Grundholmarna, Naturreservat

The Grundholmarna nature reserve consists of four small islands with long, shallow sandy beaches. Three of the islands are connected by 60-70 meter long sandy beaches, called reefs. The beaches are popular resting places for migratory birds.

Sand reefs

The islands are part of a mighty pebble ridge across Hjälmaren and are made entirely of stone, gravel and sand. The direction of the wind constantly varies the shape and position of the sand bars. At high tide, the reefs are completely submerged. At normal water levels you can walk dry-shod between the islands.

Land reclamation area

At the end of the 19th century, the surface of Hjälmaren was lowered by over a meter. Before the lowering of the lake, only the highest parts of the northern and central parts of Grundholmarna reached above the water surface. Today, these parts consist of clear collections of boulders, where all the fine-grained material has been washed away by the waves over the centuries and ended up on the Hjälmar lake bed.

Coarse lime trees

The islets are dominated by deciduous forest, mainly birch, aspen and alder. The oldest trees on the islands are the large and gnarled lime trees found on the highest points of the islands, which were the dominant vegetation on the islands before the Hjälmaren sank.

Shore magpies and terns

The islands' shallow sandy beaches are very popular resting places for migrating wading birds and terns in the fall and spring. On the small island of Stallgården there has long been a colony of terns. There are also gulls, lapwings, curlews and oystercatchers. All these species benefit from the fact that Stallgården Island is free of trees. Other seabirds you may see: cormorant, osprey, osprey and oystercatcher.

Show consideration

You may camp on Grundholmarna for up to two consecutive days. During the period April 1 - October 1, you may only make a fire at the designated fireplace on Norra Grundholmen. Remember that you are not allowed to burn dead wood from the reserve. To protect the bird life on the southernmost island, Stallgården, it is forbidden to enter the island during the period April 1 - August 15.

Accessibility

The islets are only accessible by water. There is no marked path in the reserve. There is a barbecue area and dry toilet at the northern end of the northernmost island.

Is there firewood?

Firewood is available at the fire pit. 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.