Torneträsk

Torneträsk or Torne träsk is a large lake in the north of Sweden, located in Kiruna Municipality within the Lapland region of Norrbotten County. It is the sixth-largest lake in Sweden, covering an area of 330 square kilometres (130 square miles) and stretching for 70 kilometres (43 miles) in length. The lake is very deep, measuring 168 metres (551 feet), making it the second-deepest lake in the country.

Torneträsk was formed from a glacier and drains to the south-east through the Torne river. Near the lake, to the south-west, lies the Abisko National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Laponian area.

The lake is usually covered in ice from December through June, depending on temperature changes. The land around Torneträsk often has permafrost, but this is disappearing due to global warming and more snowfall.

During World War II, in 1944, British bombers used Torneträsk as a meeting point during Operation Obviate while trying to reach the German battleship Tirpitz. This happened even though Sweden was neutral at the time.

Climate

Torneträsk has a cold climate because it is located far north in Sweden. The lake freezes during the winter months, and the surrounding area experiences long, snowy winters and short summers. This icy environment makes it a special place for nature and wildlife.

Images

The lake and Lapporten in the background IORE train and Torneträsk lake Abiskojåkka river and Torneträsk lake at Abisko View of Torneträsk lake, frozen, from STF Abisko Turiststation (Jan 2013) Reindeers at Torneträsk lake, Abisko area, in March 1992 Frozen Torneträsk lake, with people walking and taking pictures on its surface (Jan 2013) View of Torneträsk, Lapland, around 1900.