Visiting the Nämforsen rock carvings in Ångermanland is a fascinating experience, partly because the nature at the rapids is fantastic, but mainly because this is one of the largest rock carving sites in northern Europe.
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The Nämforsen rock carvings in Näsåker
The Nämforsen rock carvings include no less than 2,600 images carved into the stone, right next to the wild Nämforsen stream in the Ångermanälven river.
The Nämforsen rock carvings are located in Näsåker in Sollefteå municipality, about 118 kilometres from Örnsköldsvik.
Visiting the Nämforsen rock carvings
Visiting Nämforsen's rock carvings is an interesting experience, especially if you are interested in ancient history. You can park nearby, free of charge, and then walk around the area on your own on wooden walkways with railings. In summer, guided tours are sometimes organised.
A short distance from the rock carving area, with a fantastic view of the rapids, is the Nämforsen rock carving museum. The museum was unfortunately closed when we were here, but when it is open there are exhibitions about rock carvings and ancient settlements by the rapids. The museum, which is mainly open in the summer, also has a café, shop and activities for children.
Nämforsen power station
The Nämforsen rock carvings are right next to the Nämforsen power station. Or perhaps it should be said the other way round, that the power station is next to the ancient images. The rock carvings have been here for up to 6000 years. The power station was built in 1944-1947 and was Vattenfall's first hydroelectric power station on the Ångermanälven river.
During the summer months, the power station releases water into the rapids to create atmosphere. And yes, the rushing water gives a special feeling!
The rock carvings at Nämforsen
It is thought that the oldest rock carvings at Nämforsen were carved by Stone Age hunters more than 6000 years ago, i.e. around 4000 BC. Presumably this was an important settlement, and perhaps also a gathering or cult site. It is dizzying to try to imagine our ancient ancestors sitting here, tapping the stone. What were they thinking about? What did they want to say with their images?
Nämforsen is one of the largest rock carving sites in northern Europe and there are almost 2,600 rock carvings here. We first thought we would see even more than we did, but we realised after a while that many of the carvings are on islands out in the rapids, and these cannot be visited because of the power station. However, we got to see enough, and the ones that can be seen by visitors are painted in red colour to make them easier to distinguish.
There are lots of pictures on the rocks by the rapids, depicting everything from people and boats to moose, fish and objects.
Above all, however, the images are of moose. Moose were of central importance among the hunting peoples of the north, as can be seen both in the carvings and in moose bones found in ancient settlements.
Näsåkers nipor
Right next to Nämforsen's rock carvings, you can hike at "Näsåker's nipas". So what is a nipa? Well, along rivers in Norrland, erosion slopes of sand sometimes occur, and these are called "nipas".
The Nip landscape by the river is beautiful, and here you can also discover some older buildings. For example, there is an 18th century flour mill where grain was once ground into flour.
There used to be a lot of salmon in Laxbäcken, and this was perhaps one of the reasons why people chose to live here. Today there are no more salmon, because of the power station, but in the stream you can see reconstructions of old salmon ropes and salmon cages.
Points of interest nearby: Gammelgården
Another attraction that you can check out near the rock carvings is Gammelgården in Myckelgensjö. Well, it's 45 minutes apart by car, but as you move up in Sweden you start to see things differently from a distance. It is relatively close, and you may find yourself passing by on your way to or from the Nämforsen rock carvings.
Gammelgården is very well preserved and has a fantastically beautiful location, with an extensive view of Myckelgensjösjön. There are about 30 timbered houses with different functions.
The farm is in its original location and has much to tell us about farming in Norrland during the era of self-sufficiency. In fact, the farm is mentioned in the 16th century and appears on a map from 1695. It was in use until the 1930s. The farm was also used to shoot scenes in the film 'The Children of Frostmountain'.
In summer, the main building is open, and there will also be a café in the courtyard. When we were here it was closed, but you could still look around the farm, read the information signs and even peek in through the windows. There is also a digital guide via Västernorrland Museum.
Where can you stay or park your caravan?
In Näsåker is Näsåker camping and cottage village, where you can stay with your own motorhome/caravan or in a cottage. We only stayed one night at the Nämforsen rock carvings and chose to free camp in a car park near the river.
More to see in the neighbourhood
From Nämforsen's rock carvings you can travel to Sollefteå and Kramfors. You can also discover Örnsköldsvik and Härnösand and the entire High Coast with wonderful nature experiences such as Mount Skule and Slåttdalsskrevan. Below you will find even more tips for Ångermanland.
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Have you visited the Nämforsen rock carvings?
Visiting the rock carvings of Nämforsen was very interesting, we thought! Have you been here? How was your experience? Please tell us in a comment!
Facts about the Nämforsen rock carvings
- Address: Nipvägen 7, Näsåker
- Municipality: Sollefteå municipality
- County: Västernorrland County
- Landscape: Ångermanland
- Opening hours: The rock carvings can be seen all year round. The museum is mainly open during the summer season. For exact opening hours, see the museum's website.
- Price: Admission to the museum is free, and viewing the petroglyphs is also free.
- Guidance: During the summer, the museum organises guided tours of the rock carving area. There is also a mobile guide.
- Read more: You can find more information at the museum's website.
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Lena - good for the soul says:
Wow, so many rock carvings. Have heard about the place but had no idea that there were so many pictures.
Hug Lena
30 September 2023 - 12:21
Helena says:
Incredibly many pictures! Then you can't see all of them, because many are on islands ... but it's still enough 😉.
03 October 2023 - 17:39