The Kingdom of Sweden is a state on the Scandinavian Peninsula, where about 10% of the entire territory is covered with lakes. According to the most conservative estimates, there are about 100 thousand of them, and all of them are famous for the transparency and amazing beauty of their waters, a rich variety of fish. The largest are Lake Vänern and Vättern.
Most of these bodies of water formed during the ice age, so they are all freshwater.
Third largest in Europe
Practically everyone has heard of Lake Onega and Ladoga. And that they are the largest in all of Europe. But, few people have heard that Lake Vänern is in third place in this rating. The area of the reservoir is 5,650 square kilometers. With a maximum width of 80 km and a length of 140 km. In addition, the lake is the largest in Sweden.
The deepest point is 106 meters, the average depth is 27 meters. The reservoir is located at an altitude of 44 meters above sea level. The freeze-up is unstable and begins in December and lasts until April.
The lake is also the freshest on the planet, the composition of the water is close to distilled.
General characteristics
It is believed that Lake Vänern was formed about 10 thousand years ago, during the period when the ice age ended. During the movement of ice, a soft layer of soil was removed in this place, and the resulting pit was filled with water. And so the lake was born. It has a light blue tint, which indicates the almost complete absence of s alts in the water.
The coast is characterized by a rocky-wooded surface, the entrance to the reservoir is low. The coast has many bays and bays. The water level is almost always constant.
Islands
There are many islands on the lake, the largest in area covers 57 square kilometers and majestically flaunts Leske Castle and the Transberg estate. The island is called Kollandse. The second largest piece of land is called Turse and its area is 62 sq. km. The third largest island on the list is Hammare (47 sq. Km.).
In the center of the waters of Lake Vänern lies the Jure archipelago. Reference: an archipelago is a group of islands that, as a rule, have a common geological structure and are identical in origin. The Jure archipelago is part of the country's national park. In general, there are about 22 thousand islands on the lake.
An interesting fact is that in the 16th century, people lived on some of the islands of the Jure archipelago. The men fished and the women cultivated the land. But after some time it became clear that the scarce island lands would not be able to feed the people and they left them. There were no more attempts to settle on these islands.
Waterways
30 rivers flow into the lake, the largest ofwhich Karelvee. The river Geta Elv, known for its beautiful waterfall, originates from the reservoir.
The lake is part of Sweden's Blue Ribbon. There is a hydroelectric dam on the reservoir. Navigation is well developed here, and the waterway between Gothenburg and the capital has been in use for more than 150 years. The lake is also a crossing from the North to the B altic Sea, so there are several ports. The largest include: Mariestad, Karlstad, Lidkoping, Kristinehamn and Vänersborg.
Inhabitants of the reservoir
Lake Vänern in Sweden boasts a huge amount and variety of fish. Diversity is represented by 35 species of fish. By the way, in the country it is allowed to fish everywhere, but not with nets. The most common include: trout, pike perch, salmon, perch, moment, vendace. For this reason, competitions are held very often in the country and, as a rule, for the biggest catch. After all, some representatives of the underwater world reach 20 kilograms.
On the banks of the reservoir you can meet many birds. These are herons, gulls, ibis, terns, loons. In general, about 20 species of birds live here. And on some islands you can even meet fallow deer.
Rest
In addition to fishing, there are bike paths and hiking trails on the banks of the lake. There are special places for barbecue lovers. On the lake itself, you can ride a yacht or pleasure boat.
History lovers can visit a museum entirely dedicated to this beautiful body of water. Here are stored historical finds, objectsViking life and other unique items.
The Blue Eye of Sweden
Back in 2010, Lake Vänern was included in the list of protected reserves by UNESCO. In the 70s of the last century, the country's environmentalists were able to prevent a catastrophe. In those days, pulp and paper mills worked on the banks, which polluted the reservoir. After a long struggle, the enterprises were closed. To date, the reservoir conducts annual monitoring of the ecological purity of these waters.
Where is Lake Vänern?
The reservoir is located in the so-called Middle Sweden, in the southwest of the country. According to the administrative structure, it belongs to several provinces and is located between the regions of Svealand and Gotaland.
There are organized excursions from three provinces to the lake. From Stockholm you can get on your own by bus, which follows in the direction of Swebus and Tagab. Autotourists need to move along the routes E18 and E20. The distance from the capital to the lake is 300 kilometers.
