In Älvkarleby Municipality, the river landscape at the mouth of the Dalälven meets the sandy beaches of the Bothnian Sea. Inland, river branches, riparian forests and rapids shape the surroundings; elsewhere, paths lead past coastlines and historic sites. This makes it possible to explore Älvkarleby through its varied landscapes and stories.

River landscapes and trails

The Gropholmarna Nature Reserve lies in a varied stretch of the Dalälven, where the landscape is crisscrossed by smaller river branches. The Upplandsleden trail follows the riverbank through the entire reserve. Along the way, there are prepared rest areas in scenic locations. Section 16 also has a wind shelter with a fire pit in Gropholmarna. Marma station, served by the Upptåget, is 500 metres east of the start of this section.

The Båtfors Nature Reserve presents another side of the river landscape: rapids, riparian forests, flood meadows and old-growth forests form a mosaic. Wading and hiking are permitted. However, the relevant county administrative board has not provided paths or other facilities for visitors to the islands. For birdwatching, other natural settings are also worth visiting: the Bölsjön Nature Reserve in Älvkarleby offers views of the lake and opportunities for birdwatching among swamp forests, bogs and species-rich woodland.

Coast, birds and walking trails

Billudden has self-guided nature trails and walks along gravel roads. An old fishing village can be visited at Billhamn. From there, the 1.8-kilometre Vattenstigen trail runs along pebble beaches to Billskaten and back. The route offers a set distance and views of the coastal landscape. Nearby, the Rullsand bathing and camping area has parking, paths and fire pits; the sandy beach slopes gently into the water. Swimming in the sea, fishing, birdwatching and walking are all possible in the Häcksören Nature Reserve.

Storfjärden is also interesting for nature watching: whooper swans breed there and stop to rest during migration in March and April, as well as in autumn. This distinction in timing helps put the birdwatching opportunities in context without conflating the two migration periods. If you would rather explore changing shorelines than birdlife, Älvkarleby offers both riverside paths and coastal walks.

Paddling routes of different lengths

The Lilla Färnäset canoe route is five kilometres long, easy to paddle and suitable as a day trip for families with children. Signs to its launch point are posted at exit 196 of the E4; there are parking bays beside the road. The Marmafjärden canoe route is three kilometres long, with an approximate paddling time of two hours. The routes therefore differ both in length and in whether an approximate paddling time is given.

History on Laxön and in Älvkarleby

For more than 100 years, Laxön was the summer camp of the Swedish Engineer Troops. They practised building bridges across fast-flowing waters there. Most of the military buildings were constructed as early as the late 19th century; the historic buildings have been renovated and are now used for new purposes and activities. The Kärleksstigen trail runs through Laxön. Johan Thunberg’s studio offers courses in watercolour and acrylic painting; check before your trip whether the courses are currently available.

Älvkarleby kyrka is the oldest church in the municipality. Construction began in 1478, and the church was consecrated in 1490. Its surviving features include well-preserved vaults and ceiling paintings. An audio guide is available in Swedish, German, English and Finnish; check its availability before visiting. Gammelgården offers a different view of history: its buildings and collections reflect self-sufficient life in Älvkarleby in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Industrial history is also part of the municipality’s story. Harnäs Bruk operated from 1659 to 1911. The Smedernas promenade near Harnäs Bruk is about two kilometres long; the shortest route of the Kungarnas promenade in the Älvkarleby Falls area is about 2.5 kilometres. Älvkarleby Power Station was commissioned in 1915. The old power station was Vattenfall’s third major project, after Olidan Power Station in Trollhättan and Porjus Power Station.

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

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