Bredsel lies at the foot of Storforsen on the Piteälven River. The nature reserve’s landscape and traces of earlier work give your stay two distinct focuses: you can explore the rapids and riverside forest or learn about forestry and log driving. Local events and seasonal food offerings round out the experience.

Storforsen: Trails and Directions

Storforsen stretches for five kilometres and has a total drop of 82 metres. The nature reserve has wooden walkways and hiking trails. Large parts of the area are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Parking spaces inside the barrier, closer to the rapids, are available to visitors with a special parking permit for people with reduced mobility. Storforsen is located off a turnoff from Route 374 and has a large car park. The hotel and campsite are right by the road; the nature reserve is signposted from there.

Riverside Forest, Wildlife and Geological Features

Storforsen Nature Reserve was established on 1 November 1971 and expanded in 1997. Its riverside forest has a primeval character and a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Otters and black-and-white dippers live in the Piteälven River within the reserve. The Upplevelseskogen Bredselsberget nature trail is easy to walk; higher up on Bredselsberget, there is a view of Storforsen.

Around Döda fallet, there are numerous glacial potholes formed by stones, water and friction. There are also water-polished rock surfaces and wild gorges cut into the bedrock. Döda fallet was formed when the old riverbed was drained.

Forestry, Log Driving and Culture

The history of forestry and log driving comes to life in Storforsen through a range of exhibits. The Skogsbruksmuseet (Forestry Museum) opened in 1972 and traces the development of forestry up to mechanisation in the 1950s. The Flottningsmuseet (Log Driving Museum) opened in 1992 and explores the river’s importance for transporting and floating loose timber. The museums offer insights into the daily lives and working methods of forestry and log-driving workers in times past. The Skogsbruksmuseet also includes a log driver’s cabin and a boathouse.

The cultural heritage environment includes charcoal kilns, tar kilns, hut foundations, cabins used by forestry workers and log drivers, wood and stone crushers, and excavated canals. In Storforsens kapell, a panoramic window overlooking the mighty rapids serves as the altarpiece. Älvsbyn Municipality offers wedding ceremonies there. To visit Storforsens kapell, contact the reception at Hotell Storforsen.

Events and Seasonal Offerings

Bredsels bygdeförening holds Byadagen every two years in early August, while the cultural day at Storforsen takes place every year. Season also matters for food offerings: Kaffestugan in Storforsen Nature Reserve serves meals, coffee, pastries and ice cream every day in summer. Mjukkaka and other breads are often baked at Bredsels bagarstuga at certain times of the year.

Discover more destinations: Vistträsk, Vidsel, Älvsbyn.

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