LOCATION

Vattenriket Biosphere Reserve is located in Skåne, the southernmost of Sweden’s municipalities and surrounds the city of Kristianstad. The area includes a part of drainage basin of the River Helge and the coastal waters of Hanöbukten Bay, that is part of the Baltic Sea. It was established in 2005 and remains a part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network. 56°02′N 14°08′E

1. By David Castor (user:dcastor, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vattenriket.jpg

SCENIC CHARACTER

Sweden’s lowest point is located in the Reserve at 2.41 m below sea level. Kristianstads Vattenriket is a 35‐km‐long wetland area surrounded by cultivated landscape. It enables habitat for a large number of endangered species of birds and fish. There are some pieces of nature remaining from the Ice Age. Reserve covers the area of 100 000 ha. It includes rich wetlands and stretches of running water, broadleaf forests and the sandy grasslands. The area includes 711 species that have been nationally red-listed and over 22 species, including freshwater pearl mussel, cod, pond bat, and white-tailed eagle placed on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

ATTRACTIONS

There are birdwatching towers and outdoor museums. Tourists can enjoy the river and relax with beautiful views and atmosphere. There are also opportunities for swimming, hiking, and barbecuing in the open air. The reserve gives a unique opportunity to meet endangered species in their natural habitat.