Bredforsen, Naturreservat

Bredforsen nature reserve has been shaped by its proximity to the Nedre Dalälven river. In the vicinity of the banks there are fine forest stands with large elements of noble deciduous trees as well as aspen and birch. Several of the stands are primeval forests with an abundance of dead and dying trees. In the area you can hike 3 kilometers on Gästrikeleden, bird watching or fishing. You can also take a coffee break or barbecue at the rest area next to the Nedre Dalälven. From the north side of the reserve there is parking and information signs.

Old cultural landscape

The northern part of Bredforsen nature reserve consists of an old cultural landscape with pastures, meadows, barns and wooden fences. Old maps from the 18th-18th centuries show that virtually all the land along the Nedre Dalälven that could be mown was used as meadowland. This is called älväng.

It was valuable because it gave a good harvest, as it was annually supplied with nutrients in the form of silt and plant parts deposited when the river flooded.

Ancient pastures

Shores and wetlands close to the river are still used for grazing and therefore have an interesting flora of short-stemmed plants. These include the red-listed willow herb and the rare marsh violet.

The meadow has one of the finest calcareous wet meadows in the county, with, among other things, sedge grass, meadow lilies and snake's tongue.

Animals in Bredforsen

The deciduous forest with a large proportion of old and dying trees is an important habitat for several woodpecker species. The regulation of the river has meant that flooding is largely absent, which in turn means that the river meadows are growing back.

Before regulation, the rapids at Bredforsen were considered to be among the most valuable along the Nedre Dalälven, partly for their grayling fishing. Water regulation has meant that stream fishing has largely disappeared.