Gällberget, Naturreservat

The Gällberget nature reserve is located in the large boulders in the southern part of Kilsbergen, known as Fasaskogen. The terrain has been an obstacle to road construction and access for forestry machinery, which has meant that the forest in the area is relatively unaffected by forestry.

Fasaskogen

The reserve consists of many different forest types in boulder-rich terrain. The area has long been known as Fasaskogen, but the reserve is anything but horrific. On the heights you will find a magical pine forest with elements of deciduous trees. In hollows and on slopes there is a mixed coniferous forest with lots of spruce. There are many old trees in the area, but also many dead trees. Many birds, fungi and insects that depend on dead and dying trees, such as woodpeckers, therefore thrive here.

Rare species

Thanks to the fact that the forest has been spared from modern forestry, it is home to a large number of rare plants and animals. The brown-powdered needle lichen, wood moss and candelabra fungus are examples of species that grow on dead wood. Lung lichen and aspen yellow lichen grow mainly on the trunks of living deciduous trees. The forest is also home to the bronze beetle and the three-toed woodpecker. The three-toed woodpecker is not most easily recognized by its three toes, but by the yellow head of the male. It feeds mainly in old and dying trees, where it looks for beetle larvae and other goodies. A sign that a three-toed woodpecker is present in an area is the typical woodpecker rings, mainly on spruce and pine.

Traces of beavers

There are an unusual number of deciduous trees in the reserve. The beaver has felled many deciduous trees at Lake Gällen, especially coarse aspens that lie like a giant picking stick on the northern shore of the lake.

Peat and coal bunkers

Although the forest is unaffected by recent forestry, humans have used the area for a long time. Not least the production of charcoal has been an important source of income for many in the area, as the area's mills and smelters consumed large amounts of coal during the heyday of mining. There are therefore plenty of traces of coal mines in the form of coal beds in the reserve. At Gällberget there are also remains of an old croft. To the west of Lake Gällen is Erik's logging hut with associated stables. At the hut there is a rest area with the possibility of grilling.

Accessibility

A marked path leads from the parking lot through the reserve. Two picnic areas with fireplaces are located next to the lake.

Is there firewood?

Firewood is available at the fire pit. Remember to burn in moderation, so that there is enough firewood 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.