Today we would like to invite you to visit Lake Vättern.
Lake Vättern is the second largest lake in Sweden and is located in the central south of the country.
Size and location
Vättern is long and narrow. Its surface area is 1,900 square kilometres, and it is the second largest lake in Sweden both in terms of surface area and volume (73.5 km³). Compared to other European lakes, Vättern is the sixth largest lake in Europe.
The water depth reaches up to 120 meters in some places and visibility can be up to 17 meters.
Lake Vättern lies between the historical provinces of Västergötland and Östergötland.
The bigger brother of Lake Vättern, Lake Vänern , is located about 50 kilometers to the northwest.
The unique Lake Vättern is known for its clean and crystal clear water. It has long, white sandy beaches, steep cliffs and an archipelago with hundreds of islands.
Cities along Lake Vättern
Because of the length of the lake, there are also several larger towns on Vättern. On the southern shore are Jönköping and Huskvarna . On the western shore are Hjo* and Karlsborg . On the northern shore is Askersund . On the eastern shore of Vättern is Motala .
In the southern part is the island of Visingsö, directly opposite the small town of Gränna.
Some of the most remarkable islands in Vättern
Visingsö is the largest island in Lake Vättern and is known for its historical ruins and picturesque nature.
The small island of Torsö offers beautiful beaches and hiking trails. On Alvastra you can still find the remains of a medieval monastery. On the idyllic island of Sjövik you will find various holiday homes as well as beautiful bathing opportunities and of course Västanå , a small island with its lighthouse and viewing point.
Last but not least, the Ombo archipelago . The Ombo archipelago is located about 16 km north of Karsborg. Here you will find clear lagoons, natural harbors and spectacular rock formations.
Things to do at Lake Vättern
Lake Vättern offers a variety of activities, be it water sports, fishing, cycling or relaxation at the picturesque bathing areas.
Water sports : Water sports are a key sport when you are right by Lake Vättern. Here you can go sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or stand-up paddling along the beach. However, be aware that the lake can sometimes have unpredictable winds and high waves due to its location between the southern Swedish highlands and the Östergötland plains.
Boat tours : If you prefer to go on a boat tour, you will also find various options. From the Göta Canal there are boat trips on Lake Vättern. For example, you can sail to the island of Visingsö and discover the exciting Visingborg Castle.
Fishing : Lake Vättern offers a wide range of fishing opportunities. The lake is rich in fish, with species such as char, pike and pollock. A fishing license is not required for normal sport fishing.
Bathing spots and sandy beaches : When the weather is sunny and warm, you will find numerous bathing spots and sandy beaches. These include Vättersvallen in Brevik, Djäknasundet in Karlsborg and Varamo Baths in Motala - Northern Europe's longest inland lake beach.
Bicycle tour : For cycling enthusiasts there is the Vättern circular route. This round trip goes around Lake Vättern and is approximately 310 km long.
Round trip : If you want to go around Lake Vättern, you should expect to travel around 300 km. The route is ideal for a short car trip or a campervan tour. Various towns and small villages on Lake Vättern are also worth a visit.
How Lake Vättern was formed and where the water comes from
Lake Vättern is a so-called burial basin that was formed four to five hundred million years ago by a geological fault in the bedrock along the eastern shore. This fault is also visible above the water surface as large hills that protrude into the landscape around the lake.
There are many ways in, but only one way out
One third of the lake's water comes from snow and rain that falls directly onto the lake's surface. The water that falls on land in Lake Vättern's catchment area flows into the lake via small shallow streams and deep groundwater flows in the soil. It then flows out of the lake into the outflow where the shore is at its lowest. However, there is a lot of water in the lake compared to the small amount of water that flows into Lake Vättern each year.
The water of Lake Vättern remains for a long time
It takes an average of sixty years for a raindrop falling into the catchment area to travel from one of the tributaries into the lake and finally flow back out again.
If you are in the region, we warmly invite you to visit Lake Vättern. Here you can experience great cities and fabulous nature and, if the visibility is good, you can see the other end of the lake.
Conclusion
When I first saw Lake Vänern, I was overwhelmed by its size and beauty. The peace and serenity I felt there touched me deeply. Sailing on the clear waters of the lake and experiencing nature gave me a feeling of freedom and relaxation. Every day at Lake Vänern is an unforgettable experience for me and I am already looking forward to my next trip there.
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