Ekhultebergen, Naturreservat

In the nationally interesting and very scenic Uknadalen valley in south-eastern Östergötland lies Ekhultebergen nature reserve. Here you will find one of the county's largest ancient forests. A large number of special and unusual species live among stately pines and noble deciduous trees.

Nature and species of the reserve

Ekhultebergen is located in both Östergötland County and Kalmar County. The reserve includes mighty fault slopes down to Lake Åkervristen and a large forest area up on the plateau.

On the lean rocky ground, pine trees grow with a deep root system that reaches water and nutrients. The roots of the spruces do not go as deep, so you will find them instead in the damp hollows. On the sunlit slopes leading down to the lake, lime and oak trees cling to the ground.

Thanks to the difficult terrain, the forest has remained untouched for centuries. Only a few charcoal burns bear witness to the small-scale use of the forest by humans.

Spruce trees over 200 years old and pine trees an impressive 400 years old have been found in the reserve. Such pines can be recognized by their smooth outer bark, which is usually likened to crocodile skin, hence the name crocodile bark or armored bark. There are many dead trees in the area, both lying and standing. They are important habitats for many fungi, lichens and insects.

Some of the pines are yellow on their sunlit sides. That's where the black glory beetle has been. This very rare beetle lives in the crust bark of ancient pine trees in south-eastern Sweden. The trees are not damaged but give off resin that turns them yellow.

In slightly more humid parts of the pine forest, the endangered ring lichen hangs down from the branches. It resembles bearded lichen, but is larger and through cracks in the outer layer the white inside is seen as light rings.

For you as a visitor

A parking lot with space for about six cars is located along the road between Falerum and Hannäs. There are coffee tables at the parking lot. Information signs are located at the reserve's parking lot and along the Tjust Trail.

From the parking lot you can walk an orange-marked hiking trail that goes in a loop around the reserve. The walk is about five kilometers long. Don't miss the beautiful view from the top of the hills over Lake Åkervristen. About 50 meters of the trail goes through a grazed pasture. You pass the fence through a spring gate and a stile. Do not forget to close the gate after you!

For those who come walking along the Tjust Trail or the Östgötal Trail, a stop at Ekhultebergen is recommended. Combine your excursion with a visit to the nearby Stjälkhammar nature reserve, which is also located along the Tjust Trail.

Nature conservation burning in 2025

In 2025, we plan to carry out a nature conservation burn in Ekhultebergen. More information can be found at Länsstyrelsens webbsida om naturvårdsbränningar Öppnas i nytt fönster..

Dead spruces along the trail

Along some parts of the hiking trail, spruce trees have been attacked by spruce bark beetle. These trees often become brittle and fall easily. Please be careful.

A hiking trail runs in a circular loop in the reserve