Støa Canal

From the forests in Ljørdalen, the furthest east of Trysil, there was almost no timber sold in the mid-19th century. The problem was to transport the timber across to the Trysilelva, for further floating to the sawmills at Karlstad in Sweden. The solution was a floating facility that is unique in Scandinavia and probably in the whole world!

There is a difference in level of 13 meters from Ljøra to the highest point towards the Trysilelva. Here, two timber winches were built that were driven by water wheels. Boom carriers then pulled the timber on booms through the canal to Flersjøen, a total of 3.2 kilometers. To provide enough water for the water wheel, water reservoirs and canals were built from a stream on the Swedish side and two other lakes nearby.

The entire facility was built between 1855 and 1858. After that, there was floating for 43 summers on Støa Canal, until 1901.

Støa Canal is located on national road 25 in Støa, 37 km east of Trysil city center, and is operated by Trysil/Engerdal Museum. The facility has information boards and can be visited freely. Guided tours for groups can be booked in advance throughout the bare-ground season.