On the drive by car from Narvik in northern Norway to Finland we had a fairly long journey, during which we decided to take a short break at Masugnsbyns naturreservat in northern Sweden. The main aim was to walk the dog and rest for a while – which this place fulfilled without any problem.
We chose this place on the map more or less by chance during the transfer. Until the last moment we didn’t see any signs or billboards on the road indicating it. On arrival we quickly realized that this wasn’t a well-known national park, but rather a small, unobtrusive nature reserve. Its area is approximately 0.6 km², so it’s a relatively small territory with a very intimate character.
A peaceful, somewhat deserted atmosphere
Everything here felt a bit abandoned. During our entire stop we were completely alone in the parking lot and didn’t meet any other visitors. The infrastructure is minimal – there are prepared and marked trails, but their condition suggests they were created some time ago and are not among regularly maintained hiking paths.
A short trail and a viewpoint above the river
We chose the shorter route through the forest towards the viewpoint, which offers views of the river. The trail runs through a quiet northern forest and the lookout provides pleasant, if somewhat limited, views into the gorge with the Rautajoki river. The contrast of forest, rocks and river is what makes this place interesting even for a short visit.
An ideal stop during a long journey
Masugnsbyns naturreservat is not a place you’d plan a separate trip for. As a random stop during a transfer between Norway, Sweden or Finland, however, it works very well. It offers tranquility, very few people and ideal conditions for a short walk – especially if you’re traveling with a dog and need to rest for a while from long periods of sitting in the car.