Näsåker: Rock Carvings, Urkult and River Landscape

If you’re looking for a hotel in Näsåker, the Nämforsen rock carvings, Urkult and the river landscape can shape the focus of your stay. Näsåker lies above Nämforsen, on the edge of a deeply cut valley; steep nipah slopes descend towards the Ångermanälven. Cultural history and landscape reveal different sides of the town here.

Rock Carvings and Guided Tours at Nämforsen

Nämforsen near Näsåker has by far Sweden’s largest rock-carving site, with about 2,600 rock carvings recorded. Visitors can see the carvings on Laxön and along the north shore. The exhibition at the Nämforsen Rock Art Museum explores the imagery of the Stone Age, the Nämforsen rock carvings and rock paintings in the surrounding area.

The guided tour of the rock carvings follows a 25-metre-long staircase and wooden walkways about 1 metre wide, with railings. You can take a free self-guided tour on site or from home using a mobile phone, tablet or computer. This is how independent exploration differs from the seasonal guided tours at the rock-carving site: the museum offers these daily at 12:00 and 14:30 from 15 June to 15 August. Check the dates before your trip.

Urkult: Festival and Market

Urkult is a festival in Näsåker focused on cross-border cultural encounters. The first festival took place in 1995. Eldnatten is part of the festival’s recurring format as its opening ceremony; programme details may vary. The ceremony takes place on the steep slope leading down to the dance floor in front of the main stage.

At Urkult’s Barnens marknad, children can take part in the festival market. Urkult’s schyssta marknad offers organic, locally produced and ethically fair goods whenever possible. Individual vendors and products may vary.

Hiking and the River Landscape

You can hike in Näsåker’s nipor, with views of Nämforsen and the Ångermanälven valley. Per Hansviken is a swimming spot on the Ångermanälven below the festival grounds and Näsåker’s local heritage centre.

The Nävernäsan Nature Reserve is in the area around Näsåker. From the reserve car park, a boardwalk path crosses Nävernäsmyran to Mount Nävernäsan. There you’ll find a former fire lookout tower dating from 1939, a rest hut, and a wind shelter with a barbecue area.

Townscape and Getting Around

The centre of Näsåker stretches along Storgatan for about 600 metres. The town’s buildings follow the old road from Sollefteå to Ramsele, now called Storgatan, which continues as Pelle Molins väg. These streets provide a clear point of reference for finding your way around town.

Näsåker’s local heritage centre is located on Prästnipan. It includes a hospitality building, a bakehouse, a barn, storage buildings and a school museum. Näsåker Tourist Service is located at the Nämforsen Rock Art Museum at Nipvägen 7. Näsåker’s citizen service office and library are at Storgatan 4. Näsåker swimming baths have a sauna and a swimming pool.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Helgum, Junsele, Sollefteå, Ramsele, Långsele, Edsele.

Go to the main travel guide: Sollefteå.