The region’s exceptional, unique natural qualities are created by the river and the meeting of northern and southern flora and fauna. The natural boundary to Northern Sweden – limes norrlandicus – marks the end of the central European deciduous forests and the beginning of the mighty coniferous forests of Norrland. No other area in Scandinavia has such a variety of vertebrates (mammals, birds and fish).Sometimes the river crosses boulder ridges, creating long, narrow necks of land and islands, often with inviting sandy beaches. This means great bathing sites all along the river and coast. Much of the countryside is protected in nature reserves and by other regulations, or by efforts by the landowners. It’s no coincidence that a central part of the region is a national park.
Bird life
The Nedre Dalälven region boasts a rich array of bird life. The region’s symbol is the osprey, which is more common here than anywhere else in Europe. The white-tailed eagle nests in many places and is a common sight over the wide bays of the river. The region is famous for its owls and woodpeckers. All eight species of woodpeckers in Sweden are found here.Spring is the best time of year for birds; the river is a stopping place for migratory birds as well as local varieties. Thousands of whooper swans, cranes, geese and other species create a symphony of nature.
Exciting fishing
Nedre Dalälven offers 200 km of exciting fishing in giant bays with innumerable islands, separated by rapids. It also has many small lakes in the surrounding forests. The region offers richly varied fishing – 30 different species. The rivers are full of grayling and trout, and the bays and lakes are best for giant pike, perch and pike-perch. Älvkarleby, just before the river reaches the sea, is one of Europe’s best fishing spots for brown trout and salmon. Many have discovered that Nedre Dalälven is probably Sweden’s most complete fishing area. But despite this popularity, there is plenty of space for people who want to meet nature mode one-on-one.
The first people
After the Ice Age, the region that is now Nedre Dalälven was covered by a bay of the Litorina Sea. As the land rose out of the sea, the region became attractive to humans. Archaeologists have found greenstone axes dating back to 4000 BC, the early Stone Age. In fact, as many have been found here as have been found in the rest of Gästrikland, Dalarna, Västmanland and Uppland provinces together. When the sea retreated even more, we see traces of the late Stone Age culture. In the Bronze and late Iron Age, 1500 BC–500 AD, the people in the region made the transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers.
Farming villages
The many red-painted farming villages in the area sometimes date back a thousand years or more. In the latter Middle Ages, mining became important to many farmers in the area. The agricultural landscapes in the area are significant to cultural historians, because the open community still has its ancient spread.
Mills
In the 17th century, major changes occurred, as German, Hungarians, Wallon and other immigrant peoples began opening works, which came to be a typical characteristic of the region. Many of the works are still well preserved, with the central manor surrounded by plastered or red-painted smiths’ houses and slag-brick utility buildings.
The communities
Some of the works towns grew into larger communities, with populations of up to 2,000. Some even reached city status – Avesta in 1641 and Säter in 1642. Even older is the mediaeval trading town of Hedemora, which became a city back in 1446. The cities feature inviting, interesting environments from the olden days.
Now you have a general idea of the countryside and history of Nedre Dalälven. You can read more on this site, but the best way is to come see for yourself!
