It lies at the eastern edge of the Siljan Ring,[2] a prehistoric impact crater formed 377 million years ago during the Devonian period.

[3] The impact caused a significant vertical realignment of the horizontal rock strata and created a bedrock depression, resulting in many of the geological features present today, such as Lake Siljan to the southwest and Styggforsen itself.

The waterfall's base meets a dike of brecciated quartz believed to predate the impact event.

[4] This site is popular with tourists and features a circular path about one kilometre long that leads to a cave called Troll Hole.

[1] The area's moist climate supports a diverse range of lichens, mosses, and plants, including the rare orchid Epipactis atrorubens,[5] Additionally, it provides a habitat for many insect species, including Venusia cambrica, Hyloicus pinastri, and Epirrhoe alternata.