Exploring the Past: Submerged Agriculture in Historical Context

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Hellesylt, on the Norwegian west coast, lies a unique and captivating body of water known as Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet. This flooded valley lake, shrouded in history and natural beauty, offers an intriguing blend of underwater archaeology and breathtaking scenery that attracts visitors from far and wide.

The lake's long name, Lygna (meaning slow or quiet), støyl (a mountain summer pasture), and vatnet (meaning lake), hints at the serene and tranquil atmosphere that envelops this enchanting location. However, its history is anything but peaceful. The lake came into being in 1908, following a devastating rockslide that intentionally flooded a small Norwegian village, submerging homes beneath the lake's surface.

Today, divers can still explore the underwater ruins of these farmhouse structures, providing a haunting glimpse into a bygone era. The lake's spectral allure is further enhanced by the presence of a submerged forest, adding to the mysterious and eerie atmosphere that has earned Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet the nickname, "The Screaming Lake of Norway."

Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet is not just a historical curiosity, but also a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The lake's spectacular scenery and often-great visibility, reaching up to 40+ meters, make it an ideal location for capturing stunning images. In fact, Christian Skauge, a former Nordic Champion of underwater photography, often dives in Lygnstøylsvatnet, using either a 10.5 mm fisheye or a 10-17 mm fisheye zoom lens to capture the lake's underwater landscapes.

The lake's shallow depth allows for several different lighting opportunities, making it a popular spot for wide-angle shooting, often without the use of strobes. However, the lake's bottom is beautifully covered in green algae in late summer and fall, which can reduce visibility. The best visibility is usually found in April or May, as soon as the winding mountain road opens after the winter.

Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet is now a notable point of interest for visitors exploring the Hellesylt region. It is featured in nature and adventure tours around Hellesylt, including e-bike tours that highlight its stunning landscape and historical significance. The lake's unique underwater archaeological remains, combined with its scenic beauty, make it a popular spot for photography and exploration.

Christian Skauge, who runs underwater photo and marine biology workshops, writes articles about diving and underwater photography and is published regularly in magazines around the world. His images, often burned out at the top due to the lack of depth and the amount of light hitting the sensor, showcase the lake's beauty and mystery, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the secrets hidden beneath its waters.

References: [1] "Lygnstøylsvatnet - The Screaming Lake of Norway." (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.visitnorway.com/destinations/western-norway/the-western-fjords/lyngstoylsvatnet/ [2] "Lygnstøylsvatnet." (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lygnstøylsvatnet [3] "The Haunting History of Lygnstøylsvatnet, Norway's Screaming Lake." (2019, August 23). Retrieved from https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/lygnstoylsvatnet [4] "Lygnstøylsvatnet - Norway's Hidden Gem." (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.norwaynature.com/lygnstoylsvatnet-norways-hidden-gem/ [5] "E-Biking in Hellesylt, Norway: A Guide to the Best Tours and Attractions." (2021, May 10). Retrieved from https://www.norwaynature.com/ebiking-in-hellesylt-norway/

Exploring the underwater ruins of farmhouse structures in Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet offers a haunting glimpse into a bygone era, earning it the nickname, "The Screaming Lake of Norway."
The lake's tranquil atmosphere, hinted by its name, contrasts with its turbulent history, as it was formed by a devastating rockslide in 1908.
Christian Skauge, a former Nordic Champion of underwater photography, uses various lenses to capture the lake's underwater landscapes, adding to the lake's allure for photographers.
The lake's shallow depth offers various lighting opportunities for wide-angle shooting, often without the use of strobes, making it popular for photographers.
The best visibility in Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet is usually found in April or May, as soon as the winding mountain road opens after the winter.
Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet is a notable point of interest for visitors exploring the Hellesylt region, featured in nature and adventure tours around the area.
Christian Skauge, who runs underwater photo and marine biology workshops, writes articles about diving and underwater photography and is published regularly in magazines around the world.
Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet's beauty and mystery are showcased in Skauge's images, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the secrets hidden beneath its waters.
Visitors to Hellesylt can combine their travel experience with elements of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden, as the region offers a variety of experiences beyond Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet.