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Lake Vanern is the largest lake in Sweden and the 3rd largest in all of Europe stretching a total size of 5,655 kilometres square.
Of all the lakes in Sweden, the biggest is Vanern– a lake that is the left over remnants of a time 10,000 years ago when the whole of Sweden was covered in water. Obviously this is no longer the case, but the legacy that is Vanernprovides both a unique insight into the way that Sweden used to be, as well as an opportunity to experience some of the best activities, sights and people not just in Sweden, but in the whole of the Europe.
Located in the southern regions of Sweden, Lake Vanern dates back to 6500 BC and boasts over 20,000 small islands, islets and rocks making it the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. These scenic spots are some of the major reasons why Sweden is flocked by tourists every year.
In the 1970’s there were many problems with pollution in the lake due to manufacturing standards of local paper factories and other industries. These problems have now been solved and the waters of Lake Vanern are amongst the cleanest to be found in Europe.
The Lake plays host to 35 different species of fish and a number of bird varieties and can only be described as one of the natural beauties of the world. A wonderful spot from which to view the lake is Kinnekulle ridge a short distance from the nearby town of Husaby.
For Swedish wildlife lovers, Vanernboasts a huge range of different bird species as well, making it a popular spot for many people to go to when looking for a bit of “twitching”. Not only are there the expected gulls and terns that most large lakes throughout the world have, but there are also a number of rarer species – including the majestic sea eagle, which has been reinvigorated in the area due to the return of the cormorant. There are also regular sightings of the rare Turnstone and the Black-throated Diver.
Around Vanernthere are a number of different towns, all of which have flourished due to their proximity to this massive lake – which used to provide a perfect source of food and water for a settlement to establish itself with. The largest of these is Karlstad, and this is the perfect place for any traveller to base themselves, with great restaurants, good quality hotels and many places to go out during the night. Just make sure you don’t have too many of the very strong local beers that are regularly sold in this area – unless you have nothing to do for the next morning and have a number of pain killers ready!
Of all the lakes in Sweden, the biggest is Vanern– a lake that is the left over remnants of a time 10,000 years ago when the whole of Sweden was covered in water. Obviously this is no longer the case, but the legacy that is Vanernprovides both a unique insight into the way that Sweden used to be, as well as an opportunity to experience some of the best activities, sights and people not just in Sweden, but in the whole of the Europe.
Located in the southern regions of Sweden, Lake Vanern dates back to 6500 BC and boasts over 20,000 small islands, islets and rocks making it the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. These scenic spots are some of the major reasons why Sweden is flocked by tourists every year.
In the 1970’s there were many problems with pollution in the lake due to manufacturing standards of local paper factories and other industries. These problems have now been solved and the waters of Lake Vanern are amongst the cleanest to be found in Europe.
The Lake plays host to 35 different species of fish and a number of bird varieties and can only be described as one of the natural beauties of the world. A wonderful spot from which to view the lake is Kinnekulle ridge a short distance from the nearby town of Husaby.
For Swedish wildlife lovers, Vanernboasts a huge range of different bird species as well, making it a popular spot for many people to go to when looking for a bit of “twitching”. Not only are there the expected gulls and terns that most large lakes throughout the world have, but there are also a number of rarer species – including the majestic sea eagle, which has been reinvigorated in the area due to the return of the cormorant. There are also regular sightings of the rare Turnstone and the Black-throated Diver.
Around Vanernthere are a number of different towns, all of which have flourished due to their proximity to this massive lake – which used to provide a perfect source of food and water for a settlement to establish itself with. The largest of these is Karlstad, and this is the perfect place for any traveller to base themselves, with great restaurants, good quality hotels and many places to go out during the night. Just make sure you don’t have too many of the very strong local beers that are regularly sold in this area – unless you have nothing to do for the next morning and have a number of pain killers ready!