Såten Nature Reserve

Såten Nature Reserve consists largely of open land with a thin layer of soil on limestone rock. This type of nature is called alvar land. Alvar is otherwise mostly associated with Öland, but is also found in limited areas on Kinnekulle. Orchids and many other unusual species thrive here in the limestone-rich soils.

Many of Såten's plants are adapted to survive in the barren environment that the alvar offers. Look for the small yellow and white fat buds on the limestone rocks. These are our country's equivalent of cacti. Like cacti, these small plants can store water in their thick, swollen leaves. This makes them well equipped to withstand summer droughts. Other rare plants in the pastures are St. John's wort, gravel weed and field gentian.

The oak is a city of millions

Towards the old farm Hjelmsäter is one of Kinnekulle's best preserved pastures with centuries-old oaks. A really old hollow oak is probably one of the most species-rich environments we have. A myriad of lichens, fungi and insects live on and inside the tree. It could be a million different individuals. On and in a single tree.

Old oaks and wild garlic

Kinnekulle has a large number of old oaks, even in an international perspective. Yet, it is only a remnant of what once existed. Preserving these old oaks, but also working to ensure that a new generation can take over when today's old-timers disappear, is an important objective of the Såten nature reserve.

In the south-western part of the reserve there is a lush and varied deciduous forest with oak, ash, elm and lime. The white flowering of wild garlic in early summer is later replaced by the forest bingle.

Unusual fungi

Calcareous soil is often home to a particularly rich plant and animal life. This also applies to the spruce forest in Såten. The trees are planted and not very old, but the forest still has high natural values. In the fall, many rare fungi emerge from the ground. Here, the attentive hiker may spot a spice spider, a balsam thread, or perhaps a plug funnel fungus.

Outdoor life

Follow the four kilometer long hiking trail, Såtenrundan, which takes you around the nature reserve's different habitats. You walk through pastures, on paths and gravel roads. Along the way you will encounter both mixed forest and alvar land. Through a short detour from the trail, you can experience the orchid Guckuskon, if you are here in early June.

The nature reserve is dependent on grazing animals and at certain times of the year you may encounter cows and sheep in some areas. If you bring your dog, it should always be on a leash. Also remember that you are not allowed to pick wild garlic in the nature reserve.

The hiking trail has blue markings and is classified as medium in difficulty.