Holiday apartment in Älvkarleby: River Nature, Trails and History

Älvkarleby combines varied river landscapes, nature reserves, historic sites and trails by the water. Between the Dalälven, the coast and cultural landmarks are very different destinations: Gropholmarna and Båtfors represent river nature, Laxön and Harnäs Bruk the history of the region, while canoeing routes, beaches and walking trails each add their own character.

Nature

Gropholmarna lies in a varied section of the Dalälven, where several smaller river branches run through the landscape. The Upplandsleden runs along the riverbank through the entire nature reserve; there are prepared resting places in scenically attractive locations. In the Gropholmarna nature reserve, section 16 of the Upplandsleden also has a wind shelter with a fire pit. Marma station for the Upptåget is 500 metres east of the start of this section.

The Båtfors nature reserve is a mosaic of rapids, riparian forests, flood meadows and old-growth forests. Wading and hiking are permitted there. However, the responsible county administrative board does not take visitors to the islands via trails or other facilities. Whooper swans breed in Storfjärden and rest there during migration in March and April and in autumn.

The Bölsjön nature reserve also features a variety of landscapes: it offers views of the lake and opportunities for birdwatching among swamp forests, moors and species-rich woodland areas. In the Häcksören nature reserve, visitors can swim in the sea, fish, go birdwatching and take walks.

Water and Trails

The Lilla Färnäset canoeing route is an easy-to-paddle route measuring 5 km in total and is suitable as a day trip for families with children. Its launch point is signposted from E4 exit 196; there are parking bays beside the road. The Marmafjärden canoeing route is 3 km long and takes approximately two hours to paddle.

On the coast lies Rullsand, with a bathing and camping area offering parking spaces, trails and fire pits. Rullsand also has a gently sloping sandy beach. Billudden offers self-guided nature trails and walks on gravel paths, while an old fishing village can be visited at Billhamn.

Several trails give the landscapes and historic sites their own names and measurements: Kärleksstigen runs through Laxön. Kungarnas promenad in the Älvkarleby Falls area offers a shortest route of approximately 2.5 km. Smedernas promenade at Harnäs Bruk is approximately 2 km long.

Culture and History

Älvkarleby kyrka is the oldest church in the municipality. Its construction began in 1478 and it was inaugurated in 1490. The church has well-preserved vaults and ceiling paintings, as well as an audio guide in Swedish, German, English and Finnish.

The buildings and collections of Gammelgården reflect the self-sufficient way of life in Älvkarleby in the 18th and 19th centuries. Harnäs Bruk operated from 1659 to 1911. Smedernas promenade recalls this historic site through its route.

Älvkarleby Power Station was commissioned in 1915. After Olidans kraftverk in Trollhättan and Porjus kraftverk, the old power station was Vattenfall’s third major project. Laxön was the summer camp of Swedish engineer troops for more than 100 years; there they practised building bridges over rushing waters. Most of the military buildings on Laxön were already erected in the late 19th century. The historic buildings have been renovated and are now used for new content and purposes. Johan Thunberg’s studio on Laxön offers courses in watercolour and acrylic painting.

Places in the Area

Other places in this area include Skutskär and Älvkarleby.

Pay attention to the details that suit your own plans, and take your time comparing the offers shown. This keeps the choice of offer independent of the nature and cultural destinations you would like to discover in Älvkarleby and the surrounding area.

More Destinations

More places under the same destination:

Håbo, Tierp, Enköping, Knivsta, Heby.

To the overview of the higher-level destination: Uppsala.