A place with a quiet magic: Nämforsen's ancient art

Nämforsen, a place in Näsåker, Sollefteå kommun, Ångermanland, is known for its hällristningar, or rock carvings. One of northern Europe's largest, these carvings can be found on the islands in the forsen, with at least 2500 figures carved into the cliffs. The most common motifs are elk, birds, ships, and various geometric symbols. These motifs confirm that a hunting and fishing people lived here. On the southern älvstrand, archaeologists have discovered one of Norrlands richest Stone Age settlements, with findings such as arrowheads, iron knives, and flint and quartz scrapers.

Nämforsen is also a hydroelectric power plant, owned by Vattenfall AB. Completed in 1946, it releases 'tourist water' both during the day and night during the summer months, giving visitors a chance to see how the forsen looked before exploitation. During the exploration, the unique hällristningsmiljön was preserved from heavy destruction by then Riksantikvarie Sigurd Curman.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons