[Countrywide] Mirror lakes: where do you get the best mountain reflections, and in which seasons is the “glass water” most likely?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

I’d love to crowdsource the best “mirror lake” experiences—places where you can realistically catch that perfect reflection without waiting all day.
Reflections depend on wind, time of day, and surrounding terrain, so real-world tips are gold.

If you recommend a lake, please include:

• Season + time of day you got the best reflection (morning often wins)
• Whether the lake is sheltered from wind or usually choppy
• How easy it is to reach the best angle (shoreline access, short path)
• Photo notes (sunrise, clouds, polarizing filters if you used them)

Where have you seen the best reflection—and what condition made it happen (time, season, weather)?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

Early mornings are non-negotiable for mirror lakes, and places like Lovatnet or smaller mountain tarns in Jotunheimen have given me perfect glass when the wind is still half asleep. Late summer and early autumn seem to behave best, when nights are cool and the air hasn’t started its daily tantrum yet. From what I’ve seen, sheltered lakes with steep sides beat big open ones every time, and you usually don’t need fancy gear, just patience and an alarm clock you don’t hate. Anyone had consistent luck with winter reflections, or is that mostly a social media myth?

 

[Alex Turner]

One of the most reliable mirror-lake moments I’ve had was at a small lake just off the road near Sognefjellet in early September. I got there around 7 a.m., and the water was dead calm — mountains perfectly doubled, clouds barely moving. High-altitude lakes work well because the air is still overnight, but once the sun hits, wind usually follows. Access was easy: park, walk a couple of minutes to the shore, no scrambling. I didn’t even bother with a filter, just shot straight into the reflection while it lasted. By 9 a.m. it was gone, so timing really is everything. Did you consider approaching this from the Lom side instead of coming up from the fjord?