Welcome to Ugglenabben (also known as Ule näbbe / Ule Nabbe / Nabben)
Ugglenabben is the name of the southwestern tip of the Falsterbo Peninsula, pointing toward the sandbank Måkläppen. Here, two seas meet: the Baltic Sea and the Öresund Strait. In everyday language, the area is often simply referred to as Nabben.
The name Ugglenabben originates from “Ulenäbbe,” meaning “the owl’s beak,” likely due to the headland’s resemblance to an owl’s beak. Scientific research is conducted here, including bird migration counts that have been ongoing for decades.
South of this site lies Måkläppen, an island whose size and shape are constantly changing. Geologically, it is classified as a sand tombolo. Måkläppen became Sweden’s first bird protection area in 1899, coinciding with the establishment of a nature conservation society. It was later designated as Sweden’s oldest nature reserve in 1902. Since 1997, Måkläppen has merged with the mainland and has been shifting northward ever since.
This area is also home to the largest seal colony in the southern Baltic Sea, featuring both grey seals and harbor seals. To protect the seals, access to Måkläppen is restricted from February 1 to November 1, but they can often be observed from Nabben.
The region is particularly renowned for its proximity to Falsterbo Reef, one of Sweden’s most significant bird migration routes. During the spring and autumn migration seasons, thousands of birds gather here, making Ugglenabben an ideal observation point for ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts. The combination of sea, coastal meadows, and low sand dunes creates a perfect habitat for both birds and plants, and the site is part of the protected nature reserve surrounding the Falsterbo Peninsula.
But Ugglenabben is more than just nature. History has also left its mark here. The nearby areas bear witness to a long tradition of seafaring, fishing, and lighthouses, with landmarks like Kolabacken and Falsterbo Lighthouse located nearby. It’s easy to imagine how this headland once served as a vital navigational point for sailors passing the treacherous Falsterbo Reef.
Today, Ugglenabben attracts visitors year-round, whether they come to walk along its unspoiled beach, observe birdlife, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the Öresund and the sea. With its unique blend of history, nature, and tranquility, Ugglenabben offers an experience that is both educational and relaxing – a true gem of the Falsterbo Peninsula.