In April every year Hornborga Lake stages a world-famous spectacle. The lake is a stopover point for thousands of European cranes and the event attracts ornithologists and ”ordinary people” from all over the world.

 

But it’s not only the cranes that are worth seeing. There are also thousands of waders and ducks in and around the lake, and many other rare species can also be spotted.

 

The countryside around the lake is home to a range of interesting plants, as well as thousands of frogs that make their own special music, and dragonflies with their beautiful colours. And in the lake itself you can catch pike, perch and other fish.

 

Visitors will find a well-organised facility, with several bird towers and hiking trails along the lake shore. There are two Nature Rooms where you can have a cup of coffee and, of course, learn a lot about the reserve. Car parks are numerous around the lake, and guided tours are available, by advance booking.
 
Östen is the name of a nearby lake which is also rich in birdlife. In many ways it’s a good complement to Hornborga Lake.

 

Varied flora and fauna
This is one of Sweden’s most beautiful and verdant regions. A very special sort of countryside, with plateaus providing the backdrop. Billingen, Ålle- and Mösseberg are mountains with lime-rich soils where many rare plants grow.

 

Carl Linnaeus, one of Sweden’s most famous people, discovered all this beauty on his travels through the region. The mountains and the views over the scenic countryside made such an impression on the ”Father of Taxonomy” that he called it ”a paradise”. Modern-day visitors will enjoy the fascinating animal life, and much more.
         
Hornborga Lake – A historical view.