Lekeberga-Sälven, Naturreservat

In the Lekeberga-Sälven nature reserve you will find an exciting ravine landscape, where the Garphytteån and Lekhytteån rivers have burrowed into the sand layers. The area is located on the border between Lekebergslagen and the Närkes plains. When you climb down into the gorge, it's a bit like entering another world. The only thing you see above you is the sky. The noise and sounds of everyday life do not reach down here.

Broken bridges

Right now there is limited accessibility on many of the trails as the high water flow has washed away several bridges. It is currently possible to walk in the western part of the nature reserve, from the parking lot south and down to Svartån. The broken bridges will be repaired in the future but it is currently unclear exactly when. We hope you will forgive that it will be a little difficult to get around in the area for a while.

Geology

The plains below Kilsbergsbranten are made up of fine-grained sedimentary soils, formed in a bay of the sea that covered the Närkes plain until 6,000 years ago. The two rivers Garphytteån and Lekhytteån have cut into these loose soils and formed deep ravines and meanders. Eventually the rivers merge and flow into Svartån. Embedded in the sediments is a pebble ridge cut by the Lekhytteån river. The erosive forces of the water constantly affect the shores, and you can see several examples of this in the reserve, including fallen trees and downed edges after landslides. Another example is the so-called basket lakes, which are formed when the river cuts straight ahead and a ridge is cut off. The great crested newt thrives in some of these lakes.

See and hear reserve manager Tomas Gustafson talk about the Lekeberga River:

Old hayfield

The ravine landscape has been used as haymaking and grazing land for several centuries. Some areas in the reserve have a grove character, but the open pastures with occasional groves of deciduous trees dominate. In some parts of the open grazed pastures, there is still flora that benefits from haymaking and grazing, including bluebell,

cuckoo pea and spring savory.

Beavers and birds

The beaver has been present in Lekeberga-Sälven since the 1930s. There are traces of beavers everywhere in the reserve, such as paths and felled trees. Among the bird species that are characteristic of the river sections are mallard, goldeneye, kingfisher, common merganser and, in winter, common tern.

Remains after iron production

Lekeberga-Sälven is located on the eastern edge of Lekebergslagen, an iron-working area with very ancient origins. In the northwestern part of the reserve there are remains of Lekebruket/Lekeberga, an ironworks that Duke Karl founded on the site in 1572 as the first ironworks in Lekebergslagen. There was a blast furnace, forges for osmund forging and a foundry whose production was mainly focused on war materials. A lack of both ore and forest within reasonable distances meant that the mill was closed down as early as the 1590s. The Lekeberga farm is located on the same site as the old mill manor.

Accessibility

In Lekeberga-Sälven there are several marked paths. At the bottom in the south there is a shelter, outhouse and fireplace (the shelter and outhouse are managed and maintained by Region Örebro County).

Is there firewood?

Firewood is available at the fire pit. Remember to burn in moderation, so that there is enough wood for future guests. The firewood is replenished regularly, but we cannot guarantee availability at all times. If you want to be sure to be able to make a fire - bring your own firewood. It is not allowed to burn sticks and branches from the forest in the reserve.

Sign language information