Viksjö offers natural attractions and tangible cultural history. In Västanåfallet Nature Reserve, the waterfall and the view from Hippaberget are the defining landscape features. There are also exhibitions on the history of the Västanå ironworks and the Finnish settlers, a children’s nature trail, and a historic bell tower. You can choose what kind of stay suits you best: nature, culture, or a mix of the two.

Nature in Västanåfallet Nature Reserve

Västanåfallet Nature Reserve is in Viksjö, near Route 331. The waterfall that defines the reserve is 90 metres high in total and the second-highest in Sweden. Hippaberget, by contrast, is all about the views across the landscape. From there, you can see wooded ridges to the east, Viksjön directly below, and the Mjällådalen valley. The ridges, lake, and valley provide distinct points of reference in the view.

Viksjöbadet is on Lake Viksjön between Hippaberget and Billberget, and makes a good starting point for climbing either mountain. This offers a choice between a viewpoint overlooking several landscape features and a starting point for a mountain ascent. The Barnens Naturstig near Västanåfallet offers another clearly defined activity: its thirteen stops focus on animals, and the trail is intended for children aged around five to eleven. This approximate age range is a useful guide if you are looking for a nature activity for children.

Cultural history at Västanåfallet and in Viksjö

The exhibitions at Västanåfallet tell the story of the Västanå ironworks, which operated here in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Västanåfallet Nature & Culture Centre also has a dedicated exhibition area on the history of Finnish settlers in the surrounding area. These are two distinct perspectives: the ironworks at this site and the history of Finnish settlers in the local area.

The Viksjö bell tower adds its own timeline to these themes. Master builder Johan Schytt of Härnösand originally built it in 1724 for the church in Högsjö. The tower was purchased in 1789 and erected at its present location in 1792. The dates mark three distinct steps: its original construction, its purchase, and its later erection at its current site.

A craft shop at Västanåfallet sells work by around twenty craftspeople. This approximate number gives an idea of the range of contributors; the selection may change. Alongside the history exhibitions, crafts offer another reason to visit.

Everyday life and local highlights

Viksjö Library is located in Viksjö Folkets hus. With a card for the self-service facility, you can access it every day of the week. The card is required to use this service.

At Viksjö Mat & Nostalgi, you can buy something to eat; the venue has a classic 1950s and 1960s style. This period-inspired setting offers a different note from the older themes of the ironworks and bell tower. The specific offerings may change. Together with nature, exhibitions, and crafts, this gives you a range of different ways to spend your time in Viksjö.

Discover more destinations: Ramvik, Älandsbro, Härnösand

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