Waterfall in central Norrköping (2): Towards the town

About the sound

This is the sound of a waterfall that is part of Motala Ström, a river system that runs through Norrköping and out into the Baltic Sea. This recording is made on the same bridge as the first (1) recording, however this time the microphone is facing the central parts of Norrköping instead of the waterfall. The listener can hear that even though the waterfall is dominant in the background parts of a different soundscape emerges, even when I'm standing at the same spot. Motor-powered tools, vehicles and birds chirping.

The original part of the river had a drop of 18 meters in Norrköping and its great natural force has been used since at least the Middle Ages. During the industrial era in the middle of the 19th century towards the beginning of the 20th century the river became more and more controlled since it supplied a large area of industries with power which allowed Norrköpings textile industry to grow greatly and become one of the largest in Sweden.

Today the river is tamed and its natural flow changed. The different waterfalls is a consequence of industries changing the flow to accumulate more power from the flux. The old industrial area is a popular destination for many and the Museum of Work lies in the heart of it. The area with its many industrial buildings and power stations is very well preserved.

Recording by: Erik Pålsson.
Photo by: Erik Pålsson.