Nature Reserves

Bøyabreen Nature Reserve in Fjærland/Sogndal

Bøyaøyri wetlands in Fjærland have been protected as a nature reserve primarily because of migratory birds during spring and fall. 90 different bird species have been observed, and approximately 50 species are nesting in this area. In Bøyaøyri, fresh water from the river mixes with saline water from the fjord. This type of brackish water deltas is among the most biologically productive ones in Norway. http://www.bre.museum.no/boyaoyri/index.php

Flostranda Nature Reserve in Stryn

Flostranda Nature Reserve is an area rich in botanical diversity (more than 360 species of vascular plants), variations in types of forest and substantial biological production. Flostranda has a southern exposure in a steep hillside sheltered from cold northern winds. Various large old trees provide a biotic environment for many rare and demanding species of insects, fungi and lichens. The Flostranda forest is a relict of the large deciduous forests which spread across Norway in a warm period following the last ice age. This is the largest unbroken lime forest in Northern Europe. Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre maintains a botanical interpretive trail in Flostranda naturreservat. http://www.jostedalsbre.no

Nigardsbreen Nature Reserve in Luster

Nigardsbreen Nature Reserve was established in 1985 and is situated just outside the the national park established 6 years later. This is a very good place to study the plant succession, how plants re-colonise areas where the ice has disappeared. Following the “little ice age” around 1750 the glacier made several smaller advances, all of these upstream in the valley, and left behind end moraines, all of which are dated. Each time you pass a moraine on your way up the valley, you may notice variations in the vegetative makeup. Nigardsbreen Nature Reserve has a common borderline with Jostedalsbreen National Park. Walking from the car park to Nigardsbreen takes about one hour.  www.jostedal.com

Myklebustdalen Nature Reserve in Jølster

The purpose here is to preserve a marshy wetland with a wide spectre of bogs which are characteristic for hillside locations, including rain bogs. It is intended to preserve the entire variety of bogs and types of vegetation in the area with natural flora and fauna.

Prestestøylen Nature Reserve in Innvik/Stryn

The purpose is to preserve a wetland with a considerable and well developed variety of bogs and natural flora and fauna. The area features rain bogs and vegetation representative of their geographical location and height above sea level. A characteristic aspect is the bog filling the entire valley bottom, having developed through interaction with a meandering river.

Tjønnane Nature Reserve in Innvik/Stryn

The purpose is to preserve a rare combination of bog types, the regionally unusual string bog, a well developed inland type of blanket bogs, and the natural flora and fauna in the area. Many bog tarns contribute to the natural diversity.

Yngsdalen Nature Reserve in Luster

The reserve has been established in order to conserve a marsh with its natural flora and fauna. The size of the area is unusual in Indre Sogn below the tree line; it features limy marshes and wells, as well as rare and interesting plant species. One special feature is the bog covering the valley floor, a meandering river and contrasting wetland environment, a part of an intact river system.