One might think that an island named Halland's Väderö is located in Halland, but the fact is that it is actually located in Skåne in the municipality of Båstad. The island is 3km2 in size and was classified as a nature reserve as early as 1958. Despite its small size, the island offers a rich diversity of different nature types to experience. Here there are deciduous forests, meadows, pastures, marshes, sandy and rocky beaches.
In the picturesque deciduous forest, Södre Skog, stands Sweden's thickest oak tree, Kungseken, which has a circumference of a whopping 5.24 meters. Among the foliage, small bird species such as blackcap and rosefinch thrive. In the forest marshes, the beautiful yellow flowers of the water flag light up the forest in the summer.
On the south side of the island, there's a bird-protected area where several species of seabirds nest, including eiders, terns, and thrushes. Along the skerries, harbor seals often lie and rest. Sometimes Sweden's largest seal species, the gray seal, also appears in the area.
During the summer months, sheep, horses, and cattle are shipped to the island to graze on the natural pastures.
Ancient remains testify that the island was inhabited in the Stone Age. There are, among other things, remains of walls and ramparts, several of which are classified as ancient remains.
If you go to the north-west side of the island, you cannot miss the 13-meter-high lighthouse that was built in 1884. It is now automated and unmanned. Next to the lighthouse is the Lotstugan, the island's oldest building from 1844, which is now a nature and culture museum.
From Torekov there are tour boats to the island during the summer months. At other times of the year, you must order a boat trip.
We at Treefling think it is important to spend time in nature, take care of our nature and treat yourself to a hike in the beautiful nature reserve, Hallands Väderö.
Image credit 1 : Dguendel/CC BY 4.0 2: Razorbill3 / CC BY 2.0
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