Ista, Naturreservat

In the landscape around Färnebofjärden in Dalälven lies Ista nature reserve. Enköpingsåsen, which extends into the river, runs through the reserve. Along the shores of Hamrefjärden and Istasjön there are valuable river meadows and flooded forests. Here you can grill at the prepared fireplace. Or take a break at the windbreak. The river and forest offer great nature experiences.

Flood landscape by the Dalälven

Ista Nature Reserve is located on the Dalälven River 4 kilometers south of Österfärnebo and covers 770 hectares. The low-lying shore zones are regularly flooded and the floods create valuable natural values.

Many threatened species are dependent on recurrent flooding, and Ista Nature Reserve is home to several red-listed lichens and mosses. Water clover and willow herb grow there.

Rullstensås through the reserve

The Enköpingsåsen ridge runs through the reserve, with floodplains that form a headland that extends out into Färnebofjärden. Road 272 from Sandviken follows the ridge before turning off towards Gysinge. The ridge continues south, crosses the Dalälven river and connects on the other side to road 67.

For the most part, the ridge rises as islands or continuous land in the river. It has always been common for roads to follow pebble ridges. This is partly because they are among the first land surfaces to rise above the water as the land rises.

Meadows closest to the river

In the past, the meadows closest to the river were kept free of trees, bushes and tall, coarse herbs. This was due to the influence of water and the ravages of ice in winter. People moving into the area cut the grass and fed it as hay to their pets.

They also found good places to settle up on the ridge. Even today, you can wander among the ancient remains and imagine what life was like in Ista in the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages.