Best Stockholm`s Nature Reserves. Part II

Stockholm archipelago consists of some 30 000 islands, islets and skerries, of which around 200 are inhabited.

The Stockholm archipelago offers also unique nature. Many of the islands and parts of the mainland are nature reserves, each with its own character. A nature reserve is created to preserve habitats, flora or fauna, which gives you the opportunity to experience untouched archipelago nature. But it also means that you must be extra cautious when you visit there. Already in Nacka, next to the city of Stockholm, there are 12 nature reserves where you can walk around and swim.
We’ve chosen the eight most interesting.

5. Häverö Prästängs

Southwest of Herräng you will find Häverö Prästängs nature preserve. Häverö Prästäng is one of the few bigger mowings in Roslagen that still are harvested traditionally. The area are rich in species. Outside the meadow a deciduous forest are dominated, but there is also coniferous forest, outcrop, and shore meadows. In the nature preserve you can find beaches and swiming possibilities

6. Nåttarö

Almost the whole island is covered with forest, where pine is the most common species. In many areas there are ancient pine and mixed forests with beds of moss and marshy areas. In the wetlands, common species like wild rosemary, cloudberry and hares-tail cottongrass grow, but also rarer plants like lesser twayblade, one flowered wintergreen and ryegrass sedge.
The wildlife and plant sanctuary of Nåttaröfladen, on several small surrounding islands and rocks, has a rich birdlife. Besides geese and gulls, you’ll find common shelduck, gadwall, scaup and velvet scoter. To protect the birds there’s no access to the sanctuary between 1 February and 15 August.
Nåttarö is a much loved swimmers paradise with its lovely beaches. Waxholms boats ferry people to and from the island and when you’re there you can enjoy peaceful walks along car free tracks and paths, and stay overnight in tents and cottages. Östermarsfladen to the north is a popular spot for sailing visitors.

7. Ljusterö – Eastern Lagnö nature reserve

Östra Lagnö and Brännholmen is clearly a special place. Being able to get this far out in the archipelago by car and then view the horizon is a unique experience. The best time out here is early summer, before it gets too crowded. The floral displays are simply breathtaking then, particularly by the sea, with all the waterside meadows. The path with disabled access is also recommended – a walk by the waterside here is a real highlight!
Beaten earth paths, adapted toilet facilities and car access, furthermore, make Östra Lagnö an ideal destination for people with disabilities.

8. Örskärs Lighthouse

Örskär is an island in Roslagen’s outer archipelago, immediately north of the island Gräsö. In the north and the east it’s open sea as far as the eye can see. The island is about 400 ha (hektar) and most of Örskär is a Nature reserve (the yellow highlighted area on the map).
Örskär Lighthouse is still in operation and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has a weather station on the island. Örskär is mentioned every day in the maritime weather forecast on Swedish Radio.
The island has several habitats with barren archipelago nature with sea buckthorn, pine forest and marshes along the shoreline.   The island’s western part has a landscape influenced by the early farmes. 
During spring and autumn Örskär is a good spot for bird watching and the island showcases an impressive list of rare birds. The flora is rich and 18 different orchids have been found here. 

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ArturBieńko
SFD Furniture Design

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