Morups Tånge, a coastal nature reserve in Halland County, Sweden, centers around a 19th-century lighthouse and draws visitors with its birdlife, stone beaches, and visible traces of past communities. The lighthouse overlooks a peninsula where waves shape the shoreline, and grasslands bloom with wildflowers. Between August and November, Northern Gannets pass overhead, and European Shags rest on offshore rocks. Stone Age settlements, Viking burial mounds, and medieval church ruins dot the area. Trails wind through wetlands where snipes feed, and cattle graze to prevent overgrowth.
Birdwatching at Different Times of Year
You can spot over 280 bird species here. Between July and October, Ruddy Turnstones and Broad-billed Sandpipers gather on Korshamn’s beaches, feeding among washed-up seaweed. Purple Sandpipers arrive in winter, pecking at frost-covered rocks, and Shore Larks forage in open fields. By March, Brent Geese fly north in V-shaped formations, and Velvet Scoters dive for shellfish offshore. The grove near the lighthouse serves as a rare resting spot for European Storm Petrels during September storms. Keep binoculars handy to spot Great Skuas patrolling the coast or a passing Manx Shearwater.
The Lighthouse and Surrounding Terrain
Morups Tånge’s white lighthouse, built in 1843, stands 28 meters tall on a gravel-covered slope. Walk up the hill behind it for panoramic views of the Kattegat Sea, where harbor porpoises occasionally breach. Between June and August, look for martornen—a blue-flowered thistle with spiny leaves—growing in patches near the water. Few marked trails exist here, so you can freely explore the area. Head east to Pölsefloen, a wetland where ducks and grebes rest, or go west to Glommens Sten, a rocky spot popular for watching seabirds. From June to September, cows roam the fields, maintaining the grass.
Traces of Past Communities
Two large burial mounds called Brödrahögarna sit near the beach, connected to stories of Viking kings. Archaeologists have found gold arm rings from the Viking Age and Bronze Age spearheads here, now kept in nearby museums. Morups Church, built in the 1200s and located 4 kilometers inland, once belonged to Danish monks from Esrum Abbey. Along the coast, over 80 Stone Age campsites and Iron Age graves remain partially buried. These sites blend into the landscape without disrupting the reserve’s focus on nature.
Planning Your Visit
No fees apply to enter Morups Tånge, but parts of the reserve close between March 1 and October 31 to protect nesting birds. Stick to established paths during these months. A basic toilet operates near the parking lot from May to September, and the ground is firm enough for strollers with large wheels. To get here from Falkenberg, take bus 2 to the Morups Tånge stop, then walk west for 1 kilometer. If driving, follow Route 154 north from Falkenberg and turn west at Glommen. Parking fills quickly during spring and fall migrations, so arrive before mid-morning.
Preparing for Weather and Conditions
Strong winds are common, particularly in October and November. Dress in layers and wear waterproof boots for crossing muddy fields. Ice often covers gravel paths in winter, so attach traction grips to your shoes. Bring a bird guidebook focused on Scandinavian species, and use a map app to locate spots like Korshamn’s sheltered inlets. Carry food and drinks—the closest places to buy refreshments are in Glommen village, 3 kilometers east. Stay at least 10 meters away from grazing cattle, and avoid stepping on grassy dunes to prevent erosion.
