Mördarheden, Naturreservat

The Mördarheden nature reserve consists of a kilometer-long east-facing valley side in Nittälvsdalen, west of the Nittälven. At the reserve, the river forms several wide and shallow rapids.

Nature reserves in Nittälvsdalen

A large, continuous wilderness area with many nature reserves extends along the Nittälven river.

Old hayfields

On the eastern slope of Stora Uvberget, the soil is nutrient-rich and today a lush deciduous forest grows here. In the past, there were hayfields where all the grass was carefully harvested. Hay was stored in meadow barns, and there are remains of at least four here. One of them has been restored and is today a nice resting place along the reserve's hiking trail.

Rich bird life

The reserve is home to birds that thrive in leafy, older coniferous forest. With a little luck, you can spot several different species of woodpecker. The shy gray woodpecker sometimes nests in one of the slope's rough aspens. The nutcracker or our smallest owl, the barn owl, often lives in one of the woodpeckers' old nest holes.

Like cobwebs

In the late-growing coniferous forest at the bottom of the valley, there are plenty of hanging lichens such as yarn lichen and beard lichen. It is a strange and magical experience to walk here among the draped spruces. The long and sturdy hanging lichens need a forest that has been left untouched for many generations.

Evil, sudden death

Mördarheden has a dark history. A young man from Stora Uvberg was murdered here in May 1808. Was it because of a fight over money or a girl, or perhaps just a quarrel that went wrong? A man from Hällefors was convicted and hanged for the murder. Not far from the riverbank there is a stone mound (offerkast) that reminds us of the murder site.

Traces of man

Today, nature reigns supreme in Mördarheden, but if you pay attention, there are plenty of traces of humans. Here and there, you'll find an old dilapidated fence or a stone wall. There are also remnants of coal bunkers, an old road and a tar pit.

Internationally valuable Ramsar site

Sweden has designated the Nittälven River as a Ramsar site, which includes the Mördarheden nature reserve. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement aimed at achieving conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Among other things, the countries that have signed the convention must designate the most valuable wetland and aquatic environments in the country as Ramsar sites and ensure that they are preserved.

Accessibility

There is a marked trail in the reserve. There is a fireplace adjacent to the old hay barn in the northern part of the reserve.

Is there firewood?

Firewood is available at the fireplace. Remember to burn in moderation, so that there is enough firewood for future guests. The firewood is replenished regularly, but we cannot guarantee availability at all times. If you want to be sure to be able to make a fire - bring your own firewood. It is not allowed to burn sticks and branches from the forest in the reserve.

Sign interpreted information