Älvdalen: Porphyry History, River Landscape and Trails

The oldest parts of today’s church in Älvdalen date from the 1580s, when the first stone church was built on this site.

Culture and History

One of the defining reminders of the region’s industrial history is Nya Porfyrverket, one of Dalarna’s most important industrial heritage sites. Frost Anders Andersson founded the works in Västäng in 1897. The interior and machinery have remained practically unchanged since around 1900. Guided tours are offered in summer; no production takes place there today.

At Blyberget, the porphyry era can be traced through several sites. The old quarry was used from the beginning of the era in 1788 until the early 1940s, while the new quarry opened in 1939 and was used until the 1960s. The surroundings of the porphyry quarries are of great cultural and historical importance. A small exhibition provides insights into the arduous extraction of stone. A guided hike leads through the natural and cultural heritage area at Blyberget, with quarries, forest and viewpoints.

The Porfyr- och Hagströmmuseet presents the production of porphyry in a permanent exhibition, as well as the accordions, guitars and amplifiers of AB Albin Hagström in another permanent exhibition. Rots Skans is a fortification built in 1677 during the reign of Charles XI. Within the ramparts, it houses an open-air museum with around 20 buildings. The museum surroundings at Rots Skans show settlements, forms of housing and crafts from the late Middle Ages to around 1900; guided tours can be booked in advance.

Älvdalska, an old language with roots in Old Norse, is spoken in Älvdalen. Mimmikulle is considered to be the place where the first executions of people accused of witchcraft in Älvdalen are said to have taken place. The historic trail to Mimmikulle is around 1.5 kilometres long and ends with a coffee break on the banks of the Österdalälven. Morins Bageri & Café bakes bread, pastries and cakes in its own bakery according to traditional recipes.

Landscape and Trails

The section of the Österdalälven in question lies below the Åsen power station as far as Storbrott and has not been altered by the development of hydroelectric power stations. The summit of Hykjeberget is 594 metres above sea level; below the summit, the mountain drops away in an almost vertical, 100-metre-high cliff.

In the immediate vicinity of Älvdalen, there is a marked 2-kilometre circular trail at Hykjeberget. The Blyberget Nature Reserve has a hiking trail, a rest or shelter hut and a rest area. The Vasaloppsspåret Nature Reserve follows the classic 90-kilometre route from Sälen through Älvdalen Municipality to the finish in Mora.

The section of the Romboleden is well marked and has shelters with associated toilets at intervals of several kilometres. The Romboleden starts within reach of the Älvdalen Älvdalsskolan bus stop; the church is a one-minute walk away. The varying trail lengths, from around 1.5 and 2 kilometres to the 90-kilometre distance, provide a clear basis for comparing short circular trails with long trail sections.

Water and Activities

Älvdalens Fiskevårdsområde offers fishing waters in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. The flowing waters are mainly home to trout and grayling; at the Österdalälven, it is possible to enjoy high-quality river fishing for both species. Most of the fishing waters in Älvdalens Fiskevårdsområde can be reached from roads.

Fishing is possible at Porfyrdammen in both summer and winter. Before the snow arrives, Porfyrdammen is generally used for ice skating. There is a shelter on a promontory there. The Österdalälven is suitable for canoeing and is easy to navigate.

Älvdalens Cykelklubb organises MTB activities for all age groups, as well as group training sessions and courses. Älvdalens Cykelklubb offers varied MTB rides through valleys along rivers and up into the mountains, with far-reaching views. The club can also arrange MTB bicycle rental. At Älvdalen’s ice rink, the public can go ice skating from September to March.

The recreation area at Älvdalen’s shooting range may be used outside military exercises and only at the times permitted and signposted in accordance with the Protection Act.

The direct selection of destinations also includes Evertsberg, Idre, Särna, Älvdalen, Storsätern and Foskros.

For the higher-level travel overview: Dalarna County.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Malung-Sälen, Ludvika.