Battles & Campaigns · 1809
Battle of Sävar
Sävar, Västerbotten, Sweden
What happened
A Swedish landing force under Gustaf Wachtmeister fought a Russian army under Nikolay Kamensky. By 1809 Russian troops had crossed into northern Sweden. A Swedish force landed at Ratan to cut them off. Kamensky turned and attacked at Sävar, took the heights and threatened the Swedish flank, and Wachtmeister retreated.
Why it matters
The Swedish plan to trap Kamensky's army failed. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and the last pitched battle fought in Sweden.
What came next
Kamensky withdrew north. An armistice followed, and the Treaty of Fredrikshamn gave Finland to Russia.
Did you know?
The Russian retreat helped Sweden get a milder border than the Tsar had first demanded.
Timeline
- 19 Aug 1809Battle of Sävar.
- 20 Aug 1809Battle of Ratan.
- 2 Sep 1809Armistice.
- 17 Sep 1809Treaty of Fredrikshamn.