Rotevatnet
Canoeing amidst the mountain ranges
Even in winter the lake is a peaceful place
Rotevatnet, the beautiful lake by the foot of Rotsethornet. The path around the lake is around 8km long, and it is very popular for running, walking, cycling and even horse riding.
You can enjoy a bath in the lake at Årneset or Botnasanden, play volleyball at Årneset or rent a row boat or a canoe and go out on the water. In the summer, it is a popular spot for swimming and playing in the water – no matter if you are a Volda local or one of the many international students staying for a semester.
Volda's student association, SIVolda, rents out canoes, SUP boards and a rowboat. The SIVolda boat house was opened in the spring of 2024, and all students can rent the equipment here for free. Naustet, as the boat house is called, is open for renting equipment in the spring, summer and fall, but closes during winter depending on the weather.
Aquatic wildlife
The animal life around the lake is rich and consists of many different animals living in peace by the lake, such as birds, fish and ducks. Rotevatnet is a fresh-water lake with a lot of trout, which means that you are able to fish freely with equipment like a fishing rod and an otter. The fishing club in Volda also rents out row boats, so you can go out on the lake and try out the fishing luck.
Årneset
Within walking distance of the university and the student residences in Volda, Årneset is a versatile yet quiet place. There are three beach volleyball courts, a small changing house and public toilets. The part of Årneset that borders directly on the lake runs flat towards the water, making it perfect for swimming. Coming from the parking lot on the right-hand side, Årneset has a small beach with fine sand. On the left-hand side, behind a small fireplace, there is another dedicated entrance to the water. In summer, buoys mark out a small area with belly-high water. Behind it, it gets a little deeper, and in the summer about 20 meters from the shore there is also a floating platform with a small diving platform.
A small river, called Øyraelva, emerges from the lake and meanders right through Volda into the fjord. Along this river there is a manageable network of dedicated footpaths with small bridge crossings, called Elvadalen. And every fall there is a festivity through Elvadalen displaying sculptures made out of plaster and light set-ups, which is called Øyralangs. Residents of Porse, for example, can reach Årneset via these paths. Årneset is also a suitable destination for a nice walk alongside the river, even without a dip in the lake.
