Welcome to Getterön Nature Reserve – one of Europe’s most bird-rich wetlands – and Fågelbacka Outdoor Area – a tailor-made natural area for biodiversity. Here, you can experience the magical interplay and cycles of nature, with nesting birds, the hum of bumblebees, fluttering butterflies, flower meadows, and grazing animals.
Nature is an adventure, and it starts here!
GETTERÖN NATURE RESERVE
The nature reserve consists of various types of habitats, which attract a wide variety of bird species. Experience them up close in our bird hides or get an overview from our lookout points!
FÅGELBACKA OUTDOOR AREA
In our outdoor area, we have created a rolling landscape with various themes that benefit a wide range of species, ranging from elusive small insects to sun-loving lizards, bees, butterflies, and birds.
1. Naturum Getterön
Enjoy the view, look through monocular, receive nature information, and visit our exhibition, shop, and café.
2. Birdwatching Platform
Overview of the entire reserve.
3. The Big Hide
View of the nesting islands in the pond and resting migratory birds. Watch for white-tailed eagles during the winter.
4. The reed hide
Enjoy wading birds up close. With a bit of luck, you might spot a water rail, bearded reedling, or a kingfisher.
5. The Western Hide
Viewing Platform by the Pond – A great spot to see wading birds during spring, summer, and fall.
6. Viewing Platform
Great view over the entire reserve. The best place to see birds on the wet meadows (or salt marshes) and in the pool.
7. Bird Station with Ringing
The Varberg Ornithological Society rings birds during the fall. See program for guided tours.
8. The Pond
The birds’ larder. In the shallow water, various small creatures thrive, providing food for the birds.
9. The Reeds
Many resting and overnighting small birds seek shelter and food in the reeds.
10. The Wet meadows (or The Salt Marshes)
Extensive and occasionally flooded wet meadows (or salt marshes) constitute an important habitat for many bird species.
11. Mudbanks
An important environment for waders, whose long legs and beaks are adapted for foraging in the mud.
12. The Pool
Himleån river provides nutrient-rich freshwater to the pool.
13. Swallow Bank
A sandy bank offers nesting sites for sand swallows.
14. Biodiversity Garden
A specific tailored garden for biodiversity
15. Multicultural Areas
Diversity Islands – Mixed environments that benefit a variety of species.
16. Meadowland
A variety of different plants that attract many insects.
17. Shrubbery
Shrubbery provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds.
18. Pastures
The grazing animals keep the land open and contribute to a rich variety of plants.
19. Stone Formations
Stone walls are important environments for many animals; many small creatures live and thrive in the crevices between the stones.
20. Food Reservoir
Fields with crops, partly intended as food for wintering birds.
21. Prince Julian’s Playground
A baptism gift to Prince Julian, Duke of Halland.
22. Kärven The Lookout Tower
Climb up the twelve-meter-high lookout tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surroundings.
23. The VOF House
The house of the Varberg Ornithological Society. Accommodation available for a fee.
24. BBQ Area
Outdoor fireplace where you can cook your own food.
25. Outdoor Classroom
Shelter from rain and wind, a place to eat your packed lunch.