Smörtjärnarna, Naturreservat

Smörtjärnarna has a fascinating history and stunning natural surroundings. Here you’ll find remnants of mining activity, and the limestone bedrock supports a unique variety of plant life.
Near Smörtjärnarna, there are several small mine shafts and a mined-out ditch from 1883 that secured the water supply for the mines in Tuna-Hästberg. There is also a remnant of the old trade route between Kristinehamn and Gävle, which served as a link between the plains of Grangärde and Tuna. The iron ore in the ground can cause compasses to give incorrect readings in this reserve.

What makes this place unique?

The coniferous forest in the reserve is old and valuable. Here you’ll find dry areas with pine forests featuring old-growth pines and spruce slopes with mature trees. The forest provides a suitable habitat for many demanding species, such as the capercaillie, three-toed woodpecker, cat’s-foot lichen, old spruce lichen, and rare spiderweb mushrooms.

The calcareous bedrock influences the vegetation. Here, you’ll find hepatica, spring vetch, wood sorrel, and woodruff. But also a range of unusual mushrooms with melodious names such as copper webcap, golden webcap, and porcelain-blue webcap.

What can you do here?

There is currently no nature reserve sign for Smörtjärnarna. A hiking trail takes you around both ponds in a loop that is approximately 2.9 km long. It partly follows old transport routes used during the mining era. There is also a “shortcut” that runs between the ponds.

Keep in mind that the footbridges along the trail can be slippery in wet conditions. In addition to the trails, there are also several unmarked paths in the area.

There is a bench at Övre Smörtjärn. A footbridge leads to the small island in Nedre Smörtjärn. Here you’ll find a rest area with a picnic table and a fire pit. You’ll need to bring your own firewood if you want to build a fire.