Norra Vätterns skärgård, Naturreservat

The unique archipelago of the Northern Vättern Archipelago Nature Reserve easily brings to mind the sea and the similarity with the Stockholm archipelago, for example. Within the reserve there are around fifty islands, which with a few exceptions have never been inhabited. Camping is only permitted in designated areas. The best way to experience the reserve is to glide along quietly in a canoe/kayak. On Grönön there are jetties and picnic areas with high accessibility.

Bring your own firewood!

Right now we do not have the opportunity to provide the fireplaces with firewood. Are you going to grill or make coffee over an open fire? Don't forget to bring your own firewood or coal. NOTE - remember that it is not allowed to burn sticks and branches from the forest in the main part of the reserve (see regulations below).

Lots of uninhabited islands

Anyone who has been brought to the reserve blindfolded would probably think they were in the Stockholm archipelago. There are around fifty islands within the reserve alone. Apart from two small crofts on Stora and Lilla Aspön, the archipelago has never been inhabited.

Varied nature

The archipelago's bedrock consists of granite. The typical vegetation on the islands is rocky pine forest with mainly pine, heather and reindeer lichen. Trees and reeds can only grow in the cracks where soil has accumulated over the millennia. The larger islands have moraine and clay. The soil is more fertile and the presence of spruce, aspen and birch is more common. On some of the larger islands, there is also grove vegetation with hazel, water lily, witch hazel, toothwort and lesser celandine. Some of the more fertile land was previously used as pasture.

Rich bird life

The bird life is rich, including nesting little auks, common terns, ospreys, guillemots and other seabird species. There are plenty of fish, mainly pike, perch and zander. Over the last twenty years, the population of signal crayfish has increased significantly. Be observant on the islands; if you see birds that seem irritated or playing injured, they have eggs or chicks nearby. Then get out of there! Dogs must be kept on a leash all year round.

Glide along with a kayak

Perhaps the best way to discover the unique archipelago nature is from a kayak. When most boat engines have died down in September, the water is still warm. Gliding silently between the small islands is a nature experience that beats most. Don't forget that it is forbidden to go ashore on Skjortpilten Island between April 15 and July 15. See and hear Kersti Beck Larsson tell you how to best experience the reserve by sea in the movie below.

Fishing

Accessibility

The nature reserve can only be reached by water. On Grönön there are facilities with high accessibility that can accommodate people with reduced mobility. Camping is permitted on Kungsholmen, Björkholmen, Grönön, Stora Krokholmen, Brottsjöholmen and Stora Hjortholmen. On these islands you may camp for a maximum of two consecutive nights. There are service facilities in the form of barbecue areas and dry toilets on several of the islands. Don't forget to take your rubbish home with you!

Bring your own firewood!

We currently do not have the opportunity to provide the fireplaces with firewood. Are you going to grill or make coffee over an open fire? Don't forget to bring your own firewood or coal. NOTE - keep in mind that it is not allowed to burn sticks and branches from the forest in the main part of the reserve. During the period May 1 to October 1, it is also only allowed to make fires in designated places (see the regulations below).

Boat trips to the reserve

Askersunds skärgårdstrafik offers booked boat trips in the archipelago. Contact them for more information. There are marinas in Bastedalen, Grönebacke and Olshammar as well as in central Askersund.

Sign language interpreted information

Bird life in the North Vättern archipelago

Summer excursions in the North Vättern archipelago