Vristulven nature reserve
Mariestad, Skövde

West of lake Vristulven and out on the islands grows old forests with fir and pine trees. The highest natural values are accessible in and around the Natura 2000-area Lindbergs domain reserve, that is included in Vristulven's nature reserve. There is old coniferous forest with a big feature of dead firewood and pine that is both tall and thick. Some of the species found here are green shield-moss and woodland stair-step moss.

There is the possibility of encountering some of the birds in the area. And if you are lucky you may get to hear the black-throated loon magnificent call in the distance. Or see the osprey fly by with a new caught pike in their claws. Or witness the hunt for dragonflies in the sky by the graceful falcon.

Vristulven has great opportunities for an alternating outdoor life. Depending on the season you can either go ice skating, go for a swim, paddle, harvest berries or mushrooms. A partly unclear path follows most of the lakes westside beach. Alongside the road to Stora Vadön is a wooden staircase with railing leading to the top of the ancient fort Tränborgen. 

The whole lake speed limit is according to the county board decision. The highest speed allowed are 5 knots. According to the same decision is powerboat prohibited to use at the swimming area Sandlandet. 

Please avoid go ashore and disturb the bird wildlife on islands with signs about vulnerable birdlife. This applies between 1st of April and 31st of July. Vulnerable bird species breed on these islands. All wild bird species in Sweden are protected according to the species protection regulation. According to the species protection regulation is it prohibited to intentionally disturb bird, especially during their breeding and migration. 

You are welcome to visit the nature reserve Vristulven, but consider that it is not allowed to:

• drive an engine driven vehicle on ice
• drive an engine driven vehicle on land other than on designated roads
• fly at a height lower than 300 meter
• light a fire in locations other than designated fireplaces
• break twigs, cut down, remove or in other ways damage alive or dead, standing or fallen trees and bushes
• harvest moss, larva or mushrooms. But it is allowed to harvest berries and edible mushrooms
• catch or trap invertebrates animals
• implant animals or plant species
• put up a board, placard, posters, sign or lettering on anything other than the information boards

It is continuously prohibited without the county boards permission to:

• organize sports competitions or other arrangements with more than 200 people
• arrange organized horse riding. Horse riding should not be done in a way that will damage the natural values or walking trails