Between Floda and Nääs lies the Nääs Ekhagar nature reserve – a beautiful area with ancient oaks, open pastures, and deciduous forests. Here, natural and cultural history meet in a landscape that has long been shaped by both people and nature.
The nature reserve is part of a larger deciduous forest area around Lake Mjörn, which is considered one of the most valuable in Sweden. The special fauna living in the old, massive oaks has proven to be unique even from a European perspective.
Pastures in the oak hills are gradually being restored to recreate the open landscape that characterized the area during the late 19th century.
The area around Nääs has a long history. As early as the 17th century, the landscape began to take shape around Nääs Castle, which is situated high on a promontory in Lake Sävelången. The castle acquired its present appearance in 1827 and is surrounded by farmland, pastures, and deciduous forests.
Just west of the castle lies August Abrahamsson’s handicraft seminary. The buildings were erected between 1874 and 1920 and reflect the new architectural ideals that emerged during the latter part of the 19th century. Together with the castle environment, the castle avenue, and the English park, the area was declared a listed building in 1991.
The landscape in Nääs Ekhagar still bears clear traces of how the land was cultivated during the 19th century. Here you will find old farm roads, stone walls, and open ditches that tell the story of the area’s agricultural history.
The wide-crowned oaks in pastures and deciduous forests are also important historical features. They show how the landscape was once considerably more open than today, with sparsely wooded grazing lands where the great oaks dominated.
During the 20th century, many pastures have become overgrown and turned into deciduous forest. Despite this, very high natural and cultural values remain in the area, not least connected to the old giant oaks.
Nääs Ekhagar is a popular excursion destination for both young and old. Here you will find lovely walking paths, beautiful nature, and several places for swimming.
At Nääsbadet there is a sandy beach, jetty, barbecue area, and toilet. The area also offers other swimming opportunities, for example at Slottsparksbadet.
Part of the Gotaleden trail also passes through the nature reserve, a hiking trail that runs between Gothenburg and Alingsås. The section between Floda and Tollered passes through Nääs Ekhagar and is marked with blue trail markers on trees and posts.
Natura 2000 encompasses valuable natural areas within the EU, and the selections are based on requirements set out in the EU’s Birds Directive as well as the Habitats and Species Directive. The purpose of the conservation plans in Natura 2000 is to stop the extinction of wild animals and plants and to prevent the destruction of their habitats. At Nääs, for example, the rare Hermit Beetle is also included in the protection.
Please note that both the castle park and the Nääs Ekhagar nature reserve are included, as well as all other areas on the property.
Both the fauna and wildlife are unique, including the rare Hermit Beetle.
Nääs is one of the few places where the Hermit Beetle, Osmoderma eremita, thrives thanks to the abundance of older, massive trees with cavities. The Hermit Beetle is among the most threatened species in Sweden and is currently red-listed as vulnerable (VU). It is completely dependent on old and hollow trees for its survival. You can read more about the County Administrative Board’s inventory here.
The Hermit Beetle is brownish-black, approximately 24-32 mm long, and has a distinctive scent of leather and musk.
You are warmly welcome to visit the Nääs Ekhagar nature reserve. At the same time, we ask you to carefully follow the reserve regulations, which are in place to protect nature. For example, it is not permitted to:
damage or remove living or dead plants, trees, or branches (except berries and edible mushrooms)
disturb wildlife
collect plants, mosses, lichens, or insects
make fires other than at designated sites
camp or park caravans outside designated areas
drive vehicles or cycle off roads
put up signs or make inscriptions in nature
have dogs off-leash
Please read the reserve regulations for Nääs Ekhagar.
Nääs today is one of Sweden’s largest listed buildings with an adjacent nature reserve, but also a large manor with a fantastic history. The castle stands as the crowning glory on its own peninsula, a landmark that towers over the area and tells the story of the site’s history.
