Stora Karlso

Stora Karlso was made a reserve in 1880, which makes it among the oldest protected areas in Europe, after a local doctor bought it to stop the egg collecting and shooting that was emptying the cliffs. Guillemots and razorbills nest on the ledges in thousands - the guillemot colony is the largest in the Baltic - and the young leave by jumping from the cliff to the sea before they can fly, which happens over a few nights in late June and early July. The island is limestone with raukar, orchids in the thin turf and a lighthouse. Visitors move with guides in the sensitive areas and stay in a small hostel if overnighting.

The landscape

• Guillemots and razorbills on the ledges - the largest Baltic colony.
• The chicks jumping to the sea - over a few nights in early summer.
• Limestone with raukar and orchids - the ground above the cliffs.
• A reserve since 1880 - among the oldest in Europe.

When to go

May to July; the jump is late June to early July. A full day.

Good to know

Boats run a short season and cancel in swell. Landings are limited and should be booked. Movement on the island is restricted to protect the colony. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Lilla Karlso is north-east; Klintehamn is on Gotland.

Key facts