Björnån, Naturreservat

The Björnån Nature Reserve is home to pine trees that are over 500 years old! Here, you can see evidence of up to three forest fires in the form of fire scars on the trees. The reserve consists of a mosaic of forest and marsh. Photo: Dalarna County Administrative Board

The Björnån River flows over sandstone

There is a small pond in the northern part of the area, and the Björnån River—which gave the reserve its name—flows along the eastern boundary of the reserve. The bedrock consists of sandstone. The terrain consists of boulder-rich sandstone moraine, which is typical of the region.

Poor Soil Provided Protection from Logging

Due to the slow growth and rugged terrain, there has been no logging in modern times. There are plenty of hollow trees and old fire scars in the area. Certain red-listed species are present, such as the dwarf cup lichen. The old pine logs provide a habitat for these species.

Forest road and trail assist visitors

A forest road leads to the area from the public road. It ends about 200 meters west of Björnån, and from there a trail leads to the reserve. A marked walking trail runs through the reserve, and there is a wind shelter there.