Norra Gällsjön, Naturreservat

The reserve consists of old-growth pine forest, lush spruce forest, and waterways. The age of some individual trees has been measured at 400 years. There are also rare lichens and fungi here, such as wolf lichen and the wood-decay fungus known as the patchy polypore. Photo: Johanna Malmgren, Dalarna County Administrative Board

Lake on the Border with Jämtland

Norra Gällsjön is a lake on the border between Dalarna County and Jämtland County in the northernmost part of Orsa Municipality. The lake lies at an elevation of 582 meters above sea level, while the surrounding terrain rises to a maximum of 710 meters above sea level at the summit of Råberget.

The forest is largely dominated by old, sparse pine forest with isolated trees up to 400 years old. Understory of spruce, pine, and birch is common. Certain depressions and the slope of Råberget are covered with spruce forest.

Stumps left over from older clear-cutting operations, as well as numerous fire scars on the pines and charred stumps, indicate the factors that have shaped the forest’s current condition. There are a number of small bogs in the area; the largest is the drained Lackalamm.

Sloping, tufted sedge-dominated firm-mat bogs are typical. The area’s vascular plant flora is not particularly remarkable. Wolf lichen and the rare wood-decay fungus, the patchy tinder fungus, are a couple of examples of more interesting finds.

Cultural-Historical Conditions

A newer forest cabin and an old boathouse are located on the eastern shore of Lake Gällsjön. An old lumberjack’s cabin by the Gällsjöbäcken stream has since been demolished and moved. Near the site of this cabin are the remains of a bog iron ore blast furnace.

Accessibility

The area closest to Lake Gällsjön is reached via a rough forest road from Tjäderåsen, about 25 km west of the village of Noppikoski. The southern parts are bordered by forest roads coming from the south. Parking is available at several locations.

All photos: Johanna Malmgren, Dalarna County Administrative Board.