Dams along the river

The River – a Driving Force

The elevation drop from Lake Mullsjön to Lake Vättern is 45 metres. For centuries, the water of this small river has been harnessed to power mills, hammers, grinders, sawmills, carpentry workshops, power stations and more.
The earliest installations were likely simple skvaltkvarnar – horizontal water mills that could operate with minimal flow. Over time, these were replaced by larger mills with overshot or undershot waterwheels.

Building Dams Along the River

To reduce reliance on fluctuating water levels, a series of dams were built. These were initially small but grew in size as the demand for power increased.
Closest to the town was Hammarsdammen, constructed in 1901. It was also the largest dam, with a height of 7 metres. It was emptied in 1968 when the dam structure gave way.

The Dams

Just upstream from Hammarsdammen was Strömsdalsdammen, built in 1916, with a 6-metre drop. A small dam still exists at Grebbans Mill. Further upstream were Andersforsdammen and two smaller dams at Herrekvarn and Stampens Mill.

📌 Dams Along the Hjo River (from lake to source)

• Hammarsdammen (1901)

  • Closest to the town centre

  • Largest dam: 7 m drop

  • Dam burst and emptied in 1968

• Strömsdalsdammen (1916)

  • 6 m drop

  • Served adjacent industry upstream of Hammar

• Grebbans Dam

  • Small dam still visible today

  • Located at Grebbans Mill

• Andersforsdammen

  • Further upstream

  • Powered smaller industries

• Herrekvarn Dam

  • Near Herrekvarn Mill

  • Small and now gone

• Stampens Kvarn Dam

  • Highest up in the system

  • Powered local hammer mill
    
    
    

Follow the Nature Trail

The nature reserve is a green oasis in the heart of the town, offering wonderful outdoor experiences all year round. Follow the Nature Trail along the Hjo River, from Hjo Harbour all the way up to the small lake Mullsjön, just west of the town.
This lush and leafy path takes you on a historic walk through wild landscapes, rich in birdlife – right in the middle of Hjo.

You can easily find the trail by following the wooden signs marked “NATURSTIGEN” along the river.
The full walk is approximately 4 km, from Hjo Harbour to Stämmorna at Lake Mullsjön.

Trail Information

• Waymarking: Clearly marked nature trail with wooden signs: "NATURSTIG"

• Length: Approx. 4 kilometres

• Food along the trail: YES – restaurant Stampens Kvarn

• Toilets: Dry toilet at Stämmorna, Mullsjön

• Open: Year-round

• Managed by: Hjo Municipality

• Protected area: Part of the EU’s ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000

PS. Be sure to enjoy the winding river as it accompanies your walk!