Yddal Nature Reserve
Yddal Nature Reserve is one of the largest and finest pine forest areas in Vestland County and is connected to Geitknottane Nature Reserve which extended into Kvam and Kvinnherad. Here is a picture from the mountain peak Horga in the reserve, drawn by Erling Berge. The rich forest resources were an important basis for the early settlements in Yddal, which were inhabited in the Middle Ages and moved out in the 1950s. In the area, you can find old pine trees that are over 300 years old and a rich wildlife, including great salamanders, grouse, eagles, deer and the rare orchids bride's spur, cypress as well as yew and king fern. The area is fantastically beautiful and you really get to experience the wilderness here, something you do in other places in the lowlands along the Norwegian coast. Lygresåsen is a nice place to experience the old forest, but it is also great to walk from Øyseter and further up to the end of Halavatnet in the gorge above Midtfjellet, here it is also possible to see golden eagles soaring over the large forest areas. From Midtfjellet you can see the pine forest lying like a blanket over the entire horizon. It is easy to get lost in the forest here, so it might be a good idea to have a map and compass with you. NB: In the nature reserve, there are special rules that apply, familiarize yourself with these before you travel in the area regarding, among other things, fire bans, leash restrictions, do not break branches of dead/living plants, etc. But it is allowed to pick mushrooms/berries for your own use.