Hallands Vadero

Hallands Vadero is about three hundred hectares of island a short crossing from Torekov, protected as a reserve since 1958, and it is more wooded than most Swedish islands of its size - old oak, beech, lime and hazel with a rich ground flora, along with juniper heath and bare rock at the edges. Grey and harbour seals haul out on the skerries around it and are usually visible from the boat. A bird station on the island rings migrants. There is a small harbour, a chapel, paths across, and swimming from the rocks. The boat runs frequently in summer and much less often outside it.

Background

Hallands Väderö, Halland's Weather Island, lies off the northwest corner of Skåne, though it is named after Halland, the province to the north. It has been a nature reserve since 1958 for its old beech forest, unusual fungi and large bird populations. No one lives here permanently, but many old cabins remain and some can be rented for the night, and in summer small ferries come over from Torekov. The first lighthouse went up in 1884 and the present one was lit in 1909. In 2006 the land survey ruled that the whole island belongs to the Church of Sweden under an old agreement of 1753.

Source: Wikipedia, "Hallands Väderö"

What's there

• Old oak, beech and lime woodland - unusual on an island this size.
• Seals on the surrounding skerries - grey and harbour.
• A ringing station - working the migration.
• Paths and rock swimming - round the reserve.

When to go

May to September, when boats run frequently. Half a day.

Practical notes

The boat runs a seasonal schedule and cancels in rough weather. There are few facilities on the island. Parts are closed in the breeding season. It is small - half a day is enough.

Nearby

Torekov is on the mainland; Bjare's coastal path runs from there.

Key facts