Lake facts

Sommen is situated at the border of Östergötland and Småland with the main part of the lake located in Östergötland.

The largest towns close to the lake are Tranås, Boxholm, Sommen, Malexander, Torpa, Asby and Norra Vi. In general, the lake's surroundings is sparsely inhabited wooden landscape.

Characteristics of the lake

The rocky and mountainous landscape has given the lake its irregular shape with numerous bays and islands. Sommen has over 300 islands and there is an old saying that there should be 365 islands, one for every day of the year. The largest island is Torpön. Most of the islands are mountainous and rocky, and so are the beaches around the lake.

Water quality

Sommen is known for its clear, nutrient-poor water, which in good conditions has a visual depth of 8-10 meters (26-32 feet)

The biggest measured depth is 53 m, but unofficial tests have shown depths of over 60 meters. The average depth of the lake is 17 m (56 feet)

For the current water level, see Tekniska Verken

Animal life

The lake is rich in species and is home to 22 species of fish. By far, the most worthy of protection is the great char and the sea trout. These also have the highest priority for fish area conservation efforts. The birdlife around the lake is rich and there several osprey couples nesting here.

Facts