Gotska Sandön

The National Park is located in the Baltic Sea on the island of Gotska Sandon north of the island of Gotland. 842 acres of the park are taken from the sea. The island itself is located 40 km north of Fårö, is approximately 8 km long, 5 km wide and has an area of ​​3,601 hectares. After its establishment, the park was expanded in 1963 and 1988.

Nature

The park is characterized by a dune landscape with pine forest, a rich flora and barren sand beaches. The shifting sand has formed along the beach hills and penetrates in some places in the forest. An up to 42 m high and very old dune, Hoga Åsen runs, across the island and separates the north-western part of the rest area. Only about 100 hectares are arable or pasture land. There are also a number of buildings of cultural significance, including a chapel.

On Gotska Sandon there are many endemic animal and plant species. Especially different species of beetles gained notoriety. On the north side of the island there is a protected seal colony, it is not permitted to approach. However, it can be observed by a somewhat distant vantage point. This is a slow-growing tree, which has already been shown by many painters and photographers.

The seal hunt on the dune presented earlier is an important part of the livelihood on the island of Gotland, the show also bone finds.

Population

The island has long been occupied only occasionally. According to some reports it to have been a refuge for pirates and hunting ground for seals. Today the staff lives only for the lighthouse and for the tourist station on the island. The tasks of the tourist station guarding the sensitive nature and in the summer include the management of visitor groups.

Gotska Sandon has no port and can only be accessed at the beach near the lighthouse. Visitors must register with the staff of the island. The former school building was used until the end of the 20th century and is now a museum.

Public boat routes are available from Fårö and Nynäshamn.

Pictures

To the east of the island

Sand beach on the northeast coast

In the island's interior: the Shipka passet ( Shipka Pass), a man-made path through the dunes