Vänern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vänern |
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From Hjortens Udde
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Detail map of the lake with surroundings
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| Coordinates | 58°55′N 13°30′E / 58.917°N 13.500°E |
| Primary inflows | Klarälven |
| Primary outflows | Göta älv |
| Basin countries | Sweden |
| Surface area | 5,650 km² |
| Average depth | 27 m |
| Max. depth | 106 m |
| Water volume | 153 km³ |
| Surface elevation | 44 m |
| Islands | Brommö, Djurö, Fågelö, Hammarö, Kållandsö, Lurö |
Vänern is a huge lake located in southern Sweden. It is the largest lake in Sweden and the third-largest lake in all of Europe! Imagine a lake so big it feels like an inland sea. Vänern is a very important natural landmark for Sweden.
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What Makes Lake Vänern Special?
Lake Vänern is truly massive. It covers an area of about 5,650 square kilometers (2,180 square miles). That's bigger than some small countries! Its deepest point goes down 106 meters (348 feet), which is like stacking 30-story buildings on top of each other.
How Deep is Lake Vänern?
The average depth of Lake Vänern is around 27 meters (89 feet). But in some spots, it plunges much deeper. The deepest part is 106 meters (348 feet) down. This makes it a very deep lake, holding a huge amount of water.
Where Does Vänern's Water Come From?
The main river flowing into Lake Vänern is the Klarälven. This river brings fresh water from the north. The water then flows out of Vänern through the Göta älv river. This river eventually reaches the sea.
Exploring Vänern's Islands
Lake Vänern is home to many islands. Some of the well-known islands include Brommö, Djurö, Fågelö, Hammarö, Kållandsö, and Lurö. These islands add to the lake's beauty and offer places for wildlife and people to explore.
What Can You Do on Vänern's Islands?
Many of Vänern's islands are protected nature reserves. They are great places for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying nature. Some islands have unique plants and animals that thrive in the lake environment.
Wildlife in Lake Vänern
Lake Vänern is home to many different kinds of fish. It's a popular spot for fishing. You can find species like salmon, trout, and pike here. The lake's clear waters and varied depths create good homes for these fish.
What Animals Live Around the Lake?
Besides fish, many birds live near Lake Vänern. You might see eagles, ospreys, and various waterfowl. The shores and islands provide important nesting and feeding grounds for these birds.
Lake Vänern's History
Lake Vänern has been important to people for thousands of years. It was formed after the last Ice Age, when glaciers melted and carved out the land. People have lived around its shores since ancient times, using the lake for transport, fishing, and trade.
How Was Lake Vänern Formed?
About 10,000 years ago, huge ice sheets covered much of Europe. As these glaciers melted, they left behind massive amounts of water. This water filled the deep valleys and depressions carved by the ice, forming lakes like Vänern.
Images for kids
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On the country map, Vänern is the lake to the left of the slit-shaped Vättern in the south
See also
In Spanish: Lago Vänern para niños
