Östavall – Nature, Trails and Forest-Finnish Culture

Östavall is located on the eastern shore of the Ljungan, at the river’s outlet by Holmsjön. On the Tidernas Väg, the locality is situated 20 kilometres west of Ånge. Those planning a trip involving river landscapes, nature observation, short trail experiences and regional culture will find a range of options here for planning their own daily activities.

Nature along the Ljungan and distinctive habitats

One notable natural feature is the Maljan area. It is estimated to be home to between 30,000 and 60,000 freshwater pearl mussels. The Haverö Strömmar nature reserve complements the river landscape with flowing waters, high biological values and several cultural-historical environments. At Kvarnströmmen stands a restored fishing hut from the early 20th century. The Strömnäskvarnen mill, dating from 1854, is also located beside the dam.

The Storklacken nature reserve also offers its own distinctive landscape. A diverse coniferous forest with many beard lichens grows on the mountain. A marked trail leads to the summit. This allows different nature experiences to be included in trip planning: the river and water landscape at Haverö Strömmar as well as the mountain forest of Storklacken.

Illuminated trails and wildlife observation

Directly in Östavall, the illuminated trail comprises two loops, each slightly more than one kilometre long. The trail is relatively level and includes some inclines, though they are not very steep. There is a car park at the starting point. This information helps you fit a walk into your daily plans without confusing the route with a longer hike.

For those interested in nature, Wild Medelpad offers wildlife observation in Östavall. The activity is located at Nybo 108; independent wildlife observation is also possible in one of Sweden’s most modern hides. Those who prefer to pursue a specific nature-related activity can obtain fishing permits at OKQ8 in Östavall. This places the river, wildlife observation and fishing side by side as different focal points.

Other local points of interest complete the picture. Various events take place at Östavall’s Folkets hus. Skogsvallen is the home ground of Östavalls IF. The illuminated trail of Östavalls IF begins at Runeborg; there is also an ice hockey rink there.

Forest-Finnish roots and regional history

Östavall has its roots in Forest-Finnish culture. Later, the locality developed into a smaller central settlement when a sawmill and a railway were established there. In addition to its natural attractions, this development gives the locality a history connected with work, transport and regional settlement development.

Further destinations in the surrounding area are available for cultural-historical discoveries. The Eldnäsets Flottningsmuseum in Kölsillre displays equipment, photographs and documentation about the lives of log drivers. At the Hembygdsgårdarnas museum in Haverö, 17 old buildings form part of the museum. Together with the fishing hut and the Strömnäskvarnen mill, this creates a selection of destinations that makes various forms of regional history visible.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Östavall, you can first decide which focus should shape your trip. The illuminated trail, wildlife observation and the location on the Ljungan favour a plan centred on nature experiences. Those with a stronger interest in log driving, historic buildings or Forest-Finnish roots can also include the cultural-historical destinations in their selection. For destinations outside Östavall, you should take their respective locations into account separately when planning your days.

For further orientation, the pages Tälje, Torpshammar, Fränsta, Gösunda, Alby, Ånge and Erikslund are available to you.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ånge.