Runes old-growth forest
The property - (click here to show hide)
Naturarvet We signed a contract and took possession of Rune’s old-growth forest on June 15, 2026. The forest is located outside the village of Bäl, east of Visby on Gotland. In September, we received final approval for the acquisition, and we are now the proud owners of this gem.
The 18.16-hectare property lies 37 meters above sea level, with open plains to the west and forested areas to the east, in a region containing several small and a few larger nature reserves. To the north lies the Hejnum Hällar Nature Reserve, and to the southeast, just a stone’s throw away, is the somewhat larger Bälsalvret Nature Reserve. The forest consists of a coniferous forest stand of varying character. The terrain is gently rolling, with moist, forested depressions and higher-elevation, drier coniferous forest areas on gravel ridges. In the center of the property lies Killingmyren, which spans just over 1 hectare. The former owner entered into a 50-year nature conservation agreement with the County Administrative Board on May 15, 2009. Thanks to the fact that the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation ( Naturarvet ) was offered the opportunity to take over the property from the owner’s estate, it is now preserved for all time.
Nature - (click here to show hide)
Modern forestry has not been practiced here; instead, the forest has been managed through selective logging of individual trees. The tree layer consists of trees of varying ages, with many old pines and spruces. Natural values are primarily linked to the oldest pines, the late-growing spruces, and the dead wood. Abundant amounts of the indicator species Cat’s-foot Lichen have been found on spruce. The shrub layer is dominated by juniper. In the moist areas, buckthorn is also present. In some spots, the vegetation may appear dense, but most of the area is open. The area has not yet been inventoried for species. If you are interested in contributing an inventory report, you are warmly welcome to contact us at info@naturarvet.se.
Killingmyren is a wetland that is now overgrown with sedges. According to the former landowner, the wetland used to be significantly wetter. It is conceivable that the extensive gravel quarrying adjacent to the wetland led to a drop in the water table, resulting in overgrowth and the encroachment of sedges. Operations at the gravel quarry have ceased, and in 2008, the gravel pit was transformed into a lake with several smaller lakes.
How to get here - (click here to show/hide)
The forest is located in the parish of Bäls, between Visby and Slite along Route 147. There are two ways to get to the forest by car.
1) Follow Route 147; about two kilometers past the turnoff for Bäls Church, turn left onto a small gravel road that leads into the former gravel pit (and then continues back onto Route 147). Park at the beginning of that road. Keep to the left as you enter the trail. To the left of the wildlife pond/former gravel pit, you’ll find yourself in the forest.
2) Turn off Route 147 toward Hejnum. After about one kilometer, you’ll come to a gravel road on the right. The gravel road leads down into an old gravel pit, and from there, a trail leads into the forest. Both this gravel road and the gravel pit are public land.
By public transportation, take the Länstrafik bus No. 22 from Visby or Slite to the Bäl Uppuse stop. Plan your trip with Public Transportation on Gotland. Follow the gravel road that runs parallel to Route 147 for about one kilometer until it joins the road to Hejnum. Follow that road to the same gravel road and gravel pit as in Option 2 above.
You can use the coordinates as a reference 57.65585782304353, 18.65646609503376 which shows the center of the property and Killingmyren. There are several trails in the area that are used for both walking and horseback riding.
Please respect the right of public access and do not disturb the peace and quiet of residents and vacation home owners in the area. Do not park on or drive on private roads or land. You are personally responsible for any damage to your vehicle caused by driving on rough roads.
1) Follow Route 147; about two kilometers past the turnoff for Bäls Church, turn left onto a small gravel road that leads into the former gravel pit (and then continues back onto Route 147). Park at the beginning of that road. Keep to the left as you enter the trail. To the left of the wildlife pond/former gravel pit, you’ll find yourself in the forest.
2) Turn off Route 147 toward Hejnum. After about one kilometer, you’ll come to a gravel road on the right. The gravel road leads down into an old gravel pit, and from there, a trail leads into the forest. Both this gravel road and the gravel pit are public land.
By public transportation, take the Länstrafik bus No. 22 from Visby or Slite to the Bäl Uppuse stop. Plan your trip with Public Transportation on Gotland. Follow the gravel road that runs parallel to Route 147 for about one kilometer until it joins the road to Hejnum. Follow that road to the same gravel road and gravel pit as in Option 2 above.
You can use the coordinates as a reference 57.65585782304353, 18.65646609503376 which shows the center of the property and Killingmyren. There are several trails in the area that are used for both walking and horseback riding.
Please respect the right of public access and do not disturb the peace and quiet of residents and vacation home owners in the area. Do not park on or drive on private roads or land. You are personally responsible for any damage to your vehicle caused by driving on rough roads.