Åkersvika Nature Reserve

Protected bird sanctuary in Hamar

A habitat for marshland birds

Åkersvika is a shallow wetland which is partly dry when the water level in Mjøsa is low. The objective of Åkersvika Nature Reserve is to protect an important habitat and nesting area for waterfowl, marsh birds, and waders. As many as 196 bird species and some 300 higher plant spices have been registered inside the conservation area. Åkersvika Nature Reserve was the first in Norway to be listed under the Ramsar Convention. The reserve was protected by royal decree on 26 July 1974, and thus became Norway's first Ramsar site. Bird counting in the reserve during the period 1974-2013 shows that the most common species in spring as well as autumn is mallard. Bird life can be observed from two observation towers.

Fishing regulations in the nature reserve

From 1 June to 31 March, fishing in the nature reserve is permitted subject to standard fishing regulations. Net fishing is prohibited all year round. During the important bird migration months of April and May, fishing is only permitted from bridges. These are Nybrua by Hjellum, the bridges at Disen, by the passage underneath Stangebrua, by the passage underneath Dovrebanebrua, where Flagstadelva crosses E6, where E6 crosses Svartelva within a zone of 100 metres east and 200 metres west from the passage, on both sides of the river.