Jordal – Hiking and Cultural History

Jordal brings together nature and industrial history as two distinct highlights for a stay. Ranebo naturskog is located near Jordal; the history of water use is also reflected in a power station, mills and a sawmill. The themes range from forest to historic industrial traces, offering different points of interest for your trip.

Hiking and Forest History in Ranebo naturskog

Ranebo naturskog Nature Reserve has hiking trails and paths, as well as picnic and barbecue areas. An approximately 8.5 km hike through the forest leads to a cave. The approximate route length and the cave as a destination make this a clearly defined hiking highlight, distinct from the trails and paths mentioned more generally in the reserve.

The forests of Ranebo naturskog were planted around 1900 and have remained more or less untouched since they regrew. For nature enthusiasts, these are two distinct points in time: the planting marks the starting point, while the more or less untouched development refers to the period after the forest regrew. This adds a historical perspective to the hiking theme. On the shore of Stora Holmevatten, a rock serves as a picnic spot. This offers a different focus from the cave hike: a picnic by the lake.

Hydropower and Former Industries

Jordals kraftverk and its associated dams are located on a tributary of the Jörlandaån. This places the history of hydropower in the context of a specific watercourse. Jordals kraftstation stands at the foot of a mountain, beside the former Jordals kvarn och såg. Electricity generation at the new Jordal power station continued until 1956.

A mill is documented as early as 1388 in the cultural landscape shaped by water management near Jordal. According to the description, the small industrial area between Jordals kraftstation and Hållsdammen included at least seven mills and a sawmill from the 18th century onward. These figures represent different historical reference points: the early mention of a single mill and the later-described industrial area with multiple mills and a sawmill. The minimum of seven mills conveys the extent of this former industry, rather than focusing the story solely on the power station.

Kvarndalen is an archaeological small industrial area. The remains in the registered small industrial area L1969:5135 are of significant cultural-historical value.

The difference is clear when choosing an outing: the hike through Ranebo naturskog has an approximate route length and a cave as its destination; the picnic spot at Stora Holmevatten offers a break by the lake. The general trails and picnic areas in the nature reserve add further options in the forest alongside these more specific points. Nature and history offer different reference points for planning a trip: the hike has an approximate length and a named destination, while the industrial history is anchored by places, uses and dates. If you are looking for a hotel in Jordal, you can first decide whether nature or historic industry will be the focus of your trip.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Färdsle, Lycke, Dängevik, Fristad, Kareby.

Back to the regional travel guide: Västra Götaland.