Stora Fjället nature reserve is a magnificent forest area west of Granvik on the outskirts of Tiveden. The area consists largely of "grouse forest", i.e. old rocky pine forest with interspersed bogs and stream valleys. There are also some beautiful small lakes in the area, as well as an interesting fire field resulting from a forest fire in 2008.
The area is hilly with magnificent views. There are several nice trails, such as Granviksleden, which runs through the eastern part of the nature reserve. Anyone who manages to climb some of the rocky outcrops in the area will not be disappointed with the view. To the east, you can see the waters of Lake Vättern and glimpse Östergötland on the horizon.
Beaver and fire runner
Don't be surprised if a capercaillie takes off on its wings as you walk through the area. During the inventory carried out after the fire in 2008, beetles such as the fire-runner, the blue beetle and Ipidia binotata (no Swedish name) were found, all of which like firebreaks. The three-toed woodpecker has also found its way here. Around several of the lakes in the area, beavers have logged and thus left their mark.
Living wood
There is a lot of dead wood in the area, and more will develop over time, as the forest is allowed to develop freely. But perhaps we should say "living wood" because it quickly becomes full of other life in the form of fungi, insects, mosses and lichens.
Greetings from the past
For those who are interested in cultural history, there are also some old crofts in the area where now only the ruins remain. There you can stop and think about what a struggle it must have been to survive here a hundred years ago.
