Laxtrappan i Gullspångsälven

Playground for unique Gullspång salmon

Unique speciesThe flowing waters of the Gullspång River are home to the unique Gullspång salmon, a species that only spawns naturally in one place in the world. The river flows through the community of Gullspång and connects the two lakes Skagern and Vänern. Side by side with the salmon lives the Gullspång trout, which also thrives here.

Autumn is a time for spawningYou are welcome to visit the staircase all year round, but you will have a richer experience during the salmon and trout spawning season, which usually takes place in October and November. For the best chance of seeing the spawning fish, we recommend you walk up the so-called salmon path to the quieter spawning area about 400 meters upstream.

Excursion site with tipsOn site, there is information on a board next to the old railway bridge that tells more about the species and its conditions. During spawning time, it's a good idea to take polarized sunglasses with you, they make it easier to see the fish. A little patience may also be needed because it is sometimes not easy to see the fish in the dark water as the spawning suit makes them darker than usual. It is fine to bring a packed lunch - tables and benches are available.

History of the salmon ladderDuring the early 1900s, a power plant dam was built in Gullspång to extract hydropower from the large Gullspång rapids. This blocked the Gullspång salmon's natural route to the spawning grounds in Lake Skagern, and parts of the river channel were dried up. The salmon's normal environment was destroyed and the species was close to extinction. In 2004, the Goldfinch Salmon Project was launched, with the aim of preserving the small salmon population that remained. A salmon ladder was constructed in the lower and steepest part of Gullspångsforsen.

New spawning areasThe salmon ladder was built by blasting out the bottom of the rapids in stages and creating small pools using cast "steps". The entire minimum flow is released through the fishway, making it easier for salmon and trout to find their way up. Together with the measures implemented in Gullspångsforsen, this means that new spawning and nursery areas are created in a previously dry part of the river and salmon can now migrate back up here to spawn.

Here you can see a short film about the Gullspång River and the salmon ladder.

DirectionsFrom road 26, turn into Gullspång center. Follow Storgatan and pass the center core, park at the designated parking on the left side of the road (Brogatan). During playtime, there are then small signs pointing to the stairs and the playground. Extra parking spaces are available at the parking lot at Fortum's premises. There is a bus stop in the center of Gullspång, about 600 meters from Laxtrappan.