Brattforsen, Naturreservat

The Brattforsen nature reserve is one of the county's most famous rapids. Here, the otherwise calmly flowing Nittälven river runs in a wild and dramatic rapids section through steep slopes and vertical cliffs. In several places, the raging water plunges into waterfalls that are impressive to look at during the spring flood.

Nature reserves in Nittälvsdalen

A large, continuous wilderness area with many nature reserves stretches along the Nittälven river.

Old forest with rare species

The bed of the Nittälven river and a wide strip of shoreline consists of, among other things, leptite rock and leptite blocks. The coniferous forests along the river have plenty of hanging lichens, such as the rare violet-grey thorn lichen and variegated thorn lichen. In the more open areas there are also birch, rowan, grasses and herbs. The forest in the reserve should be allowed to develop freely towards natural forest. In an old forest there are plenty of dead trees and tree parts, where many insects, birds, mosses, fungi and lichens thrive, species that have difficulty surviving in our ordinary production forests. If you are lucky, you may see both the three-toed woodpecker and the grey woodpecker here.

The rapids create a special climate

Close to the shore there is a narrow strip of bluebell, pine, small birch, gray alder, thistle, meadowsweet and bloodroot. Special climatic conditions are created around the steep foreshore, where several unusual mosses thrive. For example, large reef moss, shadow moss, small moontooth moss and wood bustard moss. Near the river bend at the rapids, there is an abundance of halberd.

Traces of rafting

Timber was once rafted down the Nittälven to Lake Ljusnaren. Traces of blasting where the river channel was cleared and stone arms that guided the timber through the steep rapids are still visible. Today, the Nittälven is completely unregulated, which means that fish such as brook trout can migrate unhindered along the entire length of the river.

Internationally valuable Ramsar site

Sweden has designated the Nittälven River as a Ramsar site, which includes the Brattforsen nature reserve. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement aimed at achieving conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Among other things, the countries that have signed the convention must designate the most valuable wetland and aquatic environments in the country as Ramsar sites and ensure that they are preserved.

Accessibility

A marked path runs around the reserve and takes you along both sides of the Nittälven. A shelter with a fireplace is located on the west side of the river.

Is there firewood?

Firewood is available at the fire pit. Remember to burn in moderation, so that there is enough firewood for future guests. The firewood is replenished regularly, but we cannot guarantee availability at all times. If you want to be sure to be able to make a fire - bring your own firewood. It is not allowed to burn sticks and branches from the forest in the reserve.

Extracts from guest books

Guest books have been on display in the shelter at Brattforsen for several years. Visitors can write about their experiences in the reserve or just a little greeting. Here you will find some excerpts.

2005-08-27

We have had a wonderful day with sun and beautiful weather. We have had lunch on a hilltop at Nordsjöhöjden with white linen cloth and everything. Then continued here and drank our coffee on the food. Quality of life is called this. A good advice when you come here: Close your eyes and listen to the sound of the water and the trees. Enjoy!

2006-06-11

We do not miss the ESSINGLE trail.

-Two Stockholmers with dogs

2006-07-09

The snack tasted wonderful out on the stone hearth. "Ekke" squirrel kept a lookout, the water flowed, the sun shone, fantastic in other words!

2006-09-07

Remember in November, the beautiful September, at Brattforsen's roaring beaches.

2006-08-10

In Brattforsen's noise, time stands still, and you get drowsy from Brattforsen's noise, you find your way through the little Nittälven, far from noisy houses.

2008-08-29

We are here with our 4-footed friends, barbecuing, listening to the rapids and having a good time.

2009-07-14

The sun is shining and Brattforsen shines like gold. So beautiful! I got the urge to sleep over in the windbreak.

2009-09-15

This beautiful and lovely place with the sun and warmth. Summer is behind us, fall here now. The sound of the rapids is healing, the magic of nature. I want to be here often, with my loved ones. We will return to this wonderful place with sausages and friends.