Kindla, Naturreservat

The Kindla nature reserve is one of the largest nature reserves in the county, covering over 900 hectares. Nowhere in Örebro County is there a larger area without roads cutting through the forest. The nature reserve has hiking trails and several rest areas. However, large parts of the area can be discovered on your own with the help of a map and compass.

Hilly area

The Kindla area is high and very hilly. It is one of the highest areas in the county, reaching 426 meters above sea level. The whole area is above the highest coastline. Kindla is dominated by rock-poor moraine areas covering an acidic and lean bedrock. There are a number of bogs in the area, including Kindlamossen, as well as countless smaller marshes.

Mining and cabin activities

Kindla has been used by man, mostly during the mining era. Some of the forests have been used for firewood and construction timber for the mines. In other parts, coal mining has dominated, to provide charcoal for the many cabins in the surrounding area. The operation of the mines, including in Slotterberget, southwest of the reserve, required a lot of power for pumps and hoists. This was taken from the Kindla area streams. In smelters, the ore was smelted and the water wheels were needed to drive the bellows. To make sure there was enough water for all this, all the lakes in the area were regulated and streams diverted.

Peat and silver meadows

There have only been a few crofts in the reserve area. At one of these, there are signs that so-called silage meadows were built to increase the production of the marsh's sedge hay. The spring water was collected and strained out over the sloping bog so that nutrients were added with the water.

Natural forest species

Today, Kindla has 100-120-year-old forests that are very little affected by modern forestry measures. In addition, there are elements of significantly older trees on mountain slopes and in other inaccessible places. Deciduous trees occur sparsely and mostly on some more nutrient-rich slopes. Many animal species depend on the old, decayed and dead trees of the coniferous forest, including several bird species. The loud and sonorous call of the skylark can be heard far and wide in Kindla, and the shrill call of the cranes can be heard from the bogs. The three-toed woodpecker can be seen foraging in the bark of dying spruces. Among the insects in the reserve are many endangered beetles. They are all attached to decaying wood in various stages of decomposition. Of Sweden's large predators, only the lynx has a permanent population in the area.

Plants

The plant life is dominated by the flora of the nutrient-poor bogs and woodlands. Here you will find, among other things, the acidic coniferous forest orchid, the knee-rose, and the beautiful fern, the chamomile, which is rare in the county. Otherwise, Kindla's rarest species include the flora of lichens, mosses and fungi, many of which live on old trees. For example, the cream lichen, wrinkled skin lichen, violet-grey thorn lichen, aspen jelly lichen and Norwegian beak lichen grow here.

Forest management

Within the nature reserve, almost all the forest will be left to develop freely and gradually approach the character of the primeval forest. Some of the young forests established in recent times will be burned. In the past, forest fires have been an important factor in forest development. It benefits many animal and plant species.

Restored wetlands

In the 20th century, many ditches were dug in woodlands to grow more trees and provide wood for the forest industry. By filling in the ditches in the early 2020s, previously ditched land in the reserve was restored.

Accessibility

From each of the parking lots there are marked hiking trails into the Kindlareservatet. In the reserve there are rest areas with fireplaces, viewing towers, shelters and a log cabin for overnight stays. Please note that cabins/windbreaks cannot be booked, so it is important to get along with any guests who are already on site or connecting.

Marked trails

There are a total of 15 kilometers of hiking trails in the area. The trails make it possible to walk a round of 7-10 kilometers. Most of the trails meet at Klosstjärn. Some of them are very hilly but also offer extraordinary views.

Fireplaces

Fires are only allowed in designated fireplaces. Remember to burn in moderation. Only use as much firewood as you need to grill your sausage or make your coffee. Firewood is difficult to transport out into the forest and is only taken out on a few occasions. If you want to be sure to be able to make a fire - bring your own firewood (it is not allowed to burn branches and other dead wood from the forest in the reserve).

Extracts from guest books

Voices from visitors

Guest books have been out in Kindla for many years, at Klosstjärn, Rödbergstjärn and in the viewing tower on Kindlahöjden. In these, visitors can write about their experiences or just a little greeting. Here are some excerpts.

Kindla viewing tower:

2004-05-22

Oh what nice views we see. It's not often we are as high up as the tops of the spruces!

2005-07-30

Thanks to blueberries and spring water we made it to the top. This is great!!!

2005-08-04

Back again in this wonderful place. Trying to find strength in nature, when everything feels hard.

2005-08-07

I can hear the wind blow through the tips of the trees. The mist drifts and swirls. The forests spirit is hiding in the moss, watching me write. "What is he saying about me?" Forest spirits are always curious but timid. Leave them in peace.

• Visitors from Australia

2005-08-13. 23:00

Darkness, darkness, darkness. We took flashlights with us and went here to see the famous star show. It was so beautiful! We sat and watched the northeast and had almost given up when we saw it!!! I can't believe you missed something as beautiful as this sky show!

2005-11-17

Big red lingonberries, warming sun rays on a frosty September morning, silence, forest, forest, forest...wonderful! Why do you live in Örebro?

2007-05-16

Like angels we floated, on this high altitude, to avoid seeing the city, is truly a joy. Spring has come and gone, we give thanks for all we have received. The last rays of the sun dazzle us, for the day is almost over.

2007-06-15

After much sighing and a couple of water breaks, we are now sitting on the top of the lookout tower and admire the indescribable view, the weather is absolutely perfect and the thermoses are well filled. It is now 20:45 and the birds are whistling in full swing. A moment like this is something you can live on all year round.

2007-08-01

Brilliant sunshine...a few clouds in the west. A unique experience to stand here and look out over this wonderful country, Sweden, which we just take for granted... It feels like it doesn't matter that it rained every day on vacation. Full of energy and gratitude, we move on to new adventures! Thank you mother earth!

Rödbergstjärn Kindla:

2002-05-15

Paradise paradise here is.

2005-06-28

Morning walk in Kindla. Silence broken only by birds chirping.

2007-08-06

Spent a fanstastic night here, what an oasis of peace! Sitting by the lake writing this the only sounds are of birds and dragonflies and a gentle breeze. We are so impressed at how welcoming the Swedes are with a beautiful cabin stocked with wood and a grill and benches. Sat for hours last night by the campfire baking potatoes, drinking tea and whiskey with our own private toast to your great country.

-visitors from the Netherlands

2009-09-19

What a really beautiful, serene and peaceful place- with such great facilities. This is a second visit to Sweden and we absolutely love it here. What a fantastic country where the people really do appreciate what they have. We hope we will be back here again soon.

-visitor from the UK

Klosstjärn Kindla:

2001-08-04

Was here in 1975 for the first time. Then they were afraid that the forest would soon disappear here. Good that it is saved now. Was here on skis in mid-March last, then the northern lights crackled on the entire northern sky. Now there are clouds hanging in the spruce tops on Bärbackshöjden.

2002-06-05

On a reconnaissance walk in our Kindla reserve this hot summer day. Going to a thrush concert and looking at the lapwings and a mother mallard with chicks and the pair of woodcock. Have found 15 copies of flowering coral root. How nice that you are still there Kindla.

2002-08-04

Lovely to wake up in the middle of nature and look out over the water. Returning home with lungs full of fresh air.

2002-11-01

More than a year since last time, we sit here and watch the snow settle over Mosstjärn. Hot drinks and good sandwiches - a fire would not have been wrong. Kindla is good for the soul!

2004-10-10

It has been a cold night with minus degrees but now the sun is shining and we are frying trattisar for the breakfast sandwich.

Sign language information

Beautiful views in the Kindla nature reserve

Kindla Nature Reserve in the fall

Quiet forests in the Kindla nature reserve