Måkläppen is a nature reserve in Falsterbo in Vellinge municipality, 20 or so kilometres south of Malmö. The nature reserve is characterized by large sand deposits, constantly changing in shape and size due to ocean currents and wind. It is Sweden’s oldest nature reserve and an important breeding area for shorebirds and seals.
History and finds at Måkläppen
Sweden’s oldest nature reserve Måkläppen was placed under protection in 1902. In the 1930s the area only had about 50x100 metres of exposed land. With the continuous shifting of sand, Måkläppen has since increased in size and attached itself to the mainland and is now moving northwards.
Måkläppen is home to traces of the first hunter-gatherer societies following the last ice age, including 8,000 year-old stone tools from the Kongemose culture. There are shipwrecks from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, to the present day that sank trying to pass through the dangerous stone and sand reefs to the south-west of the Falsterbo Peninsula.
The previously rich birdlife at Måkläppen, with 20 or so nesting species of gulls, terns, ducks and waders, has changed substantially over the years and is currently at a low level. The birds lost the protection of the water when the sand banks made contact with the shore, opening up a popular food store for foxes and mink.
How to get to Måkläppen
To get to the Falsterbo peninsula and Måkläppen either take the Skånetrafiken bus number 100 or drive. Park either by Falsterbo Strandbad or the Skanör harbour, and walk towards Flommen Golf Club (appx 30 mins. walk). The walk from there is of a medium difficulty and a large proportion of the route is on loose sand.
What to see and do at Måkläppen
The highlight of Måkläppen is watching the harbour seals and grey seals in their natural habitat. They are usually close by catching fish, playing with each other and relaxing and bathing in their bay. If you bring a pair of binoculars, you can probably see right into the seal's eyes. Or watch the migratory birds taking a break and even sometimes experience the Northern lights in winter. Be careful and do not disturb the seals or other wildlife.
