Älvkarleby: River, Coast and Culture

In Älvkarleby, the river landscape of the Dalälven meets the sandy beaches of the Bothnian Sea. Several smaller river channels shape the area around Gropholmarna; elsewhere, paths lead through woodland and coastal landscapes or to historic sites. You can tailor your days to different interests—with nature, paddling or a glimpse into the region’s history.

Along the Dalälven: Paths and River Landscapes

Gropholmarna Nature Reserve lies in a varied stretch of the Dalälven. The Upplandsleden runs along the riverbank through the entire reserve, passing prepared rest areas in scenic locations. In section 16 of the reserve, there is also a wind shelter with a fire pit. If you would like to start your hike there, Marma station, served by the Upptåget, is 500 metres east of the start of this section.

Båtfors Nature Reserve offers a different kind of river landscape: rapids, riparian forests, flood meadows and ancient forests form a mosaic. Wading and hiking are permitted. However, the county administrative board does not direct visitors to the islands via paths or other facilities—an important point to bear in mind when planning your visit.

Paddling, Coast and Birdwatching

There are different routes to choose from for a paddling trip. The Lilla Färnäset canoe route is five kilometres long, easy to paddle and described as a day trip for families with children. Its launch site is signposted from exit 196 on the E4; there are parking bays beside the road. The Marmafjärden canoe route is three kilometres long and takes about two hours to paddle. You can make your choice based on your preferred route length or the stated time required.

The birdlife also offers a seasonal guide: whooper swans breed at Storfjärden and stop there during spring migration in March and April, as well as in autumn. Those who want to combine walks with coastal scenery will find self-guided nature trails and gravel paths at Billudden. An old fishing village can be visited at Billhamn. The 1.8-kilometre Vattenstigen also starts there: it follows pebble beaches to Billskaten and back.

By the sea, the Rullsand bathing and camping area has parking, paths and fire pits; the sandy beach has a gentle slope. Swimming in the sea, fishing, birdwatching and walks are possible in Häcksören Nature Reserve. At Bölsjön Nature Reserve, options include views of the lake and birdwatching; the landscape encompasses swamp forests, bogs and species-rich woodland.

Places and Traces of History

For more than 100 years, Swedish engineering troops practised building bridges across fast-flowing waters during their summer camps on Laxön. Most of the island’s military buildings were built in the late 19th century. They have been renovated and are now used for new content and purposes. The Kärleksstigen runs through Laxön. Johan Thunberg’s studio offers watercolour and acrylic painting courses there; check availability before your trip.

Älvkarleby Church is the oldest church in the municipality: construction began in 1478, and it was consecrated in 1490. Its surviving features include vaults and ceiling paintings. An audio guide is available in Swedish, German, English and Finnish; check that it is available before your visit.

Other stops tell stories of work and everyday life. Gammelgården’s buildings and collections reflect self-sufficient life in Älvkarleby in the 18th and 19th centuries. Harnäs Bruk operated from 1659 to 1911; the Smedernas promenade there is about two kilometres long. The shortest route of Kungarnas promenad in the Älvkarleby Falls area is approximately 2.5 kilometres. Älvkarleby Hydroelectric Power Station began operating in 1915. After Olidans kraftverk in Trollhättan and Porjus kraftverk, the old power station was Vattenfall’s third major project.

For planning your day, the routes offer a range of distances and, for the Marmafjärden canoe route, an approximate time required. Those interested in literature can find information and personal belongings of the writer and journalist Stig Dagerman at the library in Skutskär; check in advance whether this is available during your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Skutskär, Älvkarleby, Heby, Håbo, Knivsta, Tierp, Östhammar, Uppsala.

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