Hindens revs, Naturreservat

Hindens Rev is between 25 and 100 meters wide and reaches a maximum of 21 meters above Lake Vänern, where the highest height is called Hindens udde. Further out towards the tip, the height decreases until it completely disappears below the water surface and continues out into the water in the form of an underwater reef. It reappears 12 km away on the Dalsland side where the reef is called Hjortens udde.

Activities

The reef is also a popular excursion and tourist destination for hiking. Hiking along Hinden's reef is a peaceful activity. The path is 5 kilometers one way, and winds its way between roots and rocks, finally disappearing among rocks and water at Hindekraket. Fishing and birdwatching are also popular in summer, and in winter you can go cross-country skating.

Things to keep in mind

The trail out to the reef has some tricky sections with lots of rocks, so make sure you wear good shoes when you head out. The water level rises and falls according to the season and weather. Check the weather forecast, wind speed, water level, etc. Hinden's reef is a nature reserve and should therefore be viewed with caution. Remember to take care of nature and make sure to bring a garbage bag with you if you intend to have coffee or something else at the site.

The nature reserve

The reef is part of Hindens udde-Svalnäs nature reserve and has been protected since 1986. Pine, rowan, birch, aspen and several protected plant species grow here. When the water around the reef rises, a group of five elongated islands called Killingarna is formed. Hinden's reef is classified as a national interest in nature conservation and outdoor life and is therefore completely uninhabited.

Birdlife

During spring and fall, the reef is passed by a number of migratory birds. Mainly cormorants, loons, ducks and waders. In late April and early May, there is also a good chance of seeing eiders resting off the point. The eider normally belongs in salt water, but a small number regularly pass through Lake Vänern. Wading birds - perhaps mainly dunlins and curlews - can pass in large numbers during late summer and early fall. In winter, the bird life is more sparse, but with a little luck, a flock of snow buntings or winter wrens can be seen foraging for seeds on the snow-free headland. For those who prefer sandy beaches to windswept pines, Hinden offers excellent opportunities. At the beginning of the reef is the popular Svalnäsbadet, also known as the Vänern Riviera.

History

Hinden's reef is an end moraine and is part of the Central Swedish ice edge zone that was formed during the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago. During that time, the edge of the ice sheet was stationary across Sweden, right where Hindens rev is today. As the ice sheet continually re-formed in the north and moved to where it melted in the south, elongated piles of rock formed along the entire ice edge, built from the rocks that traveled with the ice from the north.

Hinden's Reef is one of many such rock piles, called end moraines. They are particularly visible along coastlines, where their slightly higher height compared to the surrounding landscape makes them stand out more clearly.