Voxnabruk: Architectural History, Hiking Trails and Nature

A trip to Voxnabruk can bring together a range of interests: architectural history, traces of mining, and hiking, water and nature. The information ranges from dates and building materials for individual structures to specific route lengths and fishing opportunities. You can plan your stay around whether you are more interested in historic places or spending time outdoors.

Architectural history and industrial traces

Construction of Voxna herrgård began in 1791 for the owner of the ironworks at the time, Councillor of Commerce J. C. Müller. The building is made of slag stone and timber framing—a construction technique that was unusual in this context. Voxna kyrka also has a distinct historical character: the wooden church, which has a tower, was inaugurated in 1759. It contains a Setterqvist organ dating from 1888, whose case from an older organ has been preserved. Voxna smedja was declared a listed building in 1989; Voxna bruk also has a settlement layout typical of the 18th century.

Various traces of mining have been preserved on Gymåsberget: slag heaps, ore deposits, the mine shaft and the mine yard with cultivated plots. The path between the mine and the ironworks has also been preserved. These features offer several tangible points of reference for the history of mining—from the deposits and mine workings to the route connecting them with the ironworks.

Hiking trails with different character

The 9.5 km Gruvleden follows old paths and corduroy roads. It runs from the blast-furnace ruin in Voxnabruk to the old mining area on Gymåsberget, combining a longer hike with traces of the past. The Naturstigen is shorter, at about 3 km, follows easy terrain and is suitable for the whole family. Part of the route crosses the scenic ridge of Galtryggen; several signs along the Naturstigen provide information about local wildlife and nature. The two trails therefore differ both in length and focus: Gruvleden centres on the mining area, while Naturstigen is a nature trail with information signs.

Swimming spot and starting point for Barnstigen

Barnstigen starts beside the Övre hammaren bathing beach at Voxnabruks hembygdsgård, at Övre hammarvägen 52 in Voxnabruk. This identifies the trail’s starting point precisely. Results from the municipality’s bacteria tests and checks for algal blooms are also displayed for the Övre Hammaren bathing area. If you would like to combine a visit to the beach with a walk, this provides a clear link between the bathing area and the trailhead.

The Voxnan, paddling and fishing

A 2023 field report by the Swedish Canoe Federation describes canoe rental providers in Voxnabruk and assistance with transport. For paddling plans, it distinguishes between the upper stretch of the Voxnan, characterised by rapids, and the easier-to-paddle lower stretches near Loån and Gryckån. If you plan to use this assistance, check before your trip whether it is available for your dates.

The waters of the Voxnan around Voxnabruk offer opportunities for fly-fishing for trout and grayling in flowing stretches. Voxna Södra Fiskevårdsförening manages fishing waters in the western and southern parts of Voxnadalen, with a focus on the area around Voxnabruk. The wider valley landscape is characterised by Hälsingland farmsteads, deep forest lakes, flowing waters and the meandering Voxnan. This helps distinguish fishing around Voxnabruk from the broader landscape of Voxnadalen.

A special place to stay

Voxna herrgård offers accommodation in rooms on the second floor for special occasions. The offer is limited to these occasions; check before your trip whether an overnight stay is available for your dates.

Discover more destinations: Ovanåker, Alfta, Edsbyn, Viksjöfors.

Return to the main travel overview: Ovanåker.