Hofors: Industrial Heritage, Hiking Trails and Lakes

In Hofors, the Hälsans Stig circular trail runs from the town centre past the church, around Hammardammen and back into town. One loop therefore combines local history with a waterside walk. Hofors is in the western part of Gästrikland, near the province of Dalarna. The other trails also vary in length, starting point and facilities, giving you a practical basis for planning your days.

Hiking Trails and Loops in Hofors

The southern section of the Gästrikeleden begins in central Hofors, behind the ice rink at the Stålringen sports grounds. It is an 8- to 10-kilometre forest hike there and back. The Hofors exercise trails start between Hoforshallen and Stålringen; there is an outdoor fitness area at the trailhead. Two of their loops are 2.5 and 5 kilometres long and lit. Two marked trails also branch off from the exercise trails: one 5.5 kilometres long, marked blue, and one 11 kilometres long, marked pink.

Another option is the 4.2-kilometre Storflyslingan. It has a barbecue area and two wind shelters. There is also a 2.8-kilometre walking and exercise loop around Hammardammen. The distances give you a straightforward way to compare routes when planning your day; facilities and routes vary from one loop to another.

Church, Industrial History and Architecture

Hofors Church was built in 1962. Its interior combines modern and traditional elements and includes communion vessels made by Jakob Ängman. Kornskruven tells another part of the area’s history: the former granary is now an industrial museum with collections on the history of mining and iron processing.

Hofors Hembygdsgård is housed in a wooden workers’ residence built by the ironworks in the 1870s. Three periods of housing are presented through a single-room home from the 1880s and apartments from the 1920s and 1950s. There is also a permanent exhibition about Kerstin Hesselgren. Together, these examples explore different forms of housing over several decades.

Hofors Manor was built by the industrialist Petre family between 1799 and 1803. Its façade features restrained Neoclassicism, while the preserved interior displays both Rococo and Neoclassical characteristics. The Stollgången is also part of the area’s mining history: the 265-metre mine tunnel opened in the late 18th century. The recreation area around Stollgången, popularly known as “Stollen,” is accessible even outside visiting hours. Check the site’s access regulations before your visit.

Lakes, Fishing and Golf

At Hammardammen, the 2.8-kilometre loop combines exercise with a walk around the lake. Along the route is a waterside wind shelter with benches, picnic tables, a barbecue area and a wood store. Lissjön, about three kilometres from the centre of Hofors, is a put-and-take fishing lake stocked with rainbow trout. It has five wind shelters, two toilets, parking for caravans or motorhomes and ten jetties. One of the jetties is wheelchair accessible.

Hubo-Långsjön is also a put-and-take fishing lake, stocked with 20 tonnes of rainbow trout each year. Its facilities include 35 jetties and ten wind shelters. The accessible fishing area has a jetty, a wind shelter and a toilet. As facilities, stocking quantities and fishing rules may change, check the latest information before visiting or fishing.

If you’re planning to play golf, Hofors Golfklubb by Lake Storgösken has an 18-hole course set in woodland and parkland. Facilities include golf lessons, a driving range and a practice area. As facilities and programmes may change, check the current offering in advance.

Summer Dining and Tastings

Gammelstilla Café, run by Kanalkiosken, serves food and fika in a historic ironworks setting during the summer. The offering is seasonal; check whether it’s available during your trip before visiting. Gammelstilla Whisky offers tastings of its “Isak Mackey” and “Jern” whiskies, which need to be booked. Check in advance whether a time slot is available.

Discover more destinations: Hofors, Torsåker, Trönödal, Bollnäs, Hudiksvall, Söderhamn, Sandviken, Ljusdal.

For the overarching travel overview: Gävleborg.