Länsklacken, Naturreservat

With its exciting undulating terrain and wilderness atmosphere in classic mountain pasturelands, located along the trail between Pransbodarna and Gyllbergen, Länsklacken is a wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and nature experiences.

Farmland Forest with Natural Value

The reserve features several different mountain peaks, valley depressions, and small rocky cliffs. The small lake Svarttjärnen lies within a fault zone. In large parts of the reserve, the forest retains the untamed character of old-growth woodland. This means there is great variation in the age and species composition of the trees. “Farmland forest in mountainous terrain” is an apt description. The terrain is hilly and, in places, dotted with large boulders. All of this also contributes to the forest’s diversity. Here you’ll find sparse, slow-growing pine forests on rocky outcrops alongside more lush spruce slopes. Deciduous trees are few and far between, except in isolated areas with a greater presence of birch, gray alder, willow, rowan, and aspen. There are also some logged areas, which in the long term will be allowed to develop into natural forest. Traces of old forest fires can be found in several places.

Rich flora and fauna

All animals and plants that need old-growth forest find a good habitat here. Many species depend on this type of environment for their survival. Here they find old trees and dead trees—both standing as snags or lying on the ground as so-called windfalls. Among the birds, this includes declining species such as the three-toed woodpecker. Also present are martens, a strong population of capercaillies, and large flocks of titmice. The same applies to lesser-known species of lichens and fungi, such as fragrant skin, bordered polypore, meat polypore, spruce polypore, aspen cap moss, and shadow blue lichen.

Memories of a Bygone Era

Cultural influence has been strong and long-lasting, primarily from the mountain pasture culture, but the charcoal-burning era also leaves its mark. The old mountain pasture trails in the reserve and the surrounding area, such as those from Pransbodarna and Snickarbodarna, are a tremendous asset. The remains of a large charcoal kiln and a collapsed charcoal burner’s hut are located near the small marsh a couple of hundred meters southwest of Svarttjärn.

Visitor Information

To reach the reserve, turn off Idkerbergsvägen toward Trons mountain pastures. From there, you can choose to enter via either Pransbodarna or Snickarbodarna. However, the smaller gravel roads leading to both of these locations are gated, so you’ll need to park along the main gravel road. There is space to park a few cars at both gates, but make sure you don’t block the road. Then follow the respective path until the hiking trail crosses the road.

The hiking trail is part of an extensive trail system that mainly follows old mountain pasture paths. Through this trail system, you can take various routes to Borlänge or further on toward Björka. The trail is managed by Friluftsfrämjandet Borlänge. There is a loop trail that circles the nature reserve. From Pransbodarna, you walk north through the reserve, then continue a short distance north of the reserve before gradually turning south and skirting the reserve’s eastern edge, then following the southern boundary back to Pransbodarna. This loop trail is approximately 6.3 km. If you feel comfortable hiking off-trail, the view from the top of Länsklacken is highly recommended.

The Cabins at Pransbodarna and Snickarbodarna

Pransbodarna and Snickarbodarna are managed by Friluftsfrämjandet Borlänge. The cabins are normally locked and are reserved for the association’s members. Each mountain pasture has a fire pit and simple seating that may be used by all visitors. At Snickarbodarna, there is usually plenty of firewood, while supplies at Pransbodarna may be limited. Please use firewood sparingly so that it lasts for everyone. Sometimes the firewood runs out temporarily, so if you want to be sure you can have a fire, bring your own. Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave—we need to take good care of the old buildings.