age called Heller, Helleren.
An abundance of bird life can be observed at Vansjø. Swans, grey herons, many different types of duck and a few rare wading birds, as well as ospreys, can be found here. A number of nature reserves have been set up to protect the abundant bird life.
In the lake there are 16 types of fish; perch, zander, pike and eel are the most plentiful.
The best way to experience the diversity and beauty of nature on Lake Vansjø is by boat. The lake is particularly suitable for canoeing and kayaking.
Stein Morten Lund,13th September 2011
Additional information
Read more about the Moss region in Norway on our global travel guide Travel Explorations: www.TravelExplorations.com.
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