Utnäset, Naturreservat

Utnäset nature reserve offers walks close to the shore in old-growth forest, with beautiful views of Lake Vättern from many small headlands with rocky beaches. In sheltered bays there are fine sandy beaches for those who want to take a bath. Ospreys, gulls, herring gulls and skrakes nest on the islands. The reserve has a three-kilometer nature trail and a rest area.

Bring your own firewood!

Right now we do not have the opportunity to provide the fireplace 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 reserve.

Wild archipelago

Utnäset consists of a wild coastline and archipelago. The beaches are lined with cliffs that jut out into several small headlands. Many cliffs have been ground into smooth rocks by the ice sheet. The islands consist of bedrock covered by a thin layer of soil. On exposed rocks you will find yellow buttercup, meadowsweet and thyme. The rare and endangered lichen Peltula has also been found here. The forest is old and marginally affected by modern forestry. The oldest forest is on the outer islands, with trees over 300 years old. On Stora Ilaholmen, the forest has burned not so long ago. The pine with its thick bark can withstand fire better than the sensitive spruce. Woodpeckers, insects and light-demanding plants also benefit from fire.

The variety of the old forest

An old forest left to its own devices shows great diversity. Trees of different ages and densities create a variety of habitats that attract a wide range of animals, plants, fungi, mosses and lichens. Old trees and dead wood support many specialized species. Species that find it difficult to survive in modern forests, such as wood-dwelling insects like the green aspen beetle and the lesser spotted woodpecker. The larvae of the green aspen beetle live in the wood of old and dead aspen trees, as does the beautiful coral sponge. The dry rocky areas are mainly home to pine trees, which are the most drought-tolerant. Many of the pines are old, which pleases the discerning pine tick, which chooses trees that are at least 100 years old. Heather, lingonberry and various lichens grow on the ground in the open pine forest. Trees such as spruce, rowan and aspen spread out in the wetter crevices. Shady beaches are lined with pine, alder and various sedges.

Birds, fish and everything in between

Lake Vättern is known for its clear water, which reminds us of the sea. The water is poor in nutrients and vegetation is therefore sparse. There are many exciting names among the aquatic plants. How about the pondweed, stiff bream grass, hairstreak and pike perch? On shallow shores, you will find water primroses and water primroses. Vättern is home to around 30 different fish species and signal crayfish. Along the shores, beavers have felled the trunks of various deciduous trees. Birds such as ospreys, gulls, herring gulls and skrakes nest on the islands.

Accessibility

From the parking lot at Igelbäcken, a marked path leads out to the reserve, a total of about 3 km long loop that partly extends outside the reserve itself. A picnic area with a fireplace is located on one of the headlands.

Bring your own firewood!

During the year 2023 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 reserve.