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Gubbanäsan

Halland  >  Sweden

This headland in the Västra Getterön Nature Reserve is known as one of the best sites in Sweden for migrating seabirds in the spring.

Added* by Lasse Olsson
Most recent update 21 September 2023

Description

Västra Getterön Nature Reserve is located on the outermost part of Getterön. A place that is also popularly known as Gubbanäsan. But Gubbanäsan is actually just the name of Getterön's westernmost headland. Västra Getterön consists of an open moorland and a rocky landscape. It is best known as one of the best locations in Sweden for migrating seabirds in the spring. Almost all observed seabird species in Sweden have been found here. If there are storms from the west, there is a chance throughout the year to see Northern Gannet, Northern Fulmar, Razorbill, skuas or storm petrels visiting from more open sea areas.

In the spring you can enjoy an impressive migration of Common Eider, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Brent Goose and more. There is also a chance of seeing rarities such as King Eider and White-billed Diver. Only a few species breed, including Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Common Shelduck and Common Ringed Plover. Other birds you can observe in the area are Black Guillemot, Red-breasted Merganser, European Shag, Northern Wheatear, Rock Pipit and Eurasian Skylark.

Details

Access

Gubbanäsan is located close to the city of Varberg. The site can be reached by driving Getterövägen, from the old E6 at the northern entrance to Varberg, until it ends in the west. Click on the P in the map for directions. Park here and then walk out onto the headland for about 1 km. There are no marked paths in the reserve, you have to find your own way over rocks and cliffs to get around the peninsula. In the middle of the reserve is its highest point, just over 20 metres above sea level. Here you have a view of the western sea and the Balgöfjord archipelago to the north.

Terrain and Habitat

Moors/heathland , Sea

Conditions

Rocky , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Spring

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Photo Gubbanäsan by Averater, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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