From the wild dance of the cranes in the spring, to the stillness of a pair of long-distance skates on a crisp winter day. Lake Hornborga offers out of the ordinary experiences in nature regardless of the time of year.
Few places are as associated with spring as much as Lake Hornborga is. When the first crane arrives here in March, for many it is a long-awaited sign of spring. The long winter is over and the exuberant dance of the cranes symbolises hope.
Soon several thousand cranes, whooper swans and ducks will be seen at Trandansen in the southern part of the lake. It tends to be a party for both people and birds.
Picture: Cranes that dance
The arrival of the cranes is the beginning of a beautiful time at Lake Hornborga. As the days get longer, more and more birds can be seen returning to the lake. The pasqueflowers look out of the ground, the bumblebees begin to buzz and the air fills with the cries of the black-headed gulls.
Soon the cherry trees will be in bloom. The gentle hills around the lake are covered in greenery and floral splendour. The lands at Vässtorpsviken and also Bolums Lider are exceptionally beautiful this time of year.
Picture: Cherry trees blooming, Vässtorp
Soon will be the early summer. The western yellow wagtail stroll the shore meadows. The sheep and the cows graze. During the short nights, the nightingale’s song washes over the landscape. On a clear and quiet evening, the song can be heard from as far as several kilometres away.
Summer is an intense time when Lake Hornborga is transformed into a nursery. Now you can see black-necked grebes with nestlings on their backs. The black-headed gulls fly in shuttle traffic with food for their newly hatched hatchings.
Picture: Yellow wagtail
When late summer comes, the tanned blades of grass sway in the wind and the greater knapweed shines with its purple flowers. On hot days there are a lot of dragonflies by the lake.
Now the harvesting of hay at Lake Hornborga is in full swing. The harvesting of hay, the grazing animals and the management of the nature reserve is a prerequisite for there to be so many species and beautiful nature here.
With late summer and autumn, more and more migratory birds are beginning to fly over the lake. Tens of thousands of birds can be walking on the lake at the same time. They stop to eat before continuing their journey southwards.
The cranes are now also gathered again at Lake Hornborga. During the autumn, you will see them especially in the evenings, when they fly to the lake to sleep. We suggest that you get to Trandansen just before sunset. Then you can experience thousands of cranes flying over you with their characteristic cries echoing across the landscape as a melancholic greeting that autumn has arrived.
Picture: Dragonflies
Winter is a time of stillness. But even in the tranquillity nature-experiences awaits. During cold winters when the ice becomes firm, there are good opportunities to go long-distance skating. You can easily reach the ice at Fågeludden or Fäholmen. But be extra careful about your safety when you set out. Then it is a peaceful experience to glide over the now frozen water mirror.
Winter is also a time when there are particularly good possibilities to see white-tailed eagles. The eagles are usually fed in the southern parts of Lake Hornborga during the end of winter. So that both the eagles and the ice skaters will be able to enjoy the lake, it is better to avoid the southern parts of the lake when you are out on the ice.
Therefore during some “eagle days,” you as a visitor can experience Sweden’s largest bird of prey sweep across the sky. For more information about eagle days, keep an eye on our upcoming activities.
