Styggforsen
Dalarnas län
Styggforsen is a remarkable 36-meter-high waterfall located on the Styggforsån river north of Rättvik in Dalarna, Sweden. The waterfall carves a deep gorge into the bedrock, creating a dramatic natural landscape. At the base of the fall lies a cave known as "Trollhålet" or "The Troll's Hole," adding an element of mystery to the site. The area around the waterfall was designated a nature reserve in 1996, covering 12 hectares and is part of the Natura 2000 network, highlighting its ecological importance. The reserve is notable not only for its geological formations but also for its moist environment which supports a variety of lichens, mosses, and rare insects. Particularly noteworthy is the presence of rare plants such as the purple-spotted orchid (purpurknipprot), dwarf witchweed (dvärghäxört), shadow violet (skuggviol), and spider flower (spindelblomster) growing on the nearby rocky ridge called Getryggen. Visitors can enjoy a walking trail that loops around the waterfall and passes by the Trollhålet cave. During the summer, a coffee cabin near the parking area offers refreshments, enhancing the visitor experience. The waterfall also gained cultural significance as a filming location for Ingmar Bergman's film "The Virgin Spring."
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Tip: The best time to visit Styggforsen is during the summer months when the coffee cabin is open for refreshments. Visitors are encouraged to take the walking trail around the waterfall and explore the Trollhålet cave. Since the area is a protected nature reserve, staying on marked paths helps preserve the rare plants and delicate ecosystem. Purchasing tickets or passes is generally not required, but checking local information for any seasonal access restrictions is advisable.
Interesting facts
- •Styggforsen waterfall is 36 meters high and forms a deep gorge in the bedrock.
- •The base of the waterfall features a cave called "Trollhålet" or "The Troll's Hole."
- •The nature reserve around Styggforsen covers 12 hectares and is part of the Natura 2000 network.
- •Rare plants such as the purple-spotted orchid grow on the nearby rocky ridge called Getryggen.
- •Ingmar Bergman's film "The Virgin Spring" was filmed at Styggforsen.
History
Styggforsen waterfall and its surrounding area were designated as a nature reserve in 1996 to protect its unique geological and ecological features.
The site is part of the Natura 2000 network, emphasizing its environmental importance within the European Union.
The waterfall itself has long been a natural landmark in Dalarna, and it gained additional cultural significance when it served as a filming location for Ingmar Bergman's film "The Virgin Spring." Over the years, conservation efforts have focused on preserving the rare plant species and maintaining the natural landscape of the gorge and surrounding forest.
Place Guide
Styggforsen Waterfall
The main attraction, a 36-meter tall waterfall creating a deep gorge in the bedrock, offering impressive natural scenery and photographic opportunities.
Trollhålet Cave
A cave located at the foot of the waterfall, known as "The Troll's Hole," adding a mystical element to the site and accessible via the walking trail.
Getryggen Ridge
A steep rocky ridge near the waterfall where rare plants like the purple-spotted orchid grow, showcasing the unique botanical diversity of the reserve.
Nature Reserve Trail
A marked walking path that circles the waterfall and passes by the Trollhålet cave, allowing visitors to experience the diverse flora and geological features safely.
Coffee Cabin
Located near the parking area, this cabin offers refreshments during the summer months, enhancing the visitor experience at Styggforsen.
