The Kingdom of Sweden is a state on the Scandinavian Peninsula, where about 10% of the entire territory is covered by 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, rich variety of fish. The largest are Lake Venern and Vettern.
Most of these water bodies formed in the ice age, so they are all freshwater.
The third largest in Europe
Almost everyone heard about Lake Onega and Ladoga. And that they are the largest in all of Europe. But, few have heard that Lake Venern is in third place in this ranking. 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.
In the deepest place - 106 meters, the average depth - 27 meters. The pond is located at an altitude of 44 meters above sea level. Freeze-up is unstable and begins in December and lasts until April.
The lake is also the freshest on the whole planet, the composition of the water is close to distilled.
general characteristics
It is believed that Lake Venerne 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 appeared. It has a light blue tint, which indicates the almost complete absence of salts in the water.
The coast is characterized by a rocky-wooded surface, the entrance to the reservoir is low. Shores have many bays and bays. The water level is almost always unchanged.
The islands
There are many islands on the lake, the largest in area occupies 57 square kilometers and the Leske castle and the Transberg estate majestically flaunted on it. The island is called Collands. The second largest piece of land is called Turse and its area is 62 square meters. km The third largest island in the list is Hammare (47 sq. Km.).
In the center of the waters of Lake Venern is the Jure Archipelago. Reference: the archipelago is a group of islands that, as a rule, have a common geological structure and are identical in origin. The Jura Archipelago is part of the country's national park. In total, 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 Jura archipelago. Men fished, and women cultivated the land. But after some time it became clear that the scarce island lands could not 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 of which is Karelvee. The Geta Elv River, famous for its beautiful waterfall, takes its source 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 Gothenborg and the capital has been used for more than 150 years. The lake is also a crossing from the North to the Baltic Sea, therefore there are several ports. The largest include: Mariestad, Karlstad, Lidkoping, Kristinehamn and Venersborg.
Reservoir inhabitants
Lake Venern in Sweden boasts a huge number and varieties of fish. Variety is represented by 35 species of fish. By the way, the country is allowed to fish everywhere, but not by nets. The most common include: trout, pikeperch, salmon, perch, instant, vendace. For this reason, competitions are often held in the country and, as a rule, for the biggest catch. After all, some representatives of the underwater world reach 20 kilograms.
On the shores of the reservoir you can find many birds. These are herons, gulls, ibis, tern, loon. In general, about 20 species of birds live here. And on some islands you can even meet fallow deer.
Relaxation
In addition to fishing, on the shores of the lake there are bike paths and hiking trails. For lovers of barbecue special places are equipped. You can ride a yacht or a pleasure boat on the lake itself.
History buffs can visit the museum, fully dedicated to this beautiful body of water. Historical finds, Viking household items and other unique items are stored here.
Sweden's blue eye
Back in 2010, Lake Venern was included in the UNESCO list of protected reserves. In the 70s of the last century, the country's ecologists were able to prevent a catastrophe. In those days, pulp and paper mills operated on the shores, which polluted the pond. After a long struggle, the enterprises were closed. Today, an annual monitoring of the ecological purity of these waters is carried out in the reservoir.
Where is Lake Venern located?
The pond is located in the so-called Middle Sweden, in the south-west of the country. The administrative structure belongs to several provinces and is located between the regions of Svealand and Getaland.
Organized excursions from three provinces are carried to the lake. From Stockholm you can get on your own by bus, which goes in the direction of Swebus and Tagab. Travelers need to drive along the E18 and E20 highways. The distance from the capital to the lake is 300 kilometers.