Stenbithöjden

Stenbithöjden is an area of wilderness comprising spruce forest on an undulating landscape. Desolate mires and lakes lie between the forest-clad heights. Stenbithöjden’s forests live and die for the benefit of all the old forest’s inhabitants.

Windswept birches

The highest parts of Stenbithöjden are almost 600 metres above sea level. Up there, the spruce forest is sparse and gnarled, while windswept birches form a mountain birch forest. In the northern part of the reserve, between Western and Eastern Stenbitsjön, is the beautifully situated Höjdakojan hut, where visitors can spend the night. North-west of Western Stenbitsjön is the old Höjdavallen pasture, although this is not part of the reserve.

The forests

The spruces in Stenbithöjden are located in an upland virgin forest. The forest is sparse and, despite its considerable age, the trees are not that thick. The spruces are shaped by heavy snow loads, with downward-pointing, short branches that form a skirt against the ground at the bottom. There are plenty of dead trees on the ground. The virgin forest’s rare fungi and insects thrive in these dead trees.

Birds and mammals in Stenbithöjden

The capercaillie is a characteristic species of Stenbithöjden. It thrives in this landscape, which is a mosaic of ancient forests and mires. Stenbithöjden and the surrounding landscape are exactly what the capercaillie needs. If you are lucky, you may also spot the Siberian jay, the three-toed woodpecker and the hazel grouse during a visit. Pine martens, elks, bears and lynxes all regularly spend time in the reserve.