Wooden bridge in Edsbyn, A bridge to nature

Bäck is the only forested area near central Edsbyn and is popular for walking, cycling, fishing, disc golf, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. It is also a regular outing and outdoor classroom for nearby schools.

For years, there was a strong desire to build a bridge that would allow entry and exit from Bäck through different points, connecting bike trails, horseback riding paths, and snowmobile and skiing routes at Bäck to the large activity area at Gårdtjärnsberget, including the ski slope. However, funding was a challenge—until the launch of the Employee Fund’s Green Areas and Outdoor Life program. Svenska Fönster seized the opportunity to build a bridge across the river and enhance the existing trails into a cohesive and accessible recreational path with a natural feel.

The project began in spring 2022 with trail improvements along the 2.6-kilometer path leading to and from the bridge, followed by bridge construction in February 2023. The bridge was inaugurated on October 1, 2023, and has since been well-received. The improved trails and bridge are now a popular choice for individual walks and organized activities due to their central location and beautiful surroundings.

Ovanåker municipality is now responsible for maintaining the bridge and trails and will continue to develop the area to make it even more attractive for community use.

Fun Fact
To blend with the natural and cultural surroundings, it was essential to build the bridge from wood and paint it with red ochre paint. However, crossing the broad Voxnan River was a challenge, so a free-span bridge of approximately 35 me- ters, with a total length of 55 meters including connections, was built to span the river.

Project name: Wooden bridge in Edsbyn, A bridge to nature 
Country, location: Sweden, Edsbyn
Applicant: Ovanåkers Municipality  
VKR Group company: Svenska Fönster, Sweden 
Inauguration date: 1 October 2023