Bästeträsk Nature Reserve

Lake at the Heart of Gotland's Wilderness

Bästeträsk stands as Gotland's largest inland lake, covering 665 hectares within this vast nature reserve. Despite its impressive size, the lake remains remarkably shallow, with a maximum depth of just 4.5 meters and much of it even grundare. Crystal-clear inflows feed the waters, lending them qualities akin to drinking water, while sparse higher aquatic vegetation allows glimpses of the lakebed in calmer areas. Vass and ag reeds cluster in the southwest and north of islands like Storholmen and Lillholmen, which are cloaked in low-growing pine forests.

Encircling Landscapes of Alvar and Mire

A distinctive strandvall of ice-pushed gravel and blocks, rising 0.5 to 1 meter, encircles nearly the entire lake, forming a natural barrikad. Beyond this, the reserve unfolds into diverse terrains: alvarmarks—those characteristic Gotland limestone pavements—moss-rich myrar, and dense barrskog. In the southwest Hässleänget area, lövskog and ängsmark harbor abundant hassel and rare lichens on ash and oak trees. Fuktig sumpskog dominates the north, home to Sweden's richest population of the greater agate snail, a kalkkrävande rarity.

Rich Biodiversity and Eagle Haunts

This mosaic of habitats supports exceptional biodiversity, unique even internationally. Sea eagles and golden eagles soar overhead, while rödlistade species thrive in the complex ecosystem. The lake teems with northern pike and European perch, drawing anglers to its clean depths. Orchids flourish in agkärr, and over 270 protected plants and animals find refuge here, underscoring the area's Natura 2000 status.

Human History Amid Pristine Nature

Protected since 2001, Bästeträsk spans 1,494 hectares—813 land and 681 water—managed by Länsstyrelsen with lands held by private owners, Visby Stift, Region Gotland, and Naturvårdsverket. Hässleänget's 4 hectares are still hävdad traditionally, preserving cultural meadows. The reserve dodged kalkbrytning threats, safeguarding its waters vital to local dricksvatten and rare rikkärr.

Future as National Park

Plans advance to elevate Bästeträsk to national park status, proposed by Naturvårdsverket, Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, Region Gotland, and Länsstyrelsen. This recognition would highlight its unparalleled natural values, binding alvar, forest, and lake into a cohesive Gotlandic vildmark experience.