Waterscape and winter birds

Kärlingesund is part of the extensive shoreline around the shallow, bird-rich waters between Bokenäset, Skaftölandet and Flatön. This water area is part of the marine-biologically interesting Nordströmmarna. The Strömmarna water area lies directly adjacent. Birdlife there is particularly abundant in winter because the flowing water rarely freezes over. For nature enthusiasts, this gives the area a clear seasonal focus: those who want to make birdlife their main interest will find the strongest connection with the waterside landscape in winter.

Nature reserve and wildlife

The Kärlingesund Nature Reserve has a varied landscape of elevated rocky areas, deep valleys and shore meadows. The contrast between the higher ground, valleys and shore meadows makes the area’s diversity tangible. Several unusual insects occur on rocky ground near Bassholmen, within the Kärlingesund area. This insect habitat on rocky terrain adds a second natural environment to the birdlife of the adjacent waters. Those comparing nature experiences can choose between different landscapes: the waters and their especially abundant birdlife in winter, or the rocky areas near Bassholmen.

The Kuststigen Trail along the shore

The Kuststigen Trail follows the shore through the Kärlingesund Nature Reserve, connecting the mainland with Flatö and Skaftö. Two features are relevant when planning a hike: the route along the shore and the connection between the mainland and the islands. This gives anyone looking for a coastal route a specific point of reference in the area. This offers a different perspective on Kärlingesund from the description of its landscape: rocky areas, deep valleys and shore meadows characterize the nature reserve, while the Kuststigen is a route along the shore.

Farmstead and traces of the past

The old Kärlingesund farmstead is a fine example of an earlier farm in the archipelago. In the 17th century, the farm was a Crown tenant farm (kronohemman). This links its character as an early archipelago farmstead to a specific historical context. Another testimony to the old cultural landscape is the restored crofter’s cottage Klaras på Källaren. Traces of a partly stone-built path dating from the 18th century have also been preserved in Kärlingesund. The farmstead and path traces offer different points of reference in time: the farmstead dates back to the 17th century, and the path traces to the 18th century. The crofter’s cottage adds another distinct testimony to the area’s cultural landscape. Thus, Kärlingesund’s historical features include not only the farmstead, but also a restored building and traces of a path.

Getting there and planning your trip

Kärlingesund can be reached by car from the road between Uddevalla and Fiskebäckskil. When planning your trip, you can choose which themes to focus on according to the season and your interests: birdlife at Strömmarna is especially notable in winter, the Kuststigen offers a shore route and a connection with Flatö and Skaftö, while the farmstead, crofter’s cottage and path traces draw attention to the cultural landscape.

Discover more destinations: Lane-Ryr, Stan, Herrestad, Ljungskile, Hogstorp, Högås, Uddevalla, Ammenäs

Go to the main travel overview: Uddevalla.