Discover Rådanefors

Rådanefors brings together a landscape shaped by numerous lakes and the history of Rådanefors bruk ironworks. Surviving ruins, the former manor house, and references to routes, nature and individual places to visit reveal different facets of the area.

Ironworks and manor house

Jöns Kock founded Rådanefors bruk ironworks at a waterfall between Långhalmen and Rådanesjön. Ruins of the works have survived. In the narrow strait between the two lakes lies a ruin associated with the ironworks, which already appears on a map from 1805.

Until it closed in 1895, the ironworks included, among other things, Lancashire forging and a foundry. Railway carriages and horseshoe nails were also manufactured. These examples offer a concrete insight into the various activities and products of the former operation.

None of the former industrial buildings have survived. The former Rådanefors manor house, however, is still standing and dates from around 1800.

Lake landscape and regional orientation

Numerous lakes shape the landscape around Rådanefors. Open farmland surrounds some of them, adding to the picture of this water-rich setting. The lake in the narrow strait between Rådanesjön and Långhalmen used to drain in a different direction.

The very old Dalslandseken oak stands near the public road between Rådanefors and Stigen. It is protected as a natural monument; the protection order dates from 1929.

For a broader perspective, Rådanefors lies between the two large recreation areas of Ödeborgsfjället and Kroppefjäll. The area is also of interest for outdoor recreation at both local and regional levels. These details complement the lakes and individual natural features with a regional perspective.

Flottarleden and Sjöbotten Nature Reserve

The Flottarleden runs from Rådanesjön through Gruksviken and on to Rådanefors; its eastern endpoint is here. This makes the town a destination along the route. There is also a deciduous woodland area within the built-up area. Its southern section follows the stream between Rådanesjön and Långhalmen, while in the north the woodland extends along the shore of Rådanesjön.

Sjöbotten Nature Reserve can be reached via a gravel access road about one kilometre north of Rådanefors, followed by about two kilometres of gravel road. Check the access route before your visit when planning your trip.

Visitor information

The municipality of Färgelanda decided to discontinue the Rådanefors bathing area from 2025. If you would like to swim there, check in advance whether the site is currently open for use.

Another reason to visit is Pidis Lada, a well-stocked flea market in Rådanefors between Färgelanda and Frändefors. Information about opening hours is maintained separately on Facebook. Check the latest information there before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Högsäter, Färgelanda, Stigen, Ödeborg.

Back to the main travel guide: Färgelanda.