Sommen
Lake Deep lake in Östergötland with many islands
A deep lake in Östergötland with numerous islands and a seasonal boating culture. Visitors come for rowing, fishing, summer cottages and winter ice activities.
Sommen is a large glacial lake in southern Sweden, located in Östergötland County. It is characterized by clear water, many islands and a shoreline used for recreation and summer cottages.
The lake’s island-studded surface and open water make it a popular area for boating and angling, and local communities around the lake support leisure and tourism services. The waterbody and its islands create a distinctive lacustrine landscape in the region.
Formed by glacial processes, Sommen occupies a basin typical of southern Swedish lakes with varied shorelines and island clusters. Its natural character has shaped local land use toward recreation and seasonal habitation.
Sommen sits in the southern part of central Sweden within Östergötland County, surrounded by rural countryside and small towns that provide access to the lake.
- Recreation: The lake features numerous islands and is popular for boating, fishing and summer holiday cabins in the surrounding countryside.
How to Get to Sommen #
Sommen is reachable by car from Linköping (about 1-1.5 hours). Local roads lead to picnic spots and boat ramps; regional buses serve some lakeside villages in summer.
Tips for Visiting Sommen #
- Boat hire is a practical way to explore Sommen's islands and the lake's unusual archipelago.
- Many villages around the lake have small summer cafés that open only in July-August; check schedules in advance.
- If interested in geology, look for the Sommen Graben features - local signage and nature trails explain the lake's glacial origins.
Best Time to Visit Sommen #
Summer is the main tourist season for swimming and boating; shoulder seasons are quieter and still pleasant for exploration.
Weather & Climate near Sommen #
Sommen's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (592 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
