Djurån

Djura Hembygdsförening has created a hiking trail along Djurån. The hike offers a pleasant walk of about 2 km where the former activities can be rediscovered. Along the path there are descriptive signs as well as simple resting places for resting to the rippling of the water.

The walk can be started at Gyllingssågen or at Lysells såg. Parking can be done along the gravel road, easiest at Gyllingssågen. The site where Gyllingssågen once stood is located at the southern outlet of Lake Gyllingen.

Two toll mills are preserved along the river, "Hytto" and Helgsta mill. Of the other activities, only ponds, foundations and minor remains remain today. The two toll mills are not adjacent to the marked hiking trail but are located a few kilometers east in the direction of Djura. Information boards about the former activities are also located at both these mills.

The water power of streams and rivers has been extensively used by our ancestors. Through dams, canals and waterwheels, they were able to run all kinds of businesses such as smelters, mills, saws, forges and grist mills. Some even set up small industries for manufacturing and sales.

In the 15th century, a smelting works for iron ore was in use on the river, and water-powered mills have existed since the Middle Ages. Activity on the river was greatest in the late 19th century. During the spring flood weeks and late fall, activities along the Djurån river were going on day and night. The population of the village was then twice as large as today and most were farmers. The landscape along the river was largely arable land, unlike today when the forest has taken over again.