Sibberön, Naturreservat

Walk between Vålön, Kalvön and Sibberön.

The area actually consists of three large islands: Sibberön and Köjan, which are connected by a narrow isthmus, and Kalvön and some smaller islets and skerries. The large islands are covered by varying forest stands. Pine dominates in large parts of the area, but there are abundant elements of both birch and spruce.

Parts of Sibberön have previously been farmed and settled. The farmland is now overgrown with spruce forest. Grazing probably affected most of the area in the past. There are stands of rocky pine forest with gnarled, sculptural tree individuals in places along the shores. Extensive deciduous forests are found mainly on Köjan. Here and there are beach sediments in the form of embankments and sand fields.

A threat of felling the forests of the archipelago islands led to the much-visited islands being protected in 1979. The following year, the Värmlandsskärgårdens nature reserve was established, which now borders Sibberön to the east and west. The area is designated as a national interest for outdoor recreation and has long been a leisure area for the region's population. In addition to its value as a recreational environment, the islands contain valuable habitats for plant and animal life. The area is part of the EU's network of valuable nature, Natura 2000.