Mälaren facts for kids
Lake Mälaren is a very important lake in Sweden. It is the third largest lake in the country, after Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern. Imagine a huge area of water – Lake Mälaren covers about 1,140 square kilometers! Its average depth is 12 meters, but in some places, it goes down to 64 meters, which is like a really tall building standing on its end.
The water from Lake Mälaren flows from the southwest towards the northeast and eventually reaches the Baltic Sea. This lake is home to two large islands: Selaön, which is 91 square kilometers, and Svartsjölandet, which is 79 square kilometers. Long ago, this lake was known by a different name, Løgrinn.
Lake Mälaren is also famous for its history. Two ancient Viking villages, Birka on Björkö island and Hovgården on the nearby island of Adelsö, are located here. These sites, along with Drottningholm Palace on Lovön island, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1993. This means they are very special places that are important for everyone in the world to protect and learn about.
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History of Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren has a long and interesting history. Thousands of years ago, what is now Lake Mälaren was actually part of the Baltic Sea. Over time, the land slowly rose after the last Ice Age. This process, called post-glacial rebound, caused the connection to the sea to become narrower and shallower. Eventually, around the 12th century, the lake became completely separated from the sea, turning into the freshwater lake we know today.
The lake has been a vital waterway for people for centuries. It was used for travel, trade, and fishing. Many towns and cities grew up along its shores because of its importance for transportation.
Viking Age Settlements
The Viking Age was a time when brave explorers and traders sailed across Europe. Lake Mälaren was a central hub during this period.
- Birka: Located on the island of Björkö, Birka was one of the most important trading centers in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, from about 750 to 975 AD. People from all over Europe and beyond came to trade goods like furs, iron, and silver. It was a busy town with craftsmen, merchants, and warriors. Today, you can visit the remains of this ancient town and imagine what life was like for the Vikings.
- Hovgården: Just across from Birka, on the island of Adelsö, was Hovgården. This was likely where the local king or chieftain lived and ruled. It was the political center that supported Birka's trade. Together, Birka and Hovgården show us how Viking society was organized, with both trade and power working hand-in-hand.
Drottningholm Palace
Another famous site on Lake Mälaren is Drottningholm Palace. This beautiful palace is located on the island of Lovön. It was built in the 17th century and is a fantastic example of European architecture. Today, it is the private residence of the Swedish Royal Family. You can visit parts of the palace and its amazing gardens, which are also part of the World Heritage Site.
Geography and Nature
Lake Mälaren is surrounded by different landscapes, from forests to farmlands. Its many islands and bays create a diverse environment. The lake is an important source of drinking water for many people living in the area, including those in Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden.
The lake is home to various types of fish, including pike, perch, and zander. Many different birds also live around the lake, especially during migration seasons. Protecting the water quality of Lake Mälaren is very important for both people and wildlife.
Images for kids
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The barrow of Björn Ironside (Björn Järnsidas hög) on the island of Munsö, in lake Mälaren, Sweden. The barrow is crowned by a stone containing the fragmented Uppland Runic Inscription 13.
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Mälaren details, with Stockholm urban area to the right in pink.
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