Älvkarleby: River Nature, Trails and History

Gropholmarna features a varied section of the Dalälven, where several smaller river branches wind through the landscape. The Upplandsleden trail follows the riverbank through the entire Gropholmarna nature reserve, which has prepared rest areas in scenic locations.

The direct selection of destinations also includes Skutskär and Älvkarleby.

Nature

BÃ¥tfors Nature Reserve is a mosaic of rapids, riparian forests, flood meadows and old-growth forests. Wading and hiking are permitted there; however, the relevant county administrative board does not guide visitors to the islands via trails or other facilities.

Bölsjön Nature Reserve offers views of the lake and opportunities for birdwatching among swamp forests, bogs and species-rich woodland areas. Billudden has self-guided nature trails and walks on gravel roads.

Water

The Lilla Färnäset canoe route is 5 km long in total, easy to paddle and suitable as a day trip for families with children. The launch site is signposted from exit 196 of the E4; there are parking bays beside the road.

The Marmafjärden canoe route is 3 km long and takes approximately two hours to paddle. Whooper swans breed in Storfjärden; during migration, they stop there in March and April and in the autumn.

The Rullsand bathing and camping area offers parking spaces, trails and fire pits, as well as a gently sloping sandy beach. Swimming in the sea, fishing, birdwatching and walks are possible in Häcksören Nature Reserve.

Trails

Section 16 of the Upplandsleden has a wind shelter with a fire pit in Gropholmarna Nature Reserve. Marma station for the Upptåget is 500 metres east of the start of this section.

The Kungarnas promenade in the Älvkarleby Falls area offers a shortest route of approximately 2.5 km. The Smedernas promenade near Harnäs Bruk is approximately 2 km long. Kärleksstigen runs through Laxön.

History

For more than 100 years, Laxön was the summer camp of Swedish engineer troops, who practised building bridges across fast-flowing waters there. Most of the military buildings on Laxön were built as early as the late 19th century.

Älvkarleby power station was commissioned in 1915. The old Älvkarleby power station was Vattenfall’s third major project, after Olidans kraftverk in Trollhättan and Porjus kraftverk.

Harnäs Bruk operated from 1659 to 1911. The buildings and collections of Gammelgården reflect self-sufficient life in Älvkarleby during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Culture

Älvkarleby Church is the oldest church in the municipality; construction began in 1478 and it was inaugurated in 1490. The church has well-preserved vaults and ceiling paintings. An audio guide is available in Swedish, German, English and Finnish.

The old fishing village near Billhamn can be visited. Johan Thunberg’s studio on Laxön offers courses in watercolour and acrylic painting.

The historic buildings on Laxön have been renovated and are now used for new content and purposes.

For the overarching travel overview: Uppsala.

More destinations

More places at the same destination:

Enköping, Östhammar, Tierp, Knivsta, Heby, Håbo.