Discover Forsbacka

Forsbacka brings together the history of its ironworks, a manor house, a distinctive church and activities on Lake Storsjön. The town centre lies where Lake Storsjön flows into the Gavleån. Those interested in industrial heritage will find traces of history spanning several centuries; by the lake, other experiences take centre stage, including a bathing beach and a guided boat trip.

The Manor House and Ironworks

Ironworking in Forsbacka dates back to the 16th century. In 1651, Queen Christina granted the town a charter of privileges authorising a forge and two hearths. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Forsbacka Bruk developed into a large, modern industrial operation for its time. An industrial setting from the 19th century has been preserved on the site. Visitors can stroll among buildings from the ironworks’ heyday and take guided tours; check with the operator in advance for information about the tours.

The blast furnaces were in operation until 1953, and the last rolling mill was shut down in 1981. These two dates mark different periods in the history of the industry. The manor house is also part of that history: it was built in 1777 and retains woodwork, doors and door pediments, as well as tiled stoves and wall decorations. Gustav III visited Forsbacka Bruk in 1792 and stayed overnight at the manor house.

Another trace of history is the stone stele known as Rysstenen. Its inscription describes roadwork carried out by Russian prisoners in 1790 and is connected with Gustav III’s Russo-Swedish War of 1788–1790. A map of Forsbacka Bruk from 1798 shows a road built by Russian prisoners: it ran from the area around the blast furnace through the town, roughly along today’s Storgatan and onwards along Strömgatan to the harbour. On the map, it is called “Ryss Wägen”.

Church and Parks

Forsbacka Church was consecrated on 7 June 1965. Its ship-shaped, octagonal floor plan gives the building an unusual form; the altar is made of slag stone from Forsbacka Bruk. The orangery belonging to the manor house was the town’s first place of worship. The manor house, orangery and church therefore tell different chapters of the town’s history, while differing in their functions and dates of construction.

The parks have their own distinctive character, too. In the 1790s, the park at the manor house was redesigned in the English landscape garden style. Visitors can stroll through the English Park. Bruksparken lies next to Forsbacka Manor and is used for recreation, such as taking walks. To find your way around, it is helpful to distinguish between these two park names.

Lake Storsjön and Outdoor Activities

Laduholmen is a bathing spot on Lake Storsjön with a sandy beach. Bus 91 goes to the Forsbacka Konsum stop, which is about 600 metres from Laduholmen. The excursion boat M/S Emma departs from Forsbacka for a guided trip across Lake Storsjön. Check the current timetable before travelling if you plan to take the boat trip.

For a trip on the water, canoes can be rented or booked through Labbis at Forsbacka Bruk in summer. Labbis is located in the former laboratory of Forsbacka Bruk and operates as a crêperie, restaurant, bar and café. Coffee, food and drinks are served there. As these services are seasonal or subject to change, it is advisable to check canoe rentals and Labbis’s current offerings before your visit.

The themes are quite distinct: the manor house, the preserved industrial setting and historic roads tell the story of Forsbacka’s past; Laduholmen and the trip across Lake Storsjön turn your attention to the lake. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus more on industrial history, walks or activities on the water.

Discover more destinations: Bergby, Norrsundet, Hamrånge, Gävle, Hedesunda, Axmar, Valbo.

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