River Ammerån
The Ammerån River began to form over 10,000 years ago when the inland ice melted away in the Ragunda area and large water flows in the valley began to break down rock and soil material. The river is completely free of hydroelectric power, no dams or power plants disturb the flow, which provides a particularly vibrant natural environment where the rapids can be as productive as a coral reef.
Geologically, the Ammerån has created several exciting landforms: for example, sandbanks in the middle of the river, small islets that have been stabilised by vegetation through its roots, and which are partly the result of water washing away sediment and forming new flow paths. Sausage lakes, or oxbow lakes, (long, narrow lakes formed when bends in the river were cut off from the main channel) can also be seen in the landscape. Round, polished stones bear witness to the work of ice and meltwater during and after the Ice Age; stones that have been transported and worn down by the river are still visible. Culturally and historically, the Ammerån has been threatened by hydropower development. Proposals to divert parts of the water to Lake Gesunden were withdrawn in 1983–1990 after local mobilisation. The area has been protected as a nature reserve since 2003.
There is also a very nice and easy trail along the village road that follows the Ammerån river upstream. The trail starts at the bathing area in Ammer and passes the Ammerån fishing camp and then continues towards Våle. At the end of the trail, there is also a wind shelter with a rest area, perfect for an autumn picnic. You can find the trail here.
