Out and about in Tjurpannan Nature Reserve

A hike through Tjurpannan Nature Reserve on Sweden’s west coast culminates the beauty of this coastal landscape in a small area. Heathland and freshwater lakes, smooth-polished granite cliffs, islands and the open sea.

North of Grebbestad, almost on the Norwegian border, lies the Tjurpannan Nature Reserve. Right next to it is Saltvik’s Camping, so I can set off from there on foot and without a drive into the park at the most photographically interesting times.

Designated hiking trails marked with wooden posts lead over rocky hills and grassy hollows. Only a few bushes in places with a bit of soil for their roots defy the mostly harsh weather. The wind sprays the mist from the waves breaking on the cliffs high up and blows over a salty taste. On the edge of such a cliff stands a wooden hut as a perfect motif, which probably serves as storage for fishing gear. The hut is also often used by hikers as a resting spot.

Where the bright midday sun previously produced harsh shadows that emphasised the shapes of the polished granite as well as the edges and lines of the rugged cliffs, a constantly changing play of colours began on the now softer-looking rocks as the sun sank late into the night. Out at sea, boats hurried past into the harbours to avoid having to navigate the dreaded waters at night.

After the last golden glow of the sunset faded and the blue hour began, a crescent moon shone silvery bright over the landscape. This meant I could start the walk home without a headlamp. It’s only a 2 km distance, yet the evening felt so far removed from the campsite and the everyday routine of travelling. What a magnificent highlight to conclude the trip through Southern Sweden. We reviewed once more what we had experienced since arriving in Skanör: Hanö Bay, Skärhamn and Björholmen on Tjörn, Mollösund and Stocken on Orust, Malö, Lysekil, Smögen, Fjällbacka and so much more. This won’t be the last trip to the North, especially as we’ve now gained further important experience with a roof tent, tent and dog in the Scandinavian climate.