Knuthöjdsmossen, a nature reserve in Sweden

An ancient glacial landscape. Knuthöjdsmossen, a nature reserve in Sweden

Discover Knuthöjdsmossen, a nature reserve that covers almost 250 acres near the city of Hällefors, Sweden. This tranquil haven features a boardwalk that meanders through a bog, showcasing several small lakes, sand dunes, marshes, and pines.

The landscape is shaped by the last inland ice that melted around 10,000 years ago, leaving behind moraine and glacial river sand. The reserve's largest sand dune is the 33-foot-tall Stora Hälleforsdynen. The sand dunes are home to many unique insects. A particularly rare gray ant, Formica cinerea, is present in this area. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse avian population, including the red-throated diver, northern lapwing, green sandpiper, and common goldeneye.