© Gaby Karlsson Hain
The Stora Lee – Östen canal is located 112 meters above sea level. This makes it Sweden’s highest canal that communicates with the sea.
The lower lock is a single lock with a height difference of 5 m. Above the lock, a fixed road bridge crosses the canal, reducing the clearance from 15 m to 3.6 m. To pass through the locks, call the lock keeper from the call station at the waiting jetty. The upper lock is also a single lock with a height difference of 5.1 m. To pass through the locks, call the lock keeper from the call station sentry box.
About Töcksfors
The name comes from the word ”Töck” as well closest translates to fog. The district has over several time periods been hard hit by much worse than fog. During the fights between Norway, which then belonged to Denmark, and Sweden in the 1500s and 1600s, villages in Töcksmark was burned and pillaged on several occasions. And during World War II, there were many people who risked their lives to save Jews and Norwegian resistance from the Nazis.
The Stora Lee – Östen canal
To take advantage of the water power of Tyxforsen (rapids), Töcksfors Ironworks was established already 1797. Barely 100 years later it was shut down and instead they utilized the rapids to a pulp mill. The Stora Lee – Östen canal, which connects the Foxen with Töck and Östen was opened as late as1915. It is located 112 meters above sea level. This makes it Sweden’s highest canal that communicates with the sea.
Today Töcksfors a vibrant community with viable small industries and excellent services. Retail development is closely linked to the proximity to Norway. These include two major shopping centers just south of the E18. Four kilometers south of Töcksfors is Dusserud and the old farm Ögårn. It was built in 1819 and is today one of the best examples of how people lived many years ago
