Lake Vättern is a legendary lake known not only for its mirages, great depth and strong storms, but also for its beauty. In terms of size, it is the second largest in Sweden and the fifth largest in Europe. This lake is the heart of an extraordinarily beautiful, exciting and adventurous cultural area.
Historical sites, attractions and countryside are complemented by a wide range of services and activities. Hotels, guest houses, youth hostels, cottages, camping, golf, fishing, sailing, canoeing, cycling… There is always a place and something to do.
General information
Lake Vättern is located in Sweden, southeast of Lake Vänern and between the administrative region of Västra Götaland and Östergötland. Surface area - 1912 sq. km, length - 135 km, width - 31 km, maximum depth - 128 m and height above sea level - 89 meters. It is a long, finger-shaped body of fresh water pointing towards the edge of Scandinavia. A lake known for its dangerous currentsflows east across the Motala River into the B altic Sea.
One of the etymologies for the name Vättern is the Swedish word "vatten" meaning water. However, this origin is unclear and disputed. It has also been suggested that the source of the lake's name is the archaic term vätter, meaning forest or lake spirits.
Lake Vättern is bounded by rocks to the east and west. There are several harbors and islands, one of them is Visingsö with an area of 24.5 square kilometers. The region around the lake developed after 1832 with the opening of the Göta navigable canal, which passes through the lake and continues to Stockholm at Motala.
Sightseeing and leisure
Worth visiting on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern are St. Bridget's Monastery (circa 1383), Kloster Kyrkan (monastery church, 1395-1424), also known as the Blue Church of bluish-gray limestone, Vadstena Abbey and the 16th-century castle of King Gustav I Vasa. The castle was built by the king in 1545 as a fortress, and the abbey dates even earlier. On the western coastline there is the resort of Hjo, established in the late 18th century and still thriving. Carlsborg Fortress on the same shore is a favorite tourist stop.
Vizingzo Island has the ruins of the castles of the first kings of Sweden, many cycle routes, herb gardens, horse-drawn carriages, a harbour, a campsite and a ferry connection to the mainland. Tourists are attracted by a variety of annualsports and cultural events, including the Waternrundan, a 300 km bike ride along Lake Watern in mid-June. The event brings together about 17,000 cyclists from all over the world.
Fishing on the lake
Vattern is a great fishing spot. The coastline is 642 km, in many places high cliffs provide a beautiful view of the lake. In the photo of Lake Vättern, you immediately pay attention to the crystal clear water, which allows you to see 15 m deep and accommodates about 31 species of fish. There are four types of salmon fish in the lake: Atlantic freshwater salmon, Arctic char, lake brown trout and grayling. Along with them live the largest pikes in Sweden. Fishing is mainly focused on char and salmon. Most of the other species are widely distributed throughout the lake and are sometimes difficult to find. No matter what you want to catch, a professional fishing guide will help you choose the right spot.
Regulations for sport fishing on Lake Vättern
Read these fishing regulations and recommendations for tourists from abroad:
- No fishing license required. Line fishing for personal use is permitted throughout the lake. This applies to fly fishing and other baits that do not require the use of a boat.
- Anything other than a fishing rod and equipment required for trolling is prohibited. For example, nets, traps and longline fishing.
- There is a daily limit of 3 fish of three salmon species. All other catch must be released.
- Find out the minimumallowed size for caught fish. All fish below it, measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, should be released unharmed.
- One hook, one bait. Live bait is not recommended.
- It is forbidden to transport live fish between water bodies.
- There is a map where closed areas are marked. All fishing is prohibited in private waters and inside enclosed areas from 15 September to 30 November. However, sport fishing is allowed if no boat is required. Trout or Arctic char caught should be released immediately.
- Salmon and trout fishing is prohibited in all input streams from September 15 to December 31.
Private property
In Sweden, the right to fish in most lakes is owned by private individuals, usually the landowner. Fishing outside private waters is owned by the state and is free to the public. Private water is all water within 300 m of the shore and adjacent parts outside with a depth of less than 3 m. This also applies to water. surrounding the islands over 100 m long. All water in the northern archipelago is private, as are Hargeivik and Mothalaviken bays.
