Rutån: Moorland and Industrial History

Nature and Industrial History in Rutån

For a trip to Rutån, nature and industrial heritage stand out as two clearly distinct themes. The Hästängsleden runs through the Hästingsflotten Nature Reserve; the industrial history is associated with Skifsforsen near Rutån. Rutsbrogården is in the village of Rutån, just outside Dala-Järna in Vansbro Municipality. When looking for hotels, you can consider this location alongside whether you would rather focus your stay on the moorland or the industrial history.

Hästingsflotten and the Hästängsleden

The extensive Hästingsflotten moorland is protected because it has remained untouched by drainage. The Hästängsleden is a circular trail that starts and ends at the Glatjärn bathing area. Its length is given as 3 to 6 km; the loop through the nature reserve is about 6 km long. When planning the route, you therefore have both a distance range and a set start and end point.

The trail is rated easy and crosses flat terrain. Boardwalks span wet sections. These details describe different aspects of the route: the rating and terrain give you an idea of its character, while the boardwalks indicate wet stretches along the way. This makes it possible to assess the hike using more than just its distance.

Getting There and Trail Conditions

To get there, after about 6 km turn right towards Rutån, then after another roughly 2 km turn left at the sign for the nature reserve. You can park there and walk to the start of the Hästängsleden. Road and trail conditions can vary seasonally; check conditions before your visit.

Traces of Industrial History

Rutån is mentioned in records from the 1660s. A wood-pulp mill was built at Skifsforsen in the early 1890s. In 1919, the Skifsforsen complex comprised a wooden building for the wood-grinding operation, a stone drying tower, a wooden mill and a hydroelectric power station. A long history of milling and sawmilling is also associated with Skifsforsen near Rutån.

The dates mark different historical periods: the reference from the 1660s concerns Rutån, the mill was built in the early 1890s, and the details from 1919 describe the components of the complex. The wood-grinding operation and drying tower refer to different parts of the processing, while the mill and power station add other functions to the picture. This means the industrial history is revealed not only through the construction of the mill, but also through the layout of the site.

These two themes offer different starting points for planning your trip. The Hästängsleden is about a circular route, its distance and the nature of the trail. At Skifsforsen, the focus is on historical dates and the makeup of an industrial complex. Consider whether you would rather focus your stay on the moorland and a hike, or on the history of wood processing.

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