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Home - Travel Destinations - Ätran River Walk: A Salmon-Filled Stroll Through Falkenberg’s Wild Heart
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
If you ever find yourself in Falkenberg with a few hours to spare, don’t miss the Ätran River Walk. It’s more than just a scenic trail — it’s a living timeline of Sweden’s wild salmon revival, industrial history, and eco-innovation. Lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and let’s go!
💡 Did you know? The Ätran River holds Sweden’s strongest population of wild Atlantic salmon, thanks to decades of conservation.
The Swedish word “Ätranlaxen” translates directly to “the Ätran salmon” in English.
Ätran = the name of the river in Falkenberg, Sweden
laxen = “the salmon” (the definite form of lax, meaning salmon)
Together, the term refers to “the salmon of the Ätran River.” In tourism or brochure contexts, you might see it phrased as:
“Ätran Salmon” — short and brand‑like
“Salmon from the Ätran River” — more descriptive and visitor‑friendly
Begin your Ätran River Walk at Tullbron, Falkenberg’s iconic 18th‑century stone bridge. Framed by sweeping river views, it’s both a perfect photo stop and a lively vantage point to watch anglers casting for salmon in the waters below.
💡 Fun fact: Just upstream, you’ll find Svanen Bro (Swan Bridge) — a lesser‑known gem with a plaque commemorating its 1927 restoration. The city reinforced the bridge while preserving its original look, a quiet tribute to Falkenberg’s respect for heritage.
The inscription on the stone plaque reads: År nittonhundra tjugosju blev Svanen bro grundligt reparerad och förstärkt dock med bibehållande av mått och utseende. Arbetet utfördes och bekostades då av Falkenbergs stad med bidrag av staten.
Translated to English: In the year 1927, Swan Bridge was thoroughly repaired and reinforced, however with preservation of its dimensions and appearance. The work was carried out and financed by the city of Falkenberg with contributions from the state.
This plaque commemorates the restoration of Svanen Bro in 1927, highlighting how Falkenberg strengthened the bridge while carefully preserving its proportions. It’s a subtle but powerful nod to the town’s commitment to heritage and thoughtful urban design.
As your Ätran River Walk Falkenberg continues toward the fishing zones near Hertingforsen, a charming wooden bridge appears tucked into the greenery. One of the town’s earliest pedestrian crossings, it has been preserved or carefully rebuilt to maintain the river’s rustic charm.
📸 Photo tip: Just behind the “Sportfiske i Falkenberg” signboard, this bridge offers a perfect vantage point to watch anglers in action — whether fly fishing, spin casting, or simply soaking in the serenity of the river.
💡 Crossing here truly feels like stepping into salmon country, where nature, tradition, and restoration meet. Though quiet and understated, the Old Wooden Bridge anchors the walk in Falkenberg’s fishing heritage and sets the tone for the river’s living story.
Follow the riverside path about a kilometer downstream and you’ll arrive at Hertingforsen, one of the most celebrated ecological restoration sites in Sweden. Along the way, interpretive signs like “Giving back a borrowed rapid” and “Obstacles for migrating fish” explain how the Herting Project restored the river’s natural flow.
The phrase translates to “Obstacles for migrating fish”. The display you photographed is part of Falkenberg’s public education around the Hertingforsen restoration project, which began near the old Herting hydroelectric power station just a kilometer from where the Ätran River meets the sea.
Historically, dams and turbines blocked salmon, eel, and other species from reaching their spawning grounds. The Herting Project changed that:
Old barriers were removed, and a previously dry riverbed was reactivated.
New bypass channels and fish‑friendly turbines were installed.
Species like Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, and river pearl mussel now migrate freely again.
The Ätran now supports Sweden’s strongest wild Atlantic salmon population.
The restored riverbed near Herting is a prime spawning ground, especially visible during the fishing season (April–September).
Falkenberg continues to remove migration barriers in tributaries, creating wetlands and habitats for fish and birds.
🛠️ In 2013, Falkenberg reactivated a dry riverbed and built a fishway that now lets salmon, sea trout, and even river pearl mussels migrate freely past the old hydroelectric station.
📸 Photo tip: Snap a shot of the restored rapids — especially stunning in spring when the salmon run begins.
