Siljan is the largest freshwater lake in the province of Dalarna and the seventh largest one in Sweden. It is 36 km long and 25 km wide and has a surface area of 290 square km. The deepest part, called “The Grave Trench”, beyond Tingsnäs Point, is 128 metres below the surface. This trench is believed to be part of an ancient river channel. The height of the lake above sea level varies from 159.90 to 161.78 metres, being regulated by a dam at Marielund near Gagnef.
Swimming in Siljan!
Shallow waters with a fine, sandy bottom – small bays – long beaches – there are many varied swimming places to choose from. Siljan is large, but it is also child-friendly and practically every settlement around the shoreline has its own swimming area.
Ice!
Soon after the New Year, Siljan freezes over for approximately four months. May 7th is traditionally the date when the ice begins to break up.