Örskär

Nature reserve

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County: Uppsala län

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Currently

We are working on marking and signposting the paths on Örskär. Right now some trails are marked but not others. There are also marked trails that are not included on the reserve maps that are in the area.

-Published, September 2025

Description

North of Gräsö is the island of Örskär. Outside the eastern and northern sides, the vast sea opens up, whose waves have washed the rocks of the beach clean. Further inland, the island is forested with many small pools and marshes. You can come to Örskär to swim from the rocks, walk among beautiful orchids, fish, watch birds or just enjoy the sea, wind and waves.

Even at the end of the 19th century, quite a few people lived on Örskär. They left behind an agricultural landscape that is still managed through grazing and haymaking. Today, however, most of the island is a nature reserve and nature is allowed to develop freely here. The soil contains a lot of lime, which means that many orchids live and thrive here. In fact, 18 of Uppland's 26 orchid species have been found on Örskär. The island is also an important resting place for birds during the migration season. There is also another small animal that is quite special. It is the common frog, which you can hear during the spawning season in late May/early June. The frog is found in a few places in northern Uppland, but nowhere else in Sweden.

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Activities And Facilities

Year of protection: original decision 1969, current decision 1976

Area: 484.6 ha

Municipality: Östhammar

Landowners: Skärgårdsstiftelsen, private

Trustees: Upplandsstiftelsen

Type of protection: Nature reserve, Natura 2000

Örskär is located just north of Gräsö. To get here you need a boat. If you don't have one, you can book transportation across Örskärssundet from the northern end of Gräsö.

By car: From Öregrund, take the ferry over to Gräsö. When you come ashore on Gräsö, follow the road to the left and continue as far north as you can get, just over 2 miles. The hostel has boat trips to Örskär see information at www.orskarsfyr.se.

With your own boat: There is a natural harbor on the south side of Örskär.

In the reserve it is forbidden to:

disturbing wildlife, e.g. by climbing trees or taking close-up photographs of birds' nests or other nesting sites
bring a dog that is not on a leash
making a fire
breaking branches, felling or otherwise damaging living or dead trees and shrubs, or digging up herbs, grasses, mosses, lichens
Camping for more than two days without the landowner's permission
without the landowner's permission, moor or anchor a boat on the same beach for more than two days
placing a board, poster, poster, sign, inscription or similar device
Use a musical device, musical instrument or similar in a disruptive manner