Östra Almberget, Naturreservat

Östra Almberget is a rock formation that rises prominently above the surrounding landscape. The reserve encompasses the summit plateau and the surrounding slopes and consists of natural forest with great diversity. From the road to the north, there is a trail leading up the mountain where visitors can hike to the summit.

A barren hilltop with a beautiful view

Östra Almberget is a mountain whose summit reaches approximately 580 meters above sea level. The mountain’s northern side slopes steeply down toward Södra Almsjön. The composition of the bedrock, combined with the thin soil cover on the mountain, contributes to the rather nutrient-poor conditions in the soil.

Rare species thrive in these forests

The fact that the forest here has high natural value is evident in the trees of varying ages and heights, and the many dead trees, both standing and fallen. There are also traces of past forest fires. This variation creates conditions for many different species to live here.

In the pine forest, the lichens Carthamus lichen and Ergot lichen have been found. In the spruce-dominated forest on the mountain’s northern slope, there is a great abundance of hanging lichens, including thread-like lichens that are several meters long. Other rare species found here include cat’s-foot lichen, wood-decay fungus, and old spruce cup.

Human Impact

The forests on Östra Almberget were formed when fires more than 130 years ago shaped the forest landscape. Other human activities that have impacted the area include timber harvesting and forest grazing.

There are no known ancient remains within the reserve, but adjacent to the reserve, on the northern shore of Södra Almsjön, two Stone Age settlement sites have been documented. Forest grazing was practiced in the area during the period when the Almberget mountain pasture, located northwest of the reserve by Lake Södra Almsjön, was active. Outfield grazing at the Almberget mountain pasture dates back to the 17th century.

Tar was produced during the summer pasture season, likely for domestic use at the settlement as a wood preservative for tools and boats, as fishing in Almsjön was also a welcome contribution to the household.