T
he Dead Falls
The Dead Falls — is the result of the largest known natural disaster in Swedish history.
Where one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Sweden once thundered, you can walk around and study giant´s kettles and see what a dry waterfall looks like.
HISTORY
The Storforsen rapids became the Dead Falls when, in 1796, Magnus Huss drained Lake Ragunda, silenced the waterfall and became the legendary Wild Huss.
Huss was hired to make the River Indalsälven suitable for log-driving by digging a canal.
However, he hadn´t taken the spring floods into account and, on the night of 6 June 1796, the rising water broke through the dams and cut through a natural gravel barrier.
This not only completely drained Lake Ragunda, but also redirected the entire river straight through the forest.
The waters caused devastation for miles downstream, but miraculously no human lives were taken by the gigantic flood wave.
After the disaster
It became possible to float timber in the river and, from was once the bottom of Lake Ragunda, lots of farming land has been gained.
The Dead Falls are now one of the most popular attractions in Jämtland; you can either walk around on your own or join a guided tour.
You can also take a longer walk to the suspension bridge over the River Indalsälven.
Foto: Caroline Fahlén
Theatre
Summer performances are held in Sweden´s largest open-air revolving theatre.
In 2011 you can see Shakespeare´s “A Midsummer Night´s Dream" performed Ragunda-style by famous Swedish actors.
Visit www.dodafallet.nu for more information and tickets.
The Dead Falls
-is open every day during the snow-free season.
The café is open June-August.
For guided tours and packages, please contact Ragundadalen Tourism +46 (0)696 682 090
840 70 Hammarstrand
Mån-Fre 12.00-16.00