Vättern is the second largest lake in Sweden and the fifth largest in Europe.
places
- Jonkoping - largest city on the bank of Lake Vättern
- Motala - known for their radio and television broadcasting systems
- Gränna - popular vacation spot
- Askersund - in the very north of the lake
- Karlsborg - at the mouth of the Gota Canal, known for its fortress
Other goals
- The Tiveden National Park
- The bird lake Tåkern
- Visingsö - the largest island on Lake Vättern
background
The Vättern was formed around 600 million years ago by a fault that runs along today's east bank. The lake has an area of 1,885.98 km². The deepest point is 128 meters and is located south of the island of Visingsö. The Vättern is known for its clear, cold water. This is due to the relatively small inflow area and the large average depth of 40 meters. This results in an exchange time of around 60 years.
getting there
By plane
There is a regional airport in Jönköping, the Jonkoping Airport, he flights to and from Gothenburg Landvetter and Stockholm-Arlanda.
By car
From the direction of Stockholm, Vättern can be reached via European route 4. The same applies to those arriving from the south. If you want to go to the lake from Gothenburg, the best way to do this is to take Autobahn 20.
By boat
Vättern can be reached by private boat via the Trollhätte Canal and the Vänern from Gothenburg. On the Göta Canal there is a connection until after Stockholm.
By train
There are regional train stations in Jönköping and Motala, among others.
Tourist Attractions
- . The factory musem of the world-famous Husqvarna company is located directly on the river of the same name.
- . The museum located at the harbor houses an extensive collection of historical vehicles.
- 1 Vadstena Castle, Hamngatan 4, SE-592 30.
- 2 Alvastra Monastery
activities
fishing
Fishing with hand tools is allowed on the whole of Vättern. You can fish, spin, throw, ice or fly fishing from the beach or boat. Trolling is permitted with a maximum of 10 baits at the same time from the boat on general water and outside the open beach. Only one hook is allowed per lure. A maximum of 3 salmon, sea trout, char or grayling may be kept per day and person. Live bait is to be avoided! In addition, it is illegal in Sweden to transport fish between lakes and other bodies of water.
Legal regulations and minimum dimensions (these fish must be brought ashore without being dismantled for controls):
- Salmon 60 cm.
- Sea trout 45 cm
- Char 45 cm
- Pikeperch 40 cm
- Grayling 35cm
- Eel 55 cm
To go biking
The Vättern offers excellent opportunities for cycling. For example, there is the 310 km long Vättern-Sommen cycle path, which leads along the east bank of the lake. There is also a 35 km long bike path on the island of Visingsö.
One of the biggest events in Sweden takes place every June. First held in 1966 Vätternrundan is the largest grassroots cycling event in the world. The start is from Motala in order to circumnavigate Lake Vättern in a clockwise direction. Around 300 km and 1500 meters of altitude are covered. Participation is only possible with prior registration. In addition, only cyclists who will be 18 years of age in the respective year or are correspondingly older are eligible to participate. In 2012 the number of participants is limited to 23,000.
Three other events will take place in the run-up to Vätternrundan. The Tjejvättern is a 100 km long race for women only. The 150 km Halvvättern is the smaller version of the Vätternrundan. There is also a 1.3 or 2.6 km mini leaf for children between 6 and 10 years of age.
hike
There are several hiking trails in the immediate vicinity of Lake Vättern. For example the John Bauerledenwhich of Huskvarna to Gränna leads. The circular route is named after the painter John Bauer and is 59 km long. It is considered an easy hiking trail. In Gränna it then closes Holavedsledenthat until after Tranås to the lake Sommen leads. The path is continuously marked and mostly runs away from traffic roads and larger towns on hiking trails or field and forest paths. There are three rest areas on the route, each equipped with a windbreak, a fireplace and a dry toilet and offering overnight accommodation. The way back is easily possible with a bus that runs between Gränna and Tranås. The difficulty of the route is given as medium.
Regional festivals
At the beginning of August, the crab fishing season begins for four weeks on Vättern. This is also the time of the so-called strength kiva (Cancer festival), which is celebrated all over Sweden, but especially in Östergötland. The festival is held more in a private setting, but there are strength festivals around Vättern (Cancer festivals). For example in Motala, Vadstena, Tidaholm or Ödeshög.
climate
The climate on Lake Vättern is characterized by a lot of sun and a rather warm autumn. On hot days, however, the offshore wind, which carries the cold water upwards, provides cooling. Due to the shape of the lake, the quite high bank and the few islands that serve as wind breakers, the wind can change very quickly from calm to force 6. This can be especially dangerous for inexperienced tourists who fish or go by boat. It is therefore imperative to pay attention to warning notices.
