Lake Vettern is a legendary lake, known not only for its mirages, great depth and severe storms, but also for its beauty. In terms of size, it is the second largest in Sweden and fifth in Europe. This lake is the heart of an unusually beautiful, exciting and adventure cultural district.
Historic sites, attractions and the countryside are complemented by a wide range of services and activities. Hotels, guest houses, youth hostels, cottages, camping, golf, fishing, sailing, canoeing, bike tours … There is always a place and activity to your liking.
general information
Lake Wettern is located in Sweden, southeast of Lake Venern and between the administrative district of Västra Götaland and Östergötland. Surface Area - 1912 sq. km, length - 135 km, width - 31 km, maximum depth - 128 m and height above sea level - 89 meters. It is a long, finger-shaped pond with fresh water, pointing to the edge of Scandinavia. The lake, known for its dangerous currents, flows east through the Motala River into the Baltic Sea.
One of the etymologies for the name Vättern is the Swedish word watten, meaning water. However, this origin is obscure and controversial. It has also been suggested that the source of the name of the lake is the archaic term vätter, that is, forest or lake spirits.
Lake Vettern is bounded by cliffs in the east and west. There are several harbors and islands, one of which is Visingsö with an area of 24.5 square kilometers. The region around the lake developed after 1832 with the opening of the Geta shipping canal, which runs through the lake and continues to Stockholm in Motala.
Attractions and leisure
It is worth visiting the places on the eastern shore of Lake Vettern, where the monastery of St. Bridget (circa 1383), Kloster Kyrkan (monastery church, 1395-1424), also known as the Blue Church from bluish-gray limestone, the abbey of Wadsten and the castle of King Gustav I Vasa of the 16th century. The castle was built by the king in 1545 as a fortress, and the abbey dates back even earlier. On the western coastline is the Hjo resort, created at the end of the 18th century and still flourishing. Carlsborg Fortress on the same shore is a favorite tourist stop.
On the island of Vizingzo are the ruins of the castles of the first kings of Sweden, many cycling routes, grass gardens, horse-drawn carriages, a harbor, camping and ferry services to the mainland. A variety of annual sporting and cultural events attract visitors, including Waterrundan, a 300-kilometer bike ride along Lake Wattern in mid-June. The event brings together about 17, 000 cyclists from around the world.
Fishing on the lake
Vettern is a great fishing spot. The coastline is 642 km, in many places high cliffs provide a beautiful view of the lake. In the photo of Lake Vettern, you immediately pay attention to the crystal clear water, which allows you to see 15 m in depth and accommodates about 31 species of fish. There are four types of salmon fish in the lake: Atlantic freshwater salmon, Arctic char, brown brown trout and grayling. Along with them live the largest pike in Sweden. Fishing is mainly focused on char and salmon. Most other species are very common throughout the lake, and are sometimes difficult to find. No matter what you want to catch, a professional fishing guide will help you choose the right place.
Sport fishing rules on Lake Vettern
Read these fishing rules and recommendations for tourists from abroad:
- A fishing license is not required. Fishing for personal use is permitted throughout the lake. This applies to fly fishing and other baits that do not require the use of a boat.
- Everything except the fishing rod and equipment necessary for trolling is prohibited. For example, nets, traps and longline fishing.
- There is a daily limit of 3 fish of three salmon species. All other catch should be released.
- Find out the minimum size allowed for fish caught. All fish below it, measured from the tip of the nose to the edge of the tail, should be released unharmed.
- One hook - one bait. Live bait is not recommended.
- It is forbidden to transport live fish between water bodies.
- There is a map where closed areas are marked. All fishing is prohibited in private waters and inside closed areas from September 15 to November 30. However, sport fishing is permitted if a boat is not required. Trout or caught Arctic char should be released immediately.
- In all input streams, salmon and trout fishing is prohibited from September 15 to December 31.
