The Kinnekulle is a table mountain on the eastern shore of Lake Vänern in the historical province of Västergötland, Sweden. With a height of about 306 meters and a length of 14 KM, it offers space for diverse natural landscapes, including deciduous and coniferous forests, meadows, heaths, groves, steppes and farmland. The mountain is designated as a biosphere reserve and is home to several nature reserves.
The Kinnekulle area is a place that the Swedish naturalist Carl von Linné described as “sweeter than any other”. Here, wild wild garlic grows in a unique natural environment with unusual flowers and plants. Fallow deer roam freely in the open fields, and artists and craftsmen live and work on Kinnekulle.
A 45 km long hike allows you to explore the different landscapes. Along the way you can discover a beautiful waterfall and some cultural monuments. From the observation tower you can enjoy an impressive panorama over Lake Vänern.
The Kinnekullegården restaurant on the mountain top serves typical Swedish dishes and is a perfect place to relax after a hike.
Position
The mountain Kinnekulle is located in the municipality of Götene on the eastern shore of Lake Vänern between Lidköping in the south and Mariestad in the north in Västra Göteland.
Special features of Kinnekulle
The mountain offers space for diverse natural landscapes of deciduous and coniferous forests, meadows, heaths, groves, steppes and farmland. It has been awarded the UNESCO seal as a biosphere reserve . Another special feature of the mountain are its five rock layers, which document around 540 million years of earth's history. Fossils in the sandstone testify to the existence of the first primitive marine creatures.
Martorpsfallet – Waterfall
Walk the 1.6 km trail up to Martorpsfallet, a beautiful waterfall that cascades down the edge of the limestone cliff. The best chance of seeing it is in the spring after the snow melts, or in the autumn when the rainy days start to lengthen again. This is when the water volume is at its highest, pouring over the edge of the limestone gorge. During the dry summer months, the waterfall can be completely dry, and drainage is then mainly through cracks in the mountain.
Österplana Nature Reserve Heath and Grassland
The nature reserve is located on the limestone layer of Kinnekulle. A rare natural species called alvar exists only in a few places in the world, such as Kinnekulle, Öland and Gotland. In spring, the orchid “St. Per's key” turns the heath red. Wide pastures, lush deciduous forest, steep cliffs and wild coniferous forest characterize the landscape. Kinnekulle's largest nature reserve, the Österplana heath and meadow, is an oasis for unusual species and alien nature. The landscape here is archaic and unique, shaped by grazing animals and scythes over many centuries. The terms “heath” and “grassland” are old terms for pasture and hay meadow. The area is a remnant of a once common landscape and today is an oasis for plants and animals that cannot find a habitat in today's rationally managed fields and forests.
Little Grand Canyon
The large quarry at Kinnekulle is one of the most visited attractions in the region and is referred to by locals as the “little Grand Canyon”. In addition to the fantastic view and surroundings, there is also a small fishing lake in the middle of the quarry. In the quarry you can see 40 meters of the thick limestone layer of Kinnekulle, the so-called orthoceric limestone.
The rock contains fossils (petrified animals) of squid and crustaceans that lived in the sea 400 million years ago when the rock was formed. A walk around the lake and the “canyon” is definitely worth it; the view is amazing and when the weather is good you can even see Lake Vänern. There are many places to sit and benches along the fishing lake where you can relax.
When the weather is sunny, people like to get out their picnic blankets and grill a sausage or steak on the grill provided. That's the great thing about Sweden: there are barbecue areas and places to sit almost everywhere to enjoy the beautiful nature with your family or friends.
Conclusion
Kinnekulle, known as the “flowering mountain”, is a natural jewel in Sweden that is impressive every season. Table Mountain is a UNESCO biosphere reserve with a diverse landscape and a paradise for rare animals and plants. Picturesque places such as the Martorpsfallet waterfall and the “little Grand Canyon” can be found on hiking trails.
The mountain is an inspiring place for artists and nature lovers and a living testimony to the earth's history. The Kinnekullegården restaurant offers Swedish specialties after a walk. Kinnekulle is a magical place where you can see the beautiful Swedish nature in all its aspects.
So, if you are nearby, feel free to visit Kinnekulle and its unique nature.
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