Bäckafall: Forest, Pasture and Water

In Bäckafall, older coniferous forests, wetlands, woodland pastures and open grazing land meet. The nature reserve brings together different landscapes in a small area and was the first nature reserve in the municipality of Nässjö. Anyone wishing to discover nature and culture together will find ideas here to help plan a holiday—from forest and pastureland to the lakeshore and traces of earlier land use.

Forest landscape and rare species

Spring-influenced hollows shape swamp forests where spruce and deciduous trees grow. Elsewhere, old spruce, pine, aspen and black alder stand; dead aspen wood is also part of the forest landscape. The mix of wet hollows, coniferous forest and open areas gives Bäckafall its varied character. Rare species in the area include aspgelélav, gytterlav, vedticka, långfliksmossa and västlig hakmossa. These names refer to distinctive lichens, fungi and mosses which, alongside the visible landscape features, contribute to the area's natural values.

Pastures and trails

A large woodland pasture is being restored and maintained. As a result, sunny clearings and paths trampled by cattle have reappeared. This open part of the landscape forms a clear contrast with the dense woodland and wetlands. Bäckafall is used for outdoor activities, recreation and hiking. The nature reserve has a walking path, a hiking trail, a picnic area, information boards and a car park. This makes it possible to combine a visit with a walk through the landscape, where the pastures and forest offer contrasting impressions.

Cultural history in the landscape

In the southern part of the nature reserve, near Ingridtorp, a Bronze Age burial mound lies on a rise. The Ingridtorp croft once stood south of the reserve boundary. Stone clearance heaps and cultivated fields are visible in the pastureland there. The landscape also tells a story of human use: Bäckafall has been used for forestry and grazing, both in prehistoric times and today. The stated aims of the nature reserve include enabling experiences of nature and culture while also preserving its natural values.

Finding your way around Lake Bäckafallasjön

Bäckafall lies in the northern part of the shoreline on the eastern side of Lake Bäckafallasjön. At the lakeshore, the higher rock formation Jättens tå separates the Bäckafall and Skieryd sections. Lake Bäckafallasjön is within the Spexhultasjön water protection area. These local and landscape features help visitors understand the different nature and culture themes of their visit without conflating the forest, shoreline and protected area.

Fishing and rules on the water

The Spexhultasjön fishing area includes Lake Spexhultasjön and the smaller Lake Bäckafallssjön. A personal fishing licence is required to fish in this area; licences can also be bought online. Only hand-held fishing gear is permitted: spinning, float fishing, fly-fishing, ice fishing, and still fishing and ice fishing for pike. Before setting off, check the fishing association's latest information on licences and rules.

On Lake Bäckafallasjön, travel by vehicles, boats or other watercraft powered by petroleum-based fuel is prohibited. Boats with four-stroke engines running on alkylate petrol are exempt. If you are planning a trip on the water, check the applicable protection regulations beforehand.

Planning your stay

When choosing a holiday apartment, the focus you want for your stay may be the deciding factor: hiking and forest landscapes, open pastureland, or the lakes and fishing each offer a different emphasis. Bäckafall offers several specific ways to plan around these interests, from trails and a picnic area to cultural traces and fishing regulations. Consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay, and look for accommodation to suit that holiday focus.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Stensjön, Norrasonarp, Forserum, Malmbäck, Bästhult, Flisby, Ormaryd, Sandsjöfors

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