About this place
Presterødkilen is a wetland nature reserve just east of central Tønsberg in Vestfold, Norway. This shallow, brackish bay at the mouth of the Vellebekken stream counts among the most important wetlands in the county, and its birdlife is the main draw.
What is this place?
Presterødkilen lies almost within the town, yet it protects a valuable water-and-marsh ecosystem. Under the 1985 regulation the reserve covers about 867 decares (roughly 0.87 km²), of which around 701 decares are water. The purpose of the protection is to preserve an important wetland together with its birds and plant communities.
Why visit?
Birds feed in the shallow brackish water near the Vellebekken outlet, which is why the site is known among birdwatchers and listed in European guides to birding places. For walkers it offers a quick escape from urban bustle without leaving Tønsberg.
Is it part of something bigger?
Yes. Together with the neighbouring Ilene reserve, Presterødkilen forms a wetland system that has held Ramsar status, as an internationally important wetland, since 1985.
How to explore it
A walking path runs along the western and northern sides of the bay. A bird tower stands at the headland of Træleborgodden. Protection rules apply: cycling is not allowed and dogs must be kept on a leash all year round. A project in 2016–2018 worked on a path across the reed belt, so check the current state of the trails before you go.
Boundary changes
The Norwegian nature authority proposed enlarging the reserve by a total of 399 decares, which would bring it to about 1,087 decares. For the current boundaries, consult the Naturbase register.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Presterødkilen? Directly east of central Tønsberg, in Vestfold.
Can I watch birds here? Yes. It is one of the region's main wetlands for birds, with an observation tower at Træleborgodden.
Can I bring a dog? Yes, but it must be on a leash throughout the year.
Is cycling allowed? No, cycling is prohibited in the reserve.
Is there an entrance fee? The sources we have mention no fee for using the path.
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