Lungälvens ravinsystem, Naturreservat

Lungälvsravinerna is one of Värmland's best developed and preserved ravine systems.

Poor accessibility on the hiking trail

The hiking trail in the reserve is sometimes very difficult to access due to frost heave and slippery and broken paths. Boots or sturdy boots are strongly recommended for those who still want to walk the trail. The County Administrative Board is working on the preparation and repair of the trail.

The ravines have been formed by erosion from small spring flows in very fine-grained soils. From Lake Kalven in the northwest, the Lungälven river slowly meanders south. At Brattfors there is an old cabin and a dam that causes the watercourse to calm down. After the dam comes a stretch of rapids, after which the Lungälven calms down again in meandering loops. As the Lungälven meanders through sand, material is constantly moving with the water. The river thus digs deeper and deeper into the loose soil layers, creating deep ravines. The course of the river is constantly changing and in some places you can see how the valley walls have collapsed.

The reserve was created to preserve the surface forms of the gorge system and natural forests with rich flora and fauna. It also aims to provide the public with good opportunities to experience and study the habitat in a largely undisturbed state. The area is part of the EU's Natura 2000 network of valuable nature.

Animals and plants

The lush and humid environment of the Lungälven ravines creates conditions for plants and animals that are otherwise threatened with extinction in many places. Unusual lichens, mosses and fungi grow here, as well as several unusual vascular plants. Among the latter you will find, among other things, ostrich fern, eye pyrola, magic grape, spring barley, springwort and the orchids spider flower and soapwort.

The wildlife is characterized by the aquatic environment and you often meet both the common tern and the beaver along the river. The endangered river pearl mussel thrives below the surface.

Before your visit

The Brattfors trail passes the reserve in a north-south direction. In the southern part of the reserve there is a rest area with a shelter.

The presence of springs means that the ground in many places becomes "quicksand-like" and impossible to walk on. For this reason, the trail is boarded in some sections. The paths can become slippery when it rains or when there are leaves on them. The terrain is hilly. Because the ground is soft, the paths are constantly shifting, making them crooked and unstable. All of this makes the trail difficult to walk.

Less firewood

In 2023, resources have been reduced for the management of the nature reserves, which has meant that we have reduced the supply of firewood. Since we are now putting out less firewood, it is extra important that you as a visitor burn carefully and bring your own firewood if you want to be sure to be able to grill. Please note that fires may only be lit in the designated fireplaces and that it is forbidden to take dead or live branches from the forest.