Discover Nås: Theater Tradition, Architecture and River

Nås has a strong cultural and historical character, with several points of interest along the Västerdalälven River. Ingmarsspelen is performed here every summer; Nås Church, Oxfallet’s smokehouse, Utanhed’s sawmill and mill, and Lisskvarngården add architectural and regional history to the picture. For a different kind of experience, there is the bathing beach at Närsjö, the Cykla längs Västerdalälven cycling route and canoe rentals at Nås Camping. You can explore Nås according to whether you are more interested in theater and historic buildings or activities on the river.

Theater Tradition and Church Art

Ingmarsspelen has been performed in Nås every summer since its premiere on July 4, 1959. The performance takes place in an authentic setting on the banks of the Västerdalälven River. The play is a dramatization of Selma Lagerlöf’s 1901 book Jerusalem i Dalarne. Ingmarsspelen thus brings together a literary source, a recurring summer performance and a setting in Nås. For a culture-focused trip, the play offers a tangible way to explore this connection between literature and theater.

Nås Church was built in 1794–1795 on the site of an earlier medieval church. Inside, the ceiling is painted with geometric patterns and Christian symbols in the calm, traditional colors of folk art. The church offers views over the Västerdalälven River. Its architectural history, ceiling design and river views provide different ways to explore the church: alongside its historic location, the painted ceiling also defines its character.

Historic Sites and Buildings

Other named places in Nås offer different cultural and historical perspectives. Oxfallet’s smokehouse is located in Nås finnmark, an area historically settled by Forest Finns, and is considered to have exceptionally high cultural and historical value. The County Administrative Board has decided to protect it as a listed building.

Utanhed’s sawmill and mill in Nås, in Vansbro Municipality, is a well-preserved example of small-scale milling and sawmill operations from the 19th century. The site is right on the Västerdalälven River, which forms the Utanhed rapids here. Lisskvarngården offers a different historical and architectural perspective: it is a farmstead from the 18th century preserved in its original condition. By contrast, the focus at Utanhed’s sawmill and mill is on the milling and sawmill operations of the following century.

Beach, Cycling Route and Canoeing

There is a bathing beach at Närsjö in Nås, in Vansbro Municipality. Local facilities may vary by season. If you are interested in cycling, the Cykla längs Västerdalälven route runs from the bathing area by Bysjön, south of Nås, along the river to the center of Vansbro. Check the local route conditions before setting out.

Nås Camping offers canoe rentals for trips on the Västerdalälven River; check availability before you arrive. The cycling route is defined by its start and end points, while the canoe offering is for trips on the river. Together with the bathing beach at Närsjö, these offer three different ways to enjoy the river as you plan your trip: swimming, a named cycling route and canoeing.

Discover more destinations: Äppelbo, Vansbro, Rutån

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