Västanåfallet and Mjällådalen

Västanåfallet is a popular destination for excursions. The water and the drop below the waterfall have been used for hydropower during the ironworks era. Today's environment with the roaring waterfall, the memories of the ironworks era and nature is truly a place for recreation.

The old lodge houses a nature and culture center with exhibitions and information about the nature reserve. There is also a crafts stall, an old smithy and a café.

Mjällådalen

The Mjällån valley was carved out when the ice melted during the last ice age. For a few hundred years - more than 9000 years ago, a mighty ice river flowed here. The results of the water masses and their contents are clearly visible through thick layers of stone, gravel, sand, mud and clay. The Mjällån and Viksjöån rivers, together with other watercourses, cut into the valley and further shaped the landscape we can see today.

There are several miles of hiking trails, many rest areas and two shelters for overnight stays.

Vision for Västanåfallet and Mjällådalen

Mjällådalen and Västanåfallet are already popular tourist destinations, but there is potential for much more. The Finnish consultancy Voodoo Associates has carried out a feasibility study with a vision for the future of the area with development in several stages. Among the proposals outlined in the feasibility study are

• Restaurant with a view of the waterfall
• Outdoor stage for events and performances
• Accommodation options, such as camping, cottage village, hotel
• Upgraded paths around the waterfall and viewing tower at the top
• Refurbished blacksmith shop powered by hydropower
• Sheds for craftsmen

Viksjö Food & Nostalgia

In Viksjö, a few kilometers from Västanåfallet, is Viksjö Mat & Nostalgi, which offers food, coffee and a second-hand shop with a focus on the 1950s and 60s.