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Facts Landscape: Färnebofjärden National Park includes a section of the Lower Dalälven River, which runs from the city of Avesta to the Bothnian Sea. This part of the Dalälven has a character that is quite distinct from the river upstream from Avesta, and also from any other stretch of river in Sweden. From its source amidst the rolling hills of Dalarna, the Dalälven River passes through a valley on its way to Avesta where it descends to broad flatlands extending from southern Gästrikland to northern Uppland. Here, the river widens into a series of shallow lakes linked by short stretches of rapids that often run through several channels. As the surrounding landscape is very flat, the river's periodic floods often cover large areas. The flooding has left its traces on the local environment. Among other things, it has established an unusual and varied mosaic of habitats along the riverbanks and a bit inland. The flooding has special significance for the broad, natural riverside meadows, as well as for the area's broad-leaved woods, most of which are flooded from time to time. Growing along the riverbanks are woods of large old aspens and a number of wetland areas with birch and alder; these are unusual settings for broad-leaved forest in Sweden. The broader sections of the Lower Dalälven are to varying degrees affected by river regulation. Least affected is Färnebofjärden, which has the highest elevation in the lower river system and is relatively protected by unregulated rapids. Especially during high-water periods, the rapids are very powerful and contribute to the impression of wilderness-- an impression that is accentuated by the fact that buildings have been constructed at only a few places. Färnebofjärden has an uneven shoreline, and contains over 200 islands and islets. The larger areas of land, including mosaics of marshland and older forest, are located primarily in the southern section of the park. A large portion of the woods in other sections, especially on islands and raised patches of marshland, are old and have been intensively managed. They include elements of broad-leaved species, dead and dying trees, tall snags and large pines. There are distinct differences in vegetation between the southern and northern sections of the park. The former includes evergreen forest and wetlands of a northern character, while the latter contain more luxuriant vegetation with a large proportion of broad-leaved trees, especially oak and linden. Read more about: Travel tips Sightseeing attractions Landscape Plant and animal life Outdoor recreation Sweden's national parks General information |
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