Discover Ratan

Ratan combines its lakeside location and vast forests with marked ski trails, hiking paths and historic buildings. The different route lengths, access to Skolskogen and the history of Rätans kyrka are practical points to consider when planning your trip. You can get to know Ratan through its landscape, outdoor activities or local history.

Lakeshore, forest and natural attractions

Ratan lies on Rätanssjön and is surrounded by vast forests. The narrow, straight lake is an extension of the Ljungan River. A viewpoint on Galberget offers a view of the Ljungan estuary. A tall wooden statue at a viewpoint there resembles Galbergsgubben.

To reach Skolskogen, a signposted access road branches off Rv315 and follows Sågbäcksvägen for about 700 metres to a turning area with a car park. From there, a signposted trail continues for about 300 metres to Skolskogen. Beside the rushing Sågbäcken, the forest lies among moss-covered stones and lichen-covered spruces. The information about the access road and trail can be factored into your plans separately.

Comparing ski trails and routes

Ratan has cross-country ski trails and a ski play area. The trails include marked routes and loops, and a heated waxing hut is available along them. If you are planning a day of skiing, check the current access conditions in advance.

The Promenadslinga Rätan-Kojbyn is 9.7 kilometres long. It is certainly shorter than the approximately 20-kilometre Böle-Rätansleden: this hiking and cross-country route, also known as Böleleden, starts and ends in Ratan’s ski and trail area. At 9.7 kilometres, the Promenadslinga is the shorter option compared with the approximately 20-kilometre Böle-Rätansleden when planning your route.

A marked trail leads from the foot of Galberget and the ski and trail area up to Platån. From there, the view extends across Rätansbygden. There is also a notable landmark for snowmobile routes: four groomed trails meet at the central petrol station.

Church and local history

Rätans kyrka was built in the 1790s, after a wooden chapel or church of unknown age on the shore of Rätanssjön had been demolished. The present church is a well-preserved wooden church dating from the 1850s. Its unusual floor plan and distinctive chancel design give it a special architectural character. The floor plan describes the shape of the building as seen from above; the chancel design refers to the architectural treatment of the chancel.

Rätans hembygdsgård is on the western shore of Rätanssjön. The grounds include around ten buildings of different types and sizes. Together with the church’s construction history, the local heritage centre offers another perspective on the area’s history.

Discover more destinations: Svenstavik, Oviken, Storhågna, Ljungdalen, Klövsjö, Myrviken, Skärkdalen, Kvarnsjö

For the overview of the wider area: Berg.