Yngen lake, Lake with clear water in Filipstad, Sweden

Yngen Lake is a large body of clear water located in Filipstad, surrounded by forested islands and shores rich with mineral deposits. The high water clarity results from calcareous rock formations in the surrounding area that support excellent visibility.

Getön, a 350 by 150 metre island in Yngen, was the site of extensive mining: between 1784 and 1918, 64,000 tonnes of usable iron ore were extracted to a depth of 148 metres, followed by 4,655 tonnes of limestone between 1918 and 1921. Silver, copper, lead, zinc and iron were also mined there. On Storön, 13,000 tonnes of iron ore were extracted between 1753 and 1870.

This lake serves as drinking water for several nearby communities and remains central to local life. Fishing activities continue to shape how residents interact with and value this water.

The lake lies east of Filipstad, between Filipstad and Hällefors, with its natural outflow through Skärjbäcken at the southern end. Part of the outflow is diverted via the Gammelkroppa canal and pipes to a small power station by Östra Skärjen. The Högbergsfältet nature reserve sits on the northwestern shore at Skavnäset. The water is the drinking supply for Filipstad, Nykroppa and Persberg, so access is managed with that in mind.

Getön, a 350-metre-long island in the lake, was mined for silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron and limestone; between 1784 and 1918 it yielded 64,000 tonnes of iron ore down to a depth of 148 metres, and in 1918–1921 another 4,655 tonnes of limestone.