Lake Vänern, for us the sea in the heart of Sweden, is of indescribable size.
It is a place where the water is so clean that you could drink it straight from the lake.
A place where memories are made.
Lake Vänern lies in the provinces of Dalsland in the west, Värmland in the north and Västra Götland in the southeast.
The word “Vänern” is associated with Old Swedish and means “hope”.
With an area of 5,519.1 km² and a volume of 153 km³, it is the largest lake in the country, the largest in the European Union and the third largest lake in Europe after the two lakes in Russia. The average depth of the lake is 27 meters, in some places even 106 meters.
Lake Vänern is 44 metres above sea level.
It is often even referred to as an inland sea. In fact, the area of Lake Vänern is three times as large as that of Sweden's second largest lake, Lake Vättern. Lake Vänern is 75 km wide and 140 km long.
coast
Measuring the length of a coast or beach is difficult because the result depends heavily on the scale of the map. Nevertheless, calculations show that Lake Vänern has a total shoreline of almost 5,000 kilometers, of which 1,790 kilometers are mainland beaches and 2,737 kilometers are island beaches.
Once around Lake Vänern
Many lake travelers also travel by car or camper van, of course - and can thus completely circumnavigate Lake Vänern in a tour lasting several days! You will cover several hundred or even a thousand kilometers, depending on which route you choose.
However, it is worth it, not only because of the varied landscape and beautiful nature, but also because of the many authentic Swedish towns along the way.
Cities on Lake Vänern
There are many large and small towns that are located directly or very close to Lake Vänern. Here we find Trollhättan, Vänersborg and Lidköping on the southern shore of the lake. Mellerud, Åmål and Säffle are on the western shore. Karlstad and Kristinehamn on the northern shore and Mariestad on the eastern shore. Each of these towns offers the opportunity to come into contact with Lake Vänern. The climate and air here are particularly pure.
Islands and beaches
Lake Vänern has no fewer than 22,000 islands and islets, for example in the north of the lake between Karlstad and Kristinehamn . There are also opportunities for island hopping here.
Due to the large number of islands, the lake's coastline stretches for almost 5,000 km. There are countless beaches and places to swim and relax. This means that Lake Vänern offers every visitor the opportunity to find their "private" beach and favorite spot. Some beaches have long, shallow waters, which makes it very pleasant for small children, for example.
In the summer months, the lake can reach a water temperature of 20 degrees in some regions – ideal for cooling off.
fishing
There are about 38 species of fish in Lake Vänern. Anglers make a pilgrimage to Lake Vänern every year to fish for Vänern salmon and pike, while professional fishermen concentrate on Vänerlöjrom. Every year, salmon and trout weighing over 10 kilos are caught in Lake Vänern. Nowhere in Europe is it easier to catch a salmon in the 5 kilo class than in Lake Vänern.
There is freehand fishing in Lake Vänern, which means you do not need a fishing license. For sustainable fishing, it is still important that everyone fishing in Lake Vänern follows the existing fishing rules.
Cycling around Sweden’s largest lake
The Vänerleden is a circular trail that goes around Sweden's largest lake. The trail is 640 km long and divided into four stages (which are in turn divided into daily stages). Along the Vänerleden trail you will experience the most beautiful beaches of Lake Vänern, beautiful nature and the proximity to the lake. There are also many sights, cozy town centers, cafés and bike-friendly accommodation.
The cycle path is divided into different routes depending on the location. There is an endless amount to discover along the Vänerleden long-distance cycle path - from leafy forests to open pastures and cozy small towns with a rich cultural offering. What all sections have in common is that the clear waters of Lake Vänern are always nearby and there are many beaches and cliffs for relaxing breaks or a refreshing swim.
On the lake
Since the Göta Canal runs through Lake Vänern, boat tours are an excellent way to explore Lake Vänern from the water. Boat tours are offered in various towns around Lake Vänern, depending on the season of course. If you want to organize and plan your trip yourself, you can also explore Lake Vänern independently by sailboat, canoe or kayak. In the Vänern archipelago, you can easily go island hopping and discover one island highlight after another.
For us, Lake Vänern is an impressive natural wonder. It offers so many wonderful places, lots of nature, even more water and beautiful cities, so what are you waiting for?
Pack your bags and explore Lake Vänern – a place where nature, culture and relaxation come together harmoniously.
Parking and camping
Lake Vänern, Sweden's largest lake, offers numerous parking spaces and campsites in its surroundings. However, due to variable availability depending on location and season, the exact number and location is difficult to determine. We therefore recommend doing thorough research and making reservations in advance, but there are also numerous free parking and camping options right on the water around the lake.
Conclusion
Lake Vänern in Sweden is the largest lake in the country and the third largest in Europe. Its picturesque shores are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and boating. I love walking there and enjoying the peace and beauty of nature. I especially enjoy boating on the lake and fishing. For me, Lake Vänern is a place of relaxation and unforgettable moments that I can only recommend to everyone.
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