Veckholms prästholme

In the middle of Prästfjärden in Lake Mälaren, boaters can find a quiet and uninhabited oasis. Veckholm's Prästfjärden has several sheltered natural harbors for smaller boats, fine bathing rocks and a small sandy beach. The broadleaf forest spreads out in the interior of the island, forming dense groves with many flowering herbs.

The mild local climate means that the island is lush and the forest of mainly lime, elm and oak is lush and wild. Lily of the valley, musk madder and many others thrive under the deciduous trees, and flowering shrubs such as woodruff and hedge add to the enchanted feeling. On the eastern side there is a marshy, sometimes flooded, riparian forest with mostly alder. The alders on their pedestals, yellow sword lilies, white clouds of moose grass and flashes of still water almost evoke a sense of tropical rainforest. Lots of insect larvae hatch here and frogs lay their eggs in the pools.

As forestry has never been practiced on the island, the forest is a mix of older and younger trees side by side. As the trees die, they slowly revert to moss. Animals of all kinds live in the undisturbed environment, including rare insects and shells, as well as birds, hares and badgers. It is sometimes difficult to get around in the dense forest vegetation. However, there are well-trodden paths around the beaches that make it possible to explore.

As far as is known, only one person has lived on Prästholmen. He was a fisherman who lived at Köksviken on the west side of the island around the turn of the century. Traces of his home can still be seen on the shore.

Veckholm's Prästholmen is an undisturbed sanctuary for animals and plants where we humans come for a temporary visit. Show consideration and let it remain so. The reserve also includes the two islets Klockargubben and Spegubben (or Spögubbskär). Both are bird protection areas with a landing ban between April 1 and July 15.

Administrator: County Administrative Board of Uppsala County