Lurö skärgård, Naturreservat

In the extension of Värmlandsnäs and out into Lake Vänern all the way to Västergötland lies one of Sweden's most magnificent freshwater archipelagos. Hundreds of islands, of varying size and character, form a cohesive island world between Vänern's large basins, Värmlandssjön and Dalbosjön.

The vegetation on the larger islands is dominated by rocky pine forest with elements of moss-rich pine forest and small groves of deciduous forest.

The outer parts of the reserve in the west and south are dominated by almost completely bare islands.

Many islands in the central part of the reserve bear traces of the previous land use, which was mainly sheep grazing. Today, these islands are largely covered with heather, which is often in an overgrown stage as juniper and aspen encroach. The greenstone streaks (basic, easily weathered rock) have clearly affected the vegetation. In some places there is completely different vegetation with a wide range of rare plants.

The reserve was established in 1967 to preserve archipelago environments from a natural and cultural perspective. The purpose is also, insofar as it does not conflict with conservation interests, to promote public awareness of nature and outdoor recreation. The area is part of the EU network of valuable nature, Natura 2000.

Animals and plants

The vegetation is influenced by the favorable climate that prevails here and in some places also by a basic bedrock. Examples of plant species in the archipelago are bridal bread, wattle, shining fist, tooth root, musk moss, yellow moss, rabbit clover and henberry. Oak, ash, lime, oxel and cherry also grow here. Many islands have a very thin soil cover and pine trees thrive there. Particularly valuable plant biotopes are the oak grove on Storön and the linden stand on Stora Bratt.

The area is also home to a rich bird life with a variety of species that thrive in lake and coastal environments. Ospreys can be seen throughout the summer in search of prey fish. Greylag goose, oystercatcher, common tern, common loon and cormorant are examples of species that nest in the reserve.

Areas of particular interest

The Lurö archipelago contains hundreds of islands and skerries and a great variety of wild and beautiful archipelago environments that are well worth a visit for those who travel on Lake Vänern with their own boat. On some of the islands there were former settlements. On Sunnervassen, Ärnön, Gunnarsholmen and Vithall, the land is once again grazed by cattle and sheep. Remember not to bring dogs on the islands where there are grazing animals.

On Lurö (which is only partly part of the nature reserve) there are plenty of hiking trails and attractions. In summer, tour boats run from Ekenäs to the island, allowing you to walk between the jetties on Lurön and Husön, for example. Further north in the archipelago, on the island of Vithall, an old archipelago village has been preserved and is open as a museum. On nearby Norra Hökön there was a tavern for seafarers in the 1800s. Today, only the foundation stones remain. In addition, the old cherry trees remain as a memory of the former business.

Before your visit

Suitable night harbors for pleasure boats are on Hökön (toilet), Aspholmen (jetty and garbage station), Lurön natural harbor Bösshamn in Ö with toilet and the pier at Stenstaka (toilet, guest harbor, restaurant, hostel and garbage station). Hiking trails start from Stenstaka.