Styggforsen – hiking through a meteorite landscape

Styggforsen, located just outside Rättvik, is one of Dalarna’s most impressive nature reserves and a destination offering dramatic scenery combined with fascinating geological history. Steep cliffs, deep ravines, rushing water and beautiful viewpoints create a powerful natural experience.

Despite its relatively small size, the area offers a great variety of attractions. Well-marked hiking trails lead you past breathtaking drops, a powerful waterfall and unique geological formations. During summer, a café is open in the area, making Styggforsen an ideal destination for both short excursions and longer hikes.

What makes Styggforsen truly unique is its geological origin. Around 377 million years ago, a massive meteorite struck the area, creating the Siljan Ring – a crater more than 50 kilometres wide. The impact forced layers of limestone, sandstone and shale downward and sideways, twisting some rock layers nearly 90 degrees. At Styggforsen, these dramatic formations are clearly visible deep within the ravine.

The moist environment and lime-rich soil allow many rare plants and fungi to thrive here. Along the river, you can also find historical remains of human activity, including old mills, a small hydroelectric plant, a brickworks and traces of grindstone production – all powered by the force of the water.

Styggforsen has long been surrounded by legends and folklore. Its name is linked to “Styggmannen,” an old name for the devil, and stories of trolls, gnomes and other mythical creatures have been told here for generations. Follow the trail around the waterfall and down into the ravine, and keep your eyes open – you might notice something that feels a little out of place.