The Hargemarken nature reserve is located along a rocky stretch of coastline on the north-eastern shore of Lake Vättern. There are rocky pine forests with a natural forest character and lush deciduous forests. The area is a unique, large and almost completely unexploited wilderness area.
Dramatic terrain
Exploring the nature reserve requires strong legs and good fitness. The highest mountain is 86 meters above the water surface of Lake Vättern. The terrain is very hilly and most of the beaches are rocky, but in some places you will find sandy beaches. There is also an imaginative cave, Fläskkyrkan, which was formed by wave erosion in the cracked rock. Windswept old pine trees grow along the shores, but inland spruce becomes more common. There are also plenty of deciduous trees in parts of the reserve.
Sea-like climate
Despite its cold water, Lake Vättern has a positive effect on the climate. The large amount of water acts as a heat reservoir, creating a sea-like climate with high humidity. The special climate is also characterized by warm autumns, and is an important reason for the reserve's diversity of plants and animals.
Lichen and mosses that like moisture
Mosses and lichens also thrive in the patchy old-growth forest. On the trees there are plenty of beard and thorn lichens. Närke's only known find of the unusual barn lichen grows on a sunlit dry pine plantation.
Beetles in dead wood
Rare beetles live in the reserve's forests. Fallen old pines and dry trees are home to the orange-winged comb beetle and the pitted brown beetle. In decaying, fallen spruce trunks and old deciduous trees, the Thomson's wood gnawer, the bronze lion and the ash borer live.
Ice Age sea walls and caves
At the end of the Ice Age, large sea waves hit the shores of Hargemarken. The sea was called the Yoldia Sea and consisted of water from the melting ice sheet. When the sea hit the land, it formed stone and gravel embankments that are preserved in the nature reserve. There is also an imaginative cave, the Pork Church, which was formed by the erosion of waves in the fractured rock.
Sign language information
About prehistoric graves in the Hargemarken nature reserve
Facts
Municipality: Askersund
Year established: 2010
Area: 137 hectares
Landowners: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and individuals
Reserve creator: County Administrative Board
Manager: County Administrative Board
Directions
The Hargemarken nature reserve is located by Lake Vättern on the eastern shore of Hargeviken, about 14 km southeast of Askersund and 2.3 km north of Stora Forsa. A path leads down to the reserve from Harge. The nearest bus stop is at Hargebaden (line 629 Askersund-Nydalen), about 1.5 km walk from the reserve.
Regulations
In the nature reserve it is forbidden to:
- remove or damage dead trees or parts of trees
