Nämforsen Rock Carvings
Västernorrlands län
Nämforsen Rock Carvings, located in Näsåker within Sollefteå Municipality, Ångermanland, Sweden, is one of the largest and most significant rock art sites in northern Europe. The site features approximately 2,595 carvings etched into the cliffs on islands in the rapids, depicting a variety of motifs including elk, salmon, birds, dogs, humans, ships, sun wheels, footprints, and cup marks. These carvings reflect the life of a hunting and fishing community dating back to the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age. Adjacent to the carvings is one of Norrland's richest archaeological settlements, where artifacts such as iron arrowheads, knives, and scrapers made of slate and quartz have been found, indicating long-term habitation from the Stone Age through the Iron Age. The surrounding natural environment, with the rapids and steep cliffs, adds to the unique atmosphere of the site. The Nämforsen Rock Carvings Museum offers free admission and exhibits related to the carvings, rock paintings, and archaeological finds from the nearby settlement. Guided tours are available during the summer months, enhancing the visitor experience. The site is also notable for the nearby hydroelectric power plant, which preserves the rapids' natural flow during daytime in summer to allow visitors to experience the river's original appearance before industrial development. Nämforsen attracts over 20,000 visitors annually and is a vital cultural heritage site, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ancient carvings for future generations.
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Tip: Visit Nämforsen between mid-June and mid-August to join the guided tours of the rock carvings offered on Tuesdays to Sundays at 12:00 and 14:30 (except during Midsummer). Admission to the museum is free. Use the museum's mobile guide available year-round for a self-paced visit. Respect the site by not walking on the carvings to help preserve them. Check the official website for current events and seasonal activities.
Interesting facts
- •Nämforsen hosts one of northern Europe's largest collections of rock carvings with nearly 2,600 individual figures.
- •The oldest carvings at Nämforsen are believed to be around 6,000 years old, dating back to the late Stone Age.
- •The site includes depictions of elk, salmon, birds, dogs, humans, ships, sun wheels, footprints, and cup marks.
- •During summer, the hydroelectric plant releases a special 'tourist water' flow to simulate the rapids' natural state before industrial development.
- •The rock carvings are located on islands within the rapids, making the setting uniquely dramatic and picturesque.
History
The Nämforsen rock carvings date back to the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age, making them approximately 6,000 years old.
Archaeological excavations have revealed that the nearby settlement was continuously inhabited from the Stone Age through the Iron Age.
In 1947, the construction of a hydroelectric power plant at Nämforsen was completed, which threatened the preservation of the carvings.
However, the then National Antiquarian Sigurd Curman intervened to protect the site from severe damage.
Since then, the power plant has operated with a controlled water flow to preserve the rapids' appearance during tourist visits.
Attempts to increase power production by reducing water flow were met with strong local protests and were not pursued further, highlighting the cultural importance of the site.
Place Guide
Rock Carvings on Laxön IslandLate Stone Age to Early Bronze Age
The main area where the approximately 2,595 rock carvings are found, featuring a rich variety of animal and human motifs carved into the cliff faces. This site offers insight into prehistoric hunting and fishing cultures.
Nämforsen Rock Carvings Museum
A museum with free admission showcasing exhibitions about the rock carvings, rock paintings, and archaeological finds from the nearby settlement, including tools and artifacts from the Stone to Iron Ages.
Hydroelectric Power Plant at Nämforsen1947
Built in 1947, this power plant is notable for its 'cultivated' approach, preserving the rock carving environment by releasing a controlled water flow during summer days to simulate the original rapids.
Contact
Phone: 0622-106 30
