Nature reserves
Småland is rich in nature. There are great coniferous forests, flowering meadows, warm cliffs in the archipelago and lush birch forests. No matter where in Småland you are located, there is protected nature around the corner.
Byrums Raukar
A magical place where the sea and the wind have shaped dramatic limestone formations along the coast of northern Öland. Here you will be greeted by unique nature, with mighty rauks rising from the …
Read more +
A magical place where the sea and the wind have shaped dramatic limestone formations along the coast of northern Öland. Here you will be greeted by unique nature, with mighty rauks rising from the shoreline and an ever-changing sea in the background. Perfect for a quiet walk at sunset or an adventure among rocks and fossils. A place to just be – and let time slow down.
Read less –
Skurugata
Dramatic cliffs, cool winds and a magical atmosphere – hiking through this deep rift valley is like stepping straight into a fairy tale landscape. The path winds between moss-covered boulders and h…
Read more +
Dramatic cliffs, cool winds and a magical atmosphere – hiking through this deep rift valley is like stepping straight into a fairy tale landscape. The path winds between moss-covered boulders and high rock walls, and at the top a breathtaking view awaits you. An adventure for the curious and a place to let the magic of nature envelop you.
Read less –
Nature reserve with accommodations nearby
Toftaholm
Where the forest meets Lake Vidöstern lies a place filled with tranquility and natural beauty. In Toftaholm Nature Reserve you walk through lush deciduous forests, past old oaks and along the water where bird life is teeming. The paths lead you through a varied landscape with pastures and flowering meadows, and the view over the lake makes every break worth taking. Here nature is at its most soothing – a perfect place for those who want to relax, hike and experience the wild charm of Småland. For those who want to extend the experience, there is accommodation nearby, where you can wake up to the soothing sounds of nature and continue exploring this gem of Småland at your own pace.
Korrö
Korrö Nature Reserve is a peaceful oasis by the Helge River, where you can hike through quiet forests, along the mirror-like surface of the water and experience all the forms of Småland’s nature. Here you will find both history and nature in harmony, with picturesque buildings and well-preserved hiking trails. For those who want to stay longer, there is the opportunity to sleep over, and wake up to the fresh air and birdsong for a new day of exploration.
Möckelsnäs
On a headland in Lake Möckeln, a scenic oasis spreads out, where lush oaks, open meadows and paths close to the shore create a magical environment. In Möckelsnäs Nature Reserve you will encounter both magical forests and sparkling waters, perfect for a peaceful walk or a break at one of the beautiful viewpoints. The birdlife is rich, and with a bit of luck you can see the white-tailed eagle soaring over the lake. If you want to stay longer, there is accommodation nearby, where you can wake up to the peace of nature and continue exploring this gem of Småland at your own pace.
Lövö
Where the forest meets the sea, just outside Mönsterås, lies a tranquil gem for those who love untouched nature. Here in Lövö Nature Reserve, paths wind through lush deciduous forests, along rocky …
Read more +
Where the forest meets the sea, just outside Mönsterås, lies a tranquil gem for those who love untouched nature. Here in Lövö Nature Reserve, paths wind through lush deciduous forests, along rocky shores and across open meadows where the sea breeze sweeps in. The view of Kalmarsund is ever-present, and with a bit of luck you can see sea eagles sailing over the water. A place for quiet walks, bird watching and peaceful moments by the sea – where the Småland coast shows itself from its most beautiful side.
Read less –
Aboda Klint
The area around Aboda Klint is a nature reserve and the reserve exhibits varied natural types from cultivated landscapes with elements of deciduous forest groves and deciduous forest curtains to al…
Read more +
The area around Aboda Klint is a nature reserve and the reserve exhibits varied natural types from cultivated landscapes with elements of deciduous forest groves and deciduous forest curtains to almost wilderness-like forest terrain. From the so-called Aboda Klint, an approximately 40-meter-high fault escarpment, you have a breathtaking view of both forest and cultivated lands as well as the small lake Kleven. On the southeastern shore of Kleven there is also a small, pleasant swimming area.
Read less –
Ryfors gammelskog
Deep in the forests around Mullsjö, a place awaits where time seems to stand still. Here, old moss-covered fir trees rise towards the sky, and soft carpets of moss and blueberry bushes spread out o…
Read more +
Deep in the forests around Mullsjö, a place awaits where time seems to stand still. Here, old moss-covered fir trees rise towards the sky, and soft carpets of moss and blueberry bushes spread out on the ground. The air is filled with the scent of damp earth and resin, and the silence is only broken by the singing of birds and the rustling of the wind in the treetops. Hiking here is like stepping into another world – an untouched, magical and peaceful part of Småland where nature is allowed to be in its original form.
Read less –
Reserves and Sanctuaries in Sweden
There are several ways to protect nature, and according to the Swedish Environmental Code, the County Administrative Board (‘Länsstyrelsen’) may form nature reserves and bird sanctuaries. In many c…
Read more +
There are several ways to protect nature, and according to the Swedish Environmental Code, the County Administrative Board (‘Länsstyrelsen’) may form nature reserves and bird sanctuaries. In many cases nature needs to be managed, so that the species living there can survive. Nature reserves are the most common form of protection of natural areas, and they can be formed to preserve biodiversity, to conserve and preserve valuable natural environments or to meet the need for outdoor recreation.
Read less –
On the websites of the County Administrative Boards, you can find out more about Småland’s 400 nature reserves and what they offer in form of hiking trails and picnic areas. (Links to Swedish websites.)
National Parks
Småland boasts Scandinavia’s southernmost wildernes…
Nature & adventure
Småland is full of nature and adventure. Hiking, cy…