Norra Hornslandet, Naturreservat

Norra Hornslandet has a unique and beautiful nature with ancient, gnarled pines that rise on the shores of the Bothnian Sea. In the nature reserve, they have aged for over 400 years in the lean, large-blocky terrain and are sometimes difficult to walk in. There is also Sweden's oldest pine tree, which is over 750 years old. You can walk in the area and visit rock caves, among other things. The forest, large boulders and the sea offer exciting experiences in almost untouched nature.

Norra Hornslandet nature reserve is located north of Hudiksvall and covers 109 hectares. Large parts of Hornslandet's forests were ravaged by fire in 1888 and traces of at least three forest fires have been found in this area.

Large boulder hills and shingle fields

In the other areas of the nature reserve, nature alternates between large boulder hills, shingle fields, damp hollows and swampy deciduous marshes. The shingle fields consist of rocks that have been ground soft by the sea and stone when the shoreline was previously there. Along the loop in the northern part is the Niklas Teahouse cave. It is made up of large boulders and from the opening there is a view of the sea.

In the damp hollows, the forest is dominated by aspens and birches of various sizes, both living and dead. These fertile areas are home to wood anemone, cranesbill and ferns.

Sweden's oldest pine

The northern parts slope down to the sea and the view is beautiful and magnificent. The surroundings consist of old pine trees, large shingle fields with boulders of various sizes. Further down towards the sea there are many old gnarled pines that are over 400 years old. There is also Sweden's oldest pine along the trail. It is just over 750 years old and stands comfortably leaning against a cliff.

Käringstenen - a large moving block

On the cape in the far north there is a large moving block, called Käringstenen. It is said that the name comes from the fact that the fishing population could easily get ashore at the site as the block is shaped like a staircase to the sea. There are also exciting block caves in the north-western part of the reserve.

The nature reserve also has elements of cultural environments. Along the marked path through the reserve there are cultural and ancient remains in the form of charcoal huts, stove caircases and charcoal bottoms.

Valuable for many

There are old trees and dead wood of both conifers and leaves. Lichen, fungi and wood insects thrive here, as do hole-making birds.

Several unusual beetles have been found in the reserve. The species worthy of protection are the giant speckled beetle, the scaly flat beetle, the dark wood beetle, the coniferous speckled beetle, the longhorn beetle and the relict beetle.