Särö Västerskogs naturreservat

Explore Särö Västerskog, a forested peninsula west of Särö in southwestern Sweden, where oak and pine trees over 200 years old grow along rocky shores. Follow trails to viewpoints overlooking the archipelago, swim from sandy beaches or granite slabs, and find clusters of common yew trees, one of Sweden’s largest groups. The reserve holds old forests, lichens found nowhere else in the region, and stone circles from the Bronze Age. These elements show how natural forces and human activity have shaped the area over thousands of years.

Walking Paths and Scenic Lookouts

Choose between two marked routes. The yellow trail runs 1.4 kilometers to the peninsula’s highest point, where a wooden stamp lets you mark your map. From this spot, you see islands in the distance and pine trees bent by wind near the water. The blue trail covers 3 kilometers through thicker woods, passing wide oaks and Barrlindkärret, a mossy wetland with boardwalks. Both paths stay dry in most weather and have benches every 500 meters. In winter, snow highlights animal tracks along the trails.

Old-Growth Forests and Rare Plants

Coastal winds twist pines into low, sprawling shapes near the shore, their trunks thick and bark deeply grooved. Farther inland, taller pines and oaks form shaded clearings where sunlight filters through branches. Search for the common yew, a tree with red berries that can live over 1,000 years—its abundance here drew attention from botanists in the 19th century. In May, white wood anemones and yellow trollius flowers cover the ground. Fallen trees host lichens like Usnea longissima, which hangs in pale green strands from branches.

Animals in the Reserve

Endangered sand lizards sunbathe on rocks near the coast from April to September. Listen for green woodpeckers drilling into dead trees and nutcrackers cracking pine seeds. Between March and October, migratory birds like redstops rest in meadows filled with insects. If you walk quietly at sunrise, you might see roe deer feeding near the forest edges. Avoid stepping on logs; they shelter beetles and spiders that feed birds and small mammals.

Swimming Areas and Shorelines

Three distinct shorelines give options for water activities. A sandy beach south of the reserve slopes gently into shallow water, safe for children. Smooth granite slabs west of the parking area warm quickly in the sun, ideal for lounging. Rocky sections east of the peninsula attract snorkelers exploring seaweed-covered boulders. Water temperatures rarely exceed 18°C in summer, but sheltered inlets reduce wave action. Bring your own towel, as changing areas are minimal.

Bronze Age Stone Structures

Low stone circles and cairns along the trails date back over 3,000 years. Archaeologists think these formations marked graves or ceremonial sites due to their placement on high ground with clear views of the sea. Look for clusters of rounded stones arranged in rings, often near clearings or older trees. Do not move or stack stones; these sites are protected under Swedish law.

Visitor Tips

A toilet block with running water sits near the southern parking area. In Särö, 2 kilometers east, options include hotels and Blomstermåla, a seafood restaurant open year-round. Park at the main entrance or take bus 840 from Kungsbacka station, followed by a 15-minute walk. Keep dogs on leashes between March and August to protect nesting birds. Use the stamp at the viewpoint to leave an imprint on paper or fabric.

Places to Visit Nearby

Drive 10 minutes east to Kungsbacka, where 19th-century wooden shops sell handmade crafts and local foods. Hike Fjärås bräcka, a glacial ridge with views of Lake Lygnern, or visit Äskhult village to see farmhouses from the 1800s. For a longer trip, take a ferry from Gothenburg to Styrsö island, where car-free roads pass cottages and coastal meadows.