Marvikarna and Krampan Nature Reserves

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Marvikarna and Krampan Nature Reserves

Discover Sörmland Blog
Published by Stefanie Schlosser in Nature Reserves · 3 March 2022
Tags: MarvikarnaKrampanNatureReserve
Located in the north-east of Sörmland there can be found the two Nature Reserves Marvikarna (1974) and Krampan (1991). Together they cover about 213 ha of land and water. The clear water lakes Övre Marviken, Mellan Marviken and Nedre Marviken form valuable ecosystems and are therefore the base for the nature reserve Marvikarna. In the Swedish language this term simply resembles the plural form as “The Marvikens”.
 
Besides the lakes there are the rocky areas of the “mountains” Klövberget and Falkberget which are characterized and protected as bird reservoir. The most popular part of Krampan Nature Reserve is the brook ravine which is connected to the lake Övre Marviken. Walking through the ravine, especially in summer time, makes one feel like being on some kind of subtropical island. A fern-lined little path leads along the meandering stream, calming and humbling through its outstanding beauty. One might want to take a break at the small wooden bridge, sit down and listen to the waters gurgling as it flows its way. This unique location is definitely worth a visit and I invite to not only rush through but take the time to absorb everything this place has to offer.


Fig..1: Ferns in the brook ravine of Krampan Nature Reserve (2020).  
 
During the Bronze and Iron Age, about 3000 years ago, the Marvikarna lakes were a protected and well frequented waterway between the Baltic Sea and the lake Mälaren. Remains of people’s lives along the lakes can be found even today. The Vikings already had to skip a short part on land since the lakes Övre Marviken and Klämmingen started to get separated by a land bridge. Today, the small town Laxne can be found in this place. The reason for these differences in water level and therefore the falling coastline relatively to the landmass, can be explained by the post-glacial rebound. Until today, the Scandinavian subcontinent is rising above the Baltic Sea, however at a slower pace than it did by the end and shortly after the last glacial period. I will speak more about post-glacial rebound in another article.
 
The entire landscape was greatly shaped by both ice and meltwater. Geomorphological forms, such as esker and kettle holes, can be found in this area. In the bigger picture, it can be classified as joint valley landscape. This typical relief type is not only shaped by outer influences like ice and water (exogenic) but moreover through past movements in the terrestrial body (endogenic). Vertical geological faults, so to say discontinuities in the bedrock, lead to this kind of landscape emerging as the result of erosion. The developing valleys are oftentimes waterfilled, as it is the case here as well. The three Marvikens are elongated, partly lined by steep cliffs.


Fig.2: Lake Övre Marviken in June 2020.

In summer, those lakes are highly appreciated for canoeing, while in winter, long-distance ice skating is a popular activity. Several paths in the area allow the visitor to explore the nature reserves on hikes of different lengths. Between Övre and Mellan Marviken, there is to be found a popular picknick area with several fireplaces and good access to the lakes. Their particularly clear water invites for a swim in summer days. The long-distance hiking path Sörmlandsleden leads through the reserves as well. Two roundwalks (4 km and 9 km) are starting from Skottvångs Gruva.

It is my pleasure to guide you through the nature reserve, tell you about plants, animals, the last ice age, todays ecosystem as well as the local history of the place.

For more information see Sweden Experience Tours.
 


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© Stefanie Schlosser 2023
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