Erstad kärr

One of Småland's best birdwatching spots

  • Nature reserve
  • Wetlands
  • Scenic spot
  • Visingsö

Miles of views in a unique location

Experience one of Småland's best birdwatching spots at Erstad kärr on Visingsö. From the bird tower, you can observe both the rich birdlife in the marsh and the vast views over lake Vättern in all directions.

Erstad kärr is a unique wetland for migratory birds and the only one of its kind on the southern shores of lake Vättern. Erstad kärr offers beautiful views towards both Östergötland and Västergötland at Erstadviken on the northern part of Visingsö.

The site is significant for resting and breeding bird species, especially in late summer. The marsh is both a nature reserve and a Natura 2000 area.

Discover the birdlife at Erstad kärr

At Erstad kärr, most of the country's duck and wader species have been observed, but you can also see Arctic waders such as sanderling, curlew sandpiper, and knot during migration.

Breeding species include shelduck, moorhen, oystercatcher, redshank, little ringed plover, yellow wagtail, lapwing, and some years, black-necked grebe.

The marsh also hosts a large colony of black-headed gulls. The vigilant gulls protect other bird species by aggressively chasing away birds of prey and other intruders in the marsh.

During spring and autumn migration, large numbers of Arctic waders such as dunlin, ruff, spotted redshank, curlew sandpiper, and knot rest here. In July and August, large numbers of little gulls often stay in the marsh.

Good view from the bird tower

On the northern side of the marsh, there is a bird tower with two platforms offering a fine view over the marsh. Besides being one of the best birdwatching spots in the area, the bird tower is near the narrowest part of Visingsö. From the tower, you can see Lake Vättern in nearly 360 degrees around the island.

The lower platform of the bird tower is accessible and has a ramp suitable for wheelchair access. The upper platform is reached by stairs. The bird tower was built by a local contractor who used larch wood grown and sawn on Visingsö.

More to discover

The area is a horse pasture grazed year-round. If you're lucky, you might also see a donkey in the pasture during the summer.

The marsh is one of the few habitats for the coastal plants sea club-rush and sea rush.

Directly east of the marsh, you will find Erstad brygga with boathouses and a small beach. Here you can swim. On northern Visingsö, there is also the larger sandy beach Sandudden, perfect for a day at the beach.

Allemansrätten

The right of public access (Allemansrätten) allows you to explore Sweden’s nature. This unique privilege is based on shared responsibility, requiring everyone to respect wildlife, nature, landowners, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

The usual right of public access does not apply fully in the nature reserve, read more at Länsstyrelsen.

Good to know

  • Potable water: No
  • Wind protection/Shelter: No
  • Barbecue/picnic area: No
  • Toilet: No
  • Accessibility: Accessible ramp at the bird tower.
  • Parking: Yes, a few parking spots next to the bird tower

Visingsö

Take the ferry from Gränna to Visingsö, a gem in Lake Vättern with stunning nature and a rich history tied to the powerful Brahe family. Don’t miss Brahe Church, home to a wealth of artistic treasures. The island is easy to explore by bike or by horse-drawn carriage – remmalag. Here, you're close to nature and can meet alpacas, go horseback riding, or paddle a kayak.

How to get here

Get to Erstad kärr by bike, car, or the ÖA-svängen bus (bus 126) that runs on Visingsö.

Cycling is popular on Visingsö, and bikes are available for hire if you don't have your own.

The ferry to Visingsö departs from Gränna harbour. Then take the main road towards the northern part of the island where Visingsö is narrowest. After about 7.5 kilometers (from the harbour), turn right where it is signposted "Erstad 1". Three hundred meters later, you will arrive at the bird tower and parking.

The bus on Visingsö, ÖA-svängen (bus 126), stops at a stop about 500 meters from the bird tower. The stop is called Visingsö Erstad. The bus runs according to the timetable in summer but needs to be booked at other times of the year.

Timetable and tickets, visit jlt.se External link, opens in new window.

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