Travel Guide Jönköping

Lake Vättern, the second largest in the country with nearly 2,000 km ², is one of the largest in Europe (the 6th precisely). It is 120 km long and about 30 km wide and is divided between four regions (Närke, Östergötland, Småland, Västergötland). This lake is in fact a valley resulting from a rift, which is especially noticeable in its southern part, where the relief is very marked. Its contours offer a great variety of landscapes, which could summarize all the scenery of Sweden. One can easily move from forests to the countryside, passing through hills with steep slopes and crossing rivers and canals.There are many national parks in the vicinity: Tåkern nature reserve, Tiveden and Omberg national parks, Hökensås and Hålaveden regions. The shores of Lake Vättern have been the scene of many scenes in Swedish history, as evidenced by the castles (Karlsborg, Näs, Vadstena), churches (Kumlaby, Kungslena), old villages (Forsvik, Gränna) or industrial towns (Jönköping) that can be found there. To the south of the lake, there is the island of Visingsö, which can be reached by boat, via Gränna and Hjo - it was once the seat of royal power in Sweden - and the castle of Näs, now in ruins, which is the oldest royal palace in the country.