Österbergsmurens domänreservat, Naturreservat

Österbergsmuren is the most primeval forest in Gästrikland, with fallen trees criss-crossing the ground. Yet it is unusually easy to get through the forest on a wide wooden path of about 270 meters. There are no trails in the area, so you can roam freely. The reserve is of great importance for a number of rare and endangered species, such as woodpeckers, owls and wood fungi. I Österbergsmurens nature reserve is located about 2 miles northwest of Sandviken. It is one of Gästrikland's more primeval forest-like areas and covers 19 hectares.

Along the wooden tower there are information signs about the ant which is exciting for both children and adults. There is also a barbecue area with seating along the sidewalk.

Primeval forest-like forest

The greatest natural values are linked to the old, primeval forest-like coniferous forest. The pine trees that dominate the drier areas are often almost 300 years old.

Some trees are even older. There is plenty of dead wood in the area. Fire-affected spruce trees are home to rare and endangered woodland fungi such as the rose thistle and the scented mushroom.

Valuable for many

The area is important for many different types of animals and plants. As many as 99 different species of moss and over 300 species of butterfly are found here. There are also cat's foot lichen and old spruce lichen.

There are also many red-listed species in the reserve, mainly fungi and birds. But red-listed mosses, lichens, butterflies, beetles and mammals have also been found.

Many birds nest in the area. Three-toed woodpeckers and capercaillie have been observed here.

Don't miss

Look out on the marshes where the forest forms small windows. Mur is a dialectal word for bog. And the nature reserve takes its name from the bog that meanders through the forest.