Lake Hjälmaren
Örebro län
Lake Hjälmaren, located in the Central Swedish lowland, is Sweden's fourth largest lake, spanning approximately 483 square kilometers. It stretches about 63 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide with an average depth of 6 meters, though its maximum depth reaches 22 meters. The lake borders the provinces of Södermanland, Närke, and Västmanland, with major towns like Örebro and Eskilstuna situated near its shores. Hjälmaren drains through the Eskilstunaån river into Lake Mälaren, eventually flowing into the Baltic Sea. A noteworthy feature is the 13-kilometer Hjälmare kanal, connecting the lake to Stockholm by waterway. The lake's ecosystem supports diverse aquatic life, including fish species such as perch, pike, and the threatened asp, as well as rich birdlife and amphibians in the Oset nature reserve at its western part. Historically, the lake underwent a significant lowering between 1878 and 1887, reducing the water level by about 1.3 meters to reclaim land for agriculture and mitigate flooding risks. The lake is divided into several distinct areas, including Hemfjärden, Mellanfjärden, Storhjälmaren, Södra Hjälmaren, and Östra Hjälmaren, each with unique characteristics. Hjälmaren's name derives from old Swedish words meaning "the roaring lake," reflecting its windy conditions. The largest island within the lake is Vinön, inhabited year-round and accessible by ferry. Despite its size and ecological importance, Hjälmaren is municipally managed rather than state-controlled, highlighting local stewardship of this natural feature. Its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural connections makes Lake Hjälmaren a remarkable destination in central Sweden.
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Tip: The best time to visit Lake Hjälmaren is during late spring to early autumn when weather conditions are favorable for boating, birdwatching, and exploring nature reserves like Oset. Visitors interested in fishing should check local regulations and seasonal restrictions. Planning ahead for ferry connections to islands such as Vinön is recommended. While there are no specific ticket costs for visiting the lake itself, some nature reserves and boat tours may require advance booking or offer discounts for groups and seniors. To fully appreciate the lake's diversity, consider visiting multiple areas around the lake and nearby towns such as Örebro and Eskilstuna.
Interesting facts
- •Lake Hjälmaren is Sweden's fourth largest lake by surface area.
- •The lake was lowered by 1.3 meters in the late 19th century to reclaim land and prevent flooding.
- •The largest island in Hjälmaren is Vinön, which has permanent residents and ferry service.
- •The lake drains into Lake Mälaren via the Eskilstunaån river, eventually reaching the Baltic Sea.
- •Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson, a notable Swedish rebel leader, was assassinated on Engelbrektsholmen islet in Hjälmaren in 1436.
- •The Oset nature reserve on the lake's western side is home to diverse amphibians, reptiles, and bird populations.
- •Hjälmaren is municipally managed by three counties rather than being state-controlled, which is uncommon for large Swedish lakes.
History
Lake Hjälmaren has been a significant natural feature in central Sweden for centuries, with its name recorded as early as 1175.
Between 1878 and 1887, a major engineering project lowered the lake's surface by approximately 1.3 meters to expand agricultural land and reduce flooding.
This lake lowering, known as Hjälmarsänkningen, exposed around 15,000 hectares of farmland and 3,500 hectares of other land, although the quality of the reclaimed land varied.
The lake has historically connected important towns and played a role in regional waterway navigation, including the construction of the Hjälmare kanal.
The islet Engelbrektsholmen in the lake is notable as the assassination site of the Swedish rebel Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson in 1436.
