Mälar

Mälar, LAKE, one of the largest lakes, and the most beautiful, in Sweden, measures 80 miles in length from east to west, and has numerous long narrow arms and offsets; area, 650 sq. m. It is studded with upwards of 1200 islands, mostly well wooded. Its east end is close by Stockholm, where its waters are poured into the Baltic Sea. The shores are very varied with bays and hills, woods, lawns, and cliffs, and are adorned with many castles, country-seats, and villas, including the royal palaces of Drottningholm and Gripesholm.