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Nature & Adventure

Close to the lakeside life in Lake Hjälmaren

Published August 12, 2020 / Updated April 17, 2026
From Örebro Castle, right in the heart of the city, you can take a brisk walk through Stadsparken, Slussen, the marina, and Naturens hus—and before you know it, you’ll arrive at Hemfjärden, the westernmost part of Lake Hjälmaren. On and around Lake Hjälmaren, you can go boating, fishing, swimming, and discover plenty of hidden gems.

To the east of Örebro lies Lake Hjälmaren, Sweden’s fourth-largest lake. The lake has 357 km of shoreline and 1,283 islands. It stretches across three different provinces and offers everything from action-packed activities to culinary and scenic experiences.

Vinön a gem in Lake Hjälmaren

Vinön is a popular destination for day trips and a beloved swimming spot. Here you’ll find restaurants, cafés, flea markets, wonderful swimming spots, and local delicacies.

The easiest and cheapest way to experience Lake Hjälmaren is to take the Swedish Transport Administration’s ferry from Hampetorp to Vinön, the lake’s largest island. The trip takes 25 minutes and is completely free. Plus, you get a wonderful island experience thrown in for free. Why not enjoy some Hjälmaren pike-perch for lunch? Or pick up some local delicacies to take home?

Yum with Hjälmargös

Pikeperch is one of Sweden’s most popular edible fish, and of course, the Hjälmar pikeperch is something truly special. Around here, many restaurants serve delicious dishes made with Hjälmar pikeperch. A real treat!

Lake Hjälmaren is home to many commercial fishermen, but it also offers great opportunities for recreational anglers. Just make sure you’re familiar with the rules. The County Administrative Board has compiled the most important rules in its guide, “Fishing Rules for Recreational Anglers.”

Learn more about Lake Hjälmaren and Vinön

You can find everything there is to do and discover around Lake Hjälmaren on Visit Hjälmaren. The site offers tips on day trips, guest harbors, swimming spots, dining, and lodging, as well as fishing and attractions. On Vinön’s website, you can read more about the various experiences available on the island.

A man and a woman are standing on a yellow ferry on a lake, smiling at the camera.
The ferry runs Vinön from Hampetorp to Vinön .

Hjälmaren by the Numbers

Lake Hjälmaren is Sweden's fourth-largest lake by surface area, at 464 km².

There are 1,283 islands here, of which Vinön the largest.

The lake is bordered by a total of 357 kilometers of shoreline.

 

The lake is divided among three counties and five municipalities.

It is also shared by the provinces of Västmanland, Södermanland, and Närke. The three provinces meet at Tjugholmen, just east of Vinön.

More about Lake Hjälmaren

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The Björkön Nature Reserve in Hjälmaren

Björkön is one of the larger islands in Lake Hjälmaren and has been a nature reserve since 2019. Among other things, it is home to some truly ancient oaks, lindens, and ash trees.
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Food & Drink

Katrinelund Inn & Seaside Restaurant – local flavors with elegance

Combine top-notch cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, an unbeatable lakeside location, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for hanging out, and you get Katrinelund—perhaps the most creative spot on Lake Hjälmaren.
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Nature & Adventure

Welcome to Vinön, the largest island in Lake Hjälmaren

Vinön the largest island in Lake Hjälmaren and a popular destination for day trips. Come here and experience island life! You can get there on the Swedish Transport Administration’s free ferry, which departs daily from Hampetorp.