preloaddefault-post-thumbnail

Search flights to Karlstad

 

In the South West of Sweden lies one enormous body of water. Covering an area of 2,183 square miles (5,655 square kilometres), approximately 80 miles long and more than 40 miles wide Lake Vänern is Europe’s third-largest lake. If travelling beside it you could be forgiven for thinking you were travelling by the coast. When the ice melted from the last ice age the whole of Sweden was under water. The land rose over the periods and lakes like Vänern became trapped inland to give us a natural treasure we can see today.

 

 

There are over 22,000 islands, rocks and islets appearing out of the lake which makes many believe it is the largest freshwater archipelago in the world.

All in all there are so many reasons that visitors flock from the world over to be able to see the beauty in all forms. It would be impossible to count the number of beauty spots surrounding the edge of the lake I am more than sure.

The amount of time exploring and taking it all in could be a time never forgotten. Either around the lake or on the lake via a cruise or boat.

 

 

 

A popular spot for a view is over by the eastern edge of the lake, the hill/ridge of Kinnekulle., near Husaby. On the hill standing at about 300m you can get a dramatic view of and over the lake.

There are many towns around the lake and many have thrived, quite naturally on fishing. At the point where Sweden’s longest river (Klarälven) runs into this, Sweden’s biggest lake is the City of Karlstadt, said to be one of the sunniest places in Sweden 🙂

 

 

The way the lake was formed has meant that freshwater species from the ice age are found uniquely within still. All the freshwater fish you can think of are found too, smelt, trout, eel, whitefish and more. Incidentally the world’s largest salmon at over 20kg (44lbs) was caught in Lake Vänern.

 

 

On the shores of the lake is another must-see, Läckö Castle, north of Lidköping. Once a fortified castle in the 13th Century it has been rebuilt and refurbished and extended throughout time and now a monument with a perfect setting.

 

 

 

Cheap flights to Karlstad

 

Main Image: by Micael Carlsson

About the author

Paul SteeleFounder of BaldHiker.com - Avid wanderer whom loves to share the great sights and hidden treasures of the world. From the mountains of his home in Cumbria to lands far away. Contributes regularly to Cheapflights, Visit Britain and Huffington Post

Explore more articles