Gysinge between ironworks history and river landscapes
Accommodation in Gysinge
Gysinge has two distinctive features: the history of ironmaking and the nature of its river landscape. Historic buildings, protected habitats and a long-distance hiking trail offer different points of interest as you consider what you would like your stay to focus on.
Industrial history and building conservation
Gysinge Bruk is a well-preserved Vallonbruk dating back to the 17th century. In the 19th century, it was one of Sweden’s leading ironworks. In 1900, Gysinge became the first place in the world where steel was produced using electricity. Together, these milestones tell a story from the beginnings of the Vallonbruk to a first in steel production.
The Gysinge Centrum för byggnadsvård is also dedicated to preserving buildings. Founded in 1990, the centre brings demonstration buildings, exhibitions, advice and building conservation materials together in one place. Here, practical examples go hand in hand with practical topics related to working with existing buildings.
Other historic features offer a different perspective: Granön is a park established in 1876, with fine broadleaf trees; the Orangeriet is a greenhouse building dating from 1790. Those interested in historic sites and buildings can thus find a variety of examples of park and architectural history alongside the history of the ironworks.
Nature reserve and river landscape
Gysinge Nature Reserve covers 463 hectares. It contains broadleaf forests and river meadows that are rare elsewhere in the county. Close to Gysinge Bruk, Färnebofjärden National Park preserves an unspoiled river landscape with forests, wetlands, swamp forests, lakes and waterways. The two areas therefore represent different facets of the nature around Gysinge: rare habitats in the nature reserve and a diverse river landscape in the national park.
The Naturum Färnebofjärden visitor centre is located at Gysinge Bruk, close to the national park. It is housed in a stable building dating from 1814 and offers activities throughout the year. As individual activities may change, it is best to check the current programme before your visit.
Hiking and getting oriented locally
The Gästrikeleden long-distance hiking trail passes through Gysinge on the section between Hedesunda and Österfärnebo. If hiking is part of your stay, you can explore the town in connection with this route. Granön also has a nature park with a nature trail; check before visiting to see whether the area is currently accessible.
Gysingeforsarna includes fish-rich stretches of flowing water around Gysinge Bruk. This adds another natural feature to the forest and river landscape. The flowing waters and the course of the Gästrikeleden offer different ways to decide which themes you would like to focus on during your trip.
Gysinge is served by buses operated by X-trafik Gävleborg. From the Brukshandeln bus stop, it is a 500-metre walk to the Naturum Färnebofjärden. Transport services and timetables may change, so check the connection for your travel date.
Seasonal dining
The restaurant at Gysinge HerrgĂĄrd serves home-style cooking with a modern twist, using ingredients from local producers in the surrounding area. The menu is updated according to the season. If you would like to eat there during your stay, ask for the current menu for your visit. The seasonal changes make dining another aspect to consider alongside industrial history, nature and hiking.
Discover more destinations: Årsunda, Storvik, Sandviken, Hammarby, Kungsgården, Järbo, Österfärnebo
Back to the main travel overview: Sandviken.
