Älgtjärnarna, Naturreservat

The Älgtjärnarna nature reserve protects a relatively untouched part of the lower slope of Kilsbergen. Here, centuries-old coniferous forest grows on limestone-affected soil. Thanks to this, there is an unusually rich variety of herbs, mosses and fungi in the area.

Lime-rich soil

The forest in the reserve contrasts sharply with the surrounding modern forests. There are many coarse, old spruces and pines, fallen tree trunks and moss-covered boulders. Just as it should be in an old, wild forest!

Lichen, mosses and fungi

A large number of rare lichens, mosses and fungi have found a haven in the reserve's old-growth forests. Many are linked to old trees or need dead, decaying wood for their survival. The vast majority are also sensitive to rapid changes in their habitat.

Uncommon thorn fungus

Valuable old-growth forests on calcareous soil are often characterized by a diversity of soil fungi. The reserve is home to the unusual scented thorn fungus. This light-colored, tough thorny fungus likes to grow next to paths, often together in large, overgrown groups. It gets its name from its characteristic scent, a strong spicy smell of anise, coumarin or lavender.

Rich in herbs

The vegetation is richest in the lower part of the slope, thanks to the lime-rich water that runs through the ground. Here, the forest is rich in deciduous trees and the ground is covered with herbs such as wood anemone, cowslip, cowslip and briar. You may notice the peculiar water lily - a plant without the green pigment chlorophyll - which lives as a parasite on deciduous trees, especially hazel.

Accessibility

The reserve belongs to level 1 in the county administrative board's leveling of the county's nature reserves, which means that the reserve has a wilderness character and lacks outdoor recreation facilities.

Read more about the leveling and management of protected nature