Did you know that Lake Vänern is home to around 22,000 islands? That makes it Sweden’s largest lake and one of Europe’s most unique archipelago environments. Here, open waters, sheltered bays, bare cliffs, and lush islands come together in a landscape that feels both grand and intimate at the same time.

Covering approximately 5,500 square kilometres, Vänern is not only the largest lake in Sweden and the EU, but also the third largest in Europe. Yet it is often the silence, the vastness, and the sense of freedom that leave the strongest impression. There is plenty of space to discover Lake Vänern at your own pace whether you head out onto the water or enjoy the view from shore.

Archipelagos to Explore

Lake Vänern’s island world consists of several different archipelagos, each with its own character. You’ll find everything from larger islands with roads, farms, and visitor attractions to tiny skerries barely visible above the water’s surface.

In Destination Läckö-Kinnekulle, Lake Vänern is always present. Kållandsö is a natural starting point for archipelago life, while places such as Djurö and Lurö draw you further out onto the lake for those who want to explore more.

Kållandsö

Kållandsö is one of Lake Vänern’s largest islands, a place where nature, culture, and history meet effortlessly. Here you’ll find the magnificent Läckö Castle, surrounded by water, open landscapes, and leafy forests. The island offers bike-friendly roads, swimming spots, farm shops, and views that make it easy to want to stay longer.

Kållandsö is also the gateway to the Vänern archipelago, offering the chance to experience island life up close or to take the next step out onto the open lake.

Djurö and Naturum Vänerskärgården

In the middle of Lake Vänern lies Djurö National Park, an untouched island world where nature sets the rules. Wind-swept pines, smooth rock formations, and rich birdlife make the area a dream destination for kayakers and boaters.

Since Djurö is located far out in the lake, it cannot be reached directly from land. Instead, Naturum Vänerskärgården, situated at the far end of Kållandsö, serves as a natural gateway to Djurö and other protected natural areas in Vänern. Here you can learn more about the lake’s unique archipelago, its wildlife, and how to experience nature in a sustainable way.

Lurö

For those who wish to venture even further, Lurö archipelago awaits, perhaps Vänern’s most legendary area. With its many small islands, narrow straits, and open waters, the region has attracted seafarers for generations. Lurö is a popular destination for day trips by boat, offering hiking trails, a guest harbour, and nature that changes dramatically with the seasons.

Experience Vänern Your Way

There are always new places to discover with Lake Vänerns 22,000 islands . Whether you’re kayaking along the coast of Kållandsö, taking a boat out to an island for the day, or starting your adventure on land by the shores of Vänern.

It’s easy to think that the greatest experiences require long journeys. Here, instead, one of Europe’s most unique island worlds awaits with accessible, diverse, and ready to be explored.

Are you ready to begin your adventure?