Hamra National Park
At the beginning of the 1900s, Hamra was described as “probably the most remarkable specimen of primeval forest remaining in all of Sweden”. Here, undisturbed marshes alternative with ancient lichen-draped forest in which the trees can be up to 300 years old.
Sights: Richly varied virgin coniferous forest.
Area: 28 hectares.
Established: 1909.
Location: Approximately 8 kilometres north-east of Tandsjöborg and 5 kilometres east of highway 81 in Ljusdal Municipality, Gävleborg County.
Visiting Hamra: The national park can be reached from Highway 81 between Orsa and Sveg, via a turn-off that leads southeast from Lake Fågelsjö. The road passes 300 metres from the park boundary, where there is a parking area and an information display. A trail including sections of boardwalk leads over the marsh and winds through the park.
Photo: Klas Rune/N
Hamra national park is in Orsa Finnmark, and is an island of virgin forest in the middle of the managed forest.
The park is small in area - only 800 x 400 m - is gently rolling and is formed by two low morains hills.
The forest is rich in boulders in places and has a number of wind-fallen trees and snags which show that it has not been touched for a long time. The oldest firs are over 300 years old. The fir forest in the east, with vast amounts of beard lichen, and the little Näckrostjärnen tarn, contribute to the untouched impression of the park landscape.
There are not many species of flora and fauna, with the exception of the richly varied insect life. About 450 species of beetle have been found.
The foremost sight of Hamra is the virgin coniferous forest with its rich variation.
For further information:
Illustration: Liberkartor, Stockholm
Photo: Håkan Hjort/N