Natural attractions

Döda Fallet (Dead fall) is a fascinating destination. Located in the middle of beautiful nature, there is plenty to discover and learn here about the river Ätran and the power plant chapter of its history. Welcome Aside from taking you straight to Yngeredsforsen, the road between Askome and Gällared is the most beautiful in Halland. Here, you can stroll down an exciting cultural trail that takes you to a number of sights by the ancient rapids. For a long time, the communities of the Ätra valley have exploited the power of the river. Traces of these communities can still be found by Yngeredsforsen. The signs guide you around to raft and mill corrugations, various ruins and the high dam levees. History The businessman Mauritz Hansson purchased the area in 1899 and had great plans for the rapids. He envisaged the creation of an industrialised community with a pump mill and power plant. However, financial constraints meant that it was only possible to build the power plant, which was completed in 1907. Wallenberg then took over ownership of the company and coupled the power plant with his paper mill in Mölndal. Döda Fallet (Dead Falls) gets its name A new power plant was constructed a bit upstream of Boaforsen in the 1960s. In order to get the best turbine effect, the water was routed down a tunnel that transports it a bit downstream. In connection with this, the stretch of water by the old power plant was drained, which is how the name Döda Fallet (Dead Falls) came about. The foundations and ruins from the old power plant still remain. Exploring these can be a fun experience, but be sure to keep one eye on the children as the area has a few slippery cliffs and deep gorges. Enjoy the nature There is a lot to explore here, so be sure to bring a packed lunch. There are tables and benches scattered around the area, as well as barbecue sites. If you visit the area after a period with a lot of rainfall, you may find the waterfall is as active and roaring as it once was. This happens when water is released from the dam to relieve the pressure that is created in connection with high water levels.

Witness a natural phenomenon that appears almost magical. Out in the round pond, it almost seems as though the bottom is constantly boiling. A natural phenomenon There were originally three springs in Höstena, but only one has made it into present day. Crystal-clear groundwater constantly flows forth due to pressure from the bottom of the springs. Watch closely, and you’ll notice small craters in the sand where the water bubbles up. The sheer volume of water is so great that it has resulted in a small stream of clear spring water flowing into the Ätran river. The temperature of the water is always 8 degrees, no matter the weather and time of year. A mythical place Since time immemorial, the springs have been a source of fascination, and various sagas and traditions have been linked to the site. In the past, it was believed that the spring was bottomless. One saga tells the tale of a farmer who drove into the spring with his oxen and cart. They disappeared into the depths, but later emerged somewhere near Falkenberg. Take an excursion A sign at the spring tells you more about it and the legends linked to it. The spring is located in a scenic area by fields and meadows. Be sure to bring a picnic basket, as there are tables and benches for you to sit on.

This natural area is a real bird paradise. There are both temporary guests and those who stay all year round. An exciting bridge and viewing tower awaken most children's desire to explore. Källstorp's wetlands also teach us about animals and nature. (more…)

Travelling along this road is a nature excursion in and of itself. Bring your picnic basket and make a stop by one of the many picnic spots that are located by the road. About the most beautiful road in Halland In connection with the 150th anniversary of the Swedish National Road Administration, the stretch of road between Askome and Gällared in inland Falkenberg was voted the most beautiful road in Halland. And with good reason. The road hugs the Ätran river and is offers amazing views. On some stretches, the road even passes over the water. The 15-kilometre road starts in Askome, taking you along Ätraforsdammen and onwards through a rural landscape and passing through several great picnic spots with tables and benches along the way. Yngeredsforsen is part of Ekomuseum Nedre Ätradalen and is well worth a visit. As you get closer to Gällared, the forest framing both sides of the Ätran river grows denser. There is a wealth of different flora and fauna here, such as wood cow-wheat, garden speedwell and butterfly orchid. There is no separate bike path, but you should have no problems biking here as there are very few cars on the road.

Hertingforsen is a unique landmark and part of the Ätran river, which runs through central Falkenberg. Today, salmon, trout and other species of fish in the river have free access to and from the sea again. The Ätran salmon: From endangered to thriving The Ätran river has been an important fishing area for the local communities in Ätradalen and Falkenberg for centuries. Countless salmon have swum along the river and been an important part of the town’s economy. In connection with the construction of the hydroelectric plant in the Ätran river in the early 20th century, the numbers of salmon, eels and other migratory fish declined as they were cut off from swimming up the rapids to spawn. A lot of fish were also killed while trying to swim past the power plant’s turbines. The restoration of the rapids In the period 2010-2014, Falkenberg Municipality undertook a project to recreate the natural rapids. By restoring Hertingforsen, migratory fish species such as salmon, trout, eel and lamprey were once again able to live and reproduce in the river Ätran and migrating back and forth between the river and sea. The generation of hydroelectric power from the Herting power stations has been adjusted to not interfere with the fish’s migration patterns in the river. They no longer harm migratory fish while producing environmentally friendly electricity at the same time. Make a visit A pedestrian and cyclist bridge goes over the rapids, allowing you to explore both sides of the area. Standing over the rushing water is a memorable experience. If you are lucky, you may even spot a few salmon leaping out of the rapids.