Vandringsstig Vargön

The nature reserve covers parts of Vargön in the Piteå archipelago. The forests alternate between coastal spruce forests and leaner old pine forests higher up on the island. There is also a great variety of different beach environments and wetlands. The forests in the reserve are full of interesting species. Among these are species such as the cheesy tick, patchy tick, wrinkled skin, rose tick and hare tick. More unusual finds are species such as the black tick, cream tick, cracked spurge and grainy needle lichen. Several bird species have been seen nesting in the area, including the birds of prey osprey, goshawk and barn owl.

Koskäret was set aside as a nature conservation area back in 1977 so that everyone could come there and enjoy nature. The open sandy fields with their short, sparsely-branched pines are a scenic feature of the reserve that attracts visitors. The area is a popular destination for excursions.

There is a jetty, a rest house and two rental cabins. At Laxskäret you can see what an older style fishing cabin looks like, both inside and out. "Laxskärsstugan" is open to everyone, as is the Forestry Commission's cabin at Koskäret.

When the ice is thick enough (at least 30 cm), snowmobile trails are marked from Svartnäsudden (Bredänget) and out to Mellerstön, about 6 km and from there out to Vargön, about 2 km. There are also two trails on each island.

Wheelchair-accessible paths lead from the jetty to the barbecue area and warming hut. The paths are narrow nature trails.

The reserve covers parts of Vargön, which is located in the Piteå archipelago, about 10 kilometers east of central Piteå. You need a boat to get to the island. A boat can be docked at Koskäret or in Per-Stålviken, for example.

It is allowed to:

• camping
• hike
• make a fire in the designated area
• picking berries and edible mushrooms
• drive a snowmobile along a snowmobile trail on snow-covered ground. Cabin owners may also drive the nearest road from the beach to their own cabin.
• fish and hunt in accordance with applicable laws

It is not permitted to harm plant and animal life. Remember the right of public access and protect nature!