Discover the Power and Beauty of Trollhättan’s Majestic Falls
Nowhere else in southern Sweden will you find a river gorge as dramatic as the one carving its way through Trollhättan’s landscape. But it’s when the dam gates open and the roaring, frothing water bursts forth that you truly feel the immense power of the river.
Though the Trollhättan Falls no longer thunder continuously as they once did, the sheer wildness and romantic allure that have drawn visitors for centuries remain alive today. This awe-inspiring spectacle can be witnessed throughout July during the City Festival “Fallens Dagar”
A Force of Nature Shaped Over Millennia
The breathtaking ravine was formed by massive geological fractures thousands of years ago. Over time, landslides and the relentless force of the river carved even deeper into the rock. The grandeur of this landscape is best admired from Oscars Bridge, although stunning viewpoints await along the trails that wind through the area. For the ultimate panorama, head to Kopparklinten, the highest lookout, where—on a clear day—the view stretches for miles.
A Catalyst for Industry
Before the dams and the two major power stations were built, the river looked very different. The water roared through other channels, and the constant thunder of the falls was an ever-present sound. For centuries, the river’s powerful currents were harnessed to drive mills, and in the 18th and 19th centuries, Trollhättan evolved from a small village into a growing industrial hub. Near the present-day dam gates, you can still see the remnants of some of the factories that operated here until the early 1900s.
More Than Just the Falls
Beyond the falls themselves, Trollhättan is rich with historical landmarks that are well worth exploring. Visit the royal guestbook at Kungsgrottan, or step back in time at the Forngården open-air museum, where buildings from old Trollhättan still stand.