🌿 Hertingforsen is more than a restoration site; it’s the living heart of the Ätran River Walk Falkenberg. Here, nature, heritage, and sustainability converge, making it a highlight of your riverside journey.
As your Ätran River Walk Falkenberg continues, you’ll come across a quiet grassy clearing where three sculpted stone blocks stand in striking geometric contrast — rough and smooth, light and dark. In front of them lies a plaque engraved with a poetic reflection by Swedish sculptor Pål Svensson.
📝 The inscription speaks of memory, fragmentation, and time — a gentle reminder that while wholeness may be lost, meaning can still be found in the pieces.
Att dela är att förlora något det är så det har blivit brutet. Och helheten går inte att återställa. Men delar av bilden, samband tid och rum av förr, skapat efter av ett minne, av livets timma och i en kant inte ens vända.
English translation: To share is to lose something… And the whole cannot be restored. But fragments of the image, connections time and space…
This spot feels like a pause in the walk — a place to reflect not only on the river’s journey, but on your own. It’s a quiet counterpoint to the rushing water nearby, and a beautiful example of how Falkenberg blends art, nature, and emotion into its public spaces.
Pause at the “Kraftverkets historia” display to uncover the story of the Herting hydroelectric power station, first built in the early 1900s. Black‑and‑white photos capture the original dam and the workers who constructed it — a striking glimpse into Falkenberg’s industrial past.
Today, the station tells a different story. Modern upgrades have introduced fish‑friendly turbines, proving that renewable energy and biodiversity can coexist.
Archival images document the dam’s construction and the role it played in the town’s development.
Once a barrier to migrating fish, the station is now integrated into the Herting Project, which restored the river’s natural flow and created fishways.
It’s a historically rich and ecologically vital location where industry and nature meet.
The restored rapids and fishways allow wild salmon, sea trout, and other species to migrate freely again.
It stands as a key stop on the walk, blending heritage, sustainability, and the living river.
If you’re up for a longer stroll, extend your Ätran River Walk Falkenberg toward the Hålan fishing stretch. This peaceful section of the river is known for its calm waters and diverse species — from trout and perch to pike and roach. It’s a quieter spot, making it ideal for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a more relaxed angling experience.
🚫 Note: Eel fishing is prohibited here due to conservation efforts, a reminder of Falkenberg’s commitment to protecting its river ecosystem.
Cross the river to Vallarna Park, a lush green escape that’s perfect for a picnic, a coffee break, or simply catching your breath along the Ätran River Walk Falkenberg. This family‑friendly park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and even a mini‑zoo, making it a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike.
From the lawns and pathways, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the river — and if you’re here in season, you might spot salmon leaping upstream.
As you near the end of the Ätran River Walk Falkenberg, you may stumble upon the town’s lively open‑air market. Here, local vendors showcase everything from fresh produce to quirky crafts, each stall adding its own flavor to Falkenberg’s riverside culture.
One standout? Fish wreaths — yes, actual wreaths crafted from small fish like sardines or anchovies, arranged with care and a touch of humor. I’ve included my photo of my husband proudly pointing at one of these displays, a reminder that Falkenberg’s relationship with fish isn’t just ecological — it’s cultural, creative, and community‑driven.
💬 Whether it’s smoked salmon served in a café or fish‑themed art displayed at a stall, the town celebrates its river heritage in everyday life, blending tradition with playful creativity.
End your Ätran River Walk Falkenberg back in the heart of town. Browse local shops, enjoy a bite at a riverside café, or stop by the Tourist Office to learn more about guided fishing tours and nearby lodging options.
🧭 Travel logistics: Falkenberg is just an hour from Gothenburg and easily accessible by train or car, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape.
💬 Travel tip: Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious wanderer, the Ätran River Walk offers a rare blend of nature, history, and sustainability. It’s a walk through time — and a celebration of how Falkenberg gave its river back to the fish.
With this, your full walk narrative is complete — from Tullbron Bridge to Hertingforsen, Vallarna Park, and back into town. A walk I thoroughly enjoyed!
Are you into fishing? Then you will enjoy our 7 Unforgettable Reasons to Fish Falkenberg’s Ätran River!
Author: Arina JVR – 30+ countries, countless stories.
Your turn! Have you walked the Ätran River in Falkenberg, or tried your luck fishing its salmon waters? Share your favorite memory, tip, or question in the comments — let’s keep the river stories flowing!
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