Strömbacka: Ironworks History and Swimming Area by Brukssjön

Strömbacka combines a rich ironworks history with a location by the water. Strömbacka bruk lies on the Rågärdsån between Brukssjön and Matsbosjön; the swimming area by Brukssjön is also centrally located in Strömbacka. When choosing a destination, you can therefore take in both traces of former iron production and a lakeside spot with its own facilities. If you would like to include cultural history and a place by the water in your travel plans, Strömbacka offers a range of ways to do so.

Ironworks History and Blacksmithing Tradition

Strömbacka’s forge is considered the last Vallon forge in the world to have been in operation; Vallon forging continued there until 1947. The ironworks setting in Strömbacka is a remnant of 200 years of iron production. The period when the works were at their peak also provides historical context: in the 1880s, around 350 people were registered as living at the works. This figure gives the industrial history a social dimension, describing not only production but also the home of many people on the works’ grounds.

The Strömbacka bruksmiljö was rated as a well-preserved, evocative and noteworthy cultural environment in the highest class, Class 1. It is considered to have very high cultural-historical value and is also regarded as sensitive to alterations. The state of preservation and historical significance are therefore important aspects to consider when exploring the setting of the former ironworks.

Waterworks and Former Connections

Waterworks are also part of the industrial history. Construction of Rågärdsdammen began in the mid-18th century. A stone-lined, dry-stone-built canal runs from Rågärdsdammen through the Strömbacka bruksmiljö; it was later reinforced with concrete in places. The dam and canal represent different structures in the historic setting; at the canal, you can see the stone construction and later reinforcements together.

The Oxbanan railway was part of Strömbacka bruk’s former transport links. It connected the bruk with the Dellensjö lakes and Movikens masugn. This historic link adds another aspect to the picture of the ironworks setting: in addition to production and waterworks, connections with these two places also played a role. This refers to the former railway, not to any statement about current train services.

Chapel and Organ

The Strömbacka Chapel offers a different cultural-history perspective. Its gallery organ was inaugurated in 1957. Before that, it had been used as a choir organ at Engelbrektskyrkan in Stockholm. The instrument’s history thus connects two locations and two different roles: its earlier use as a choir organ in Stockholm and its later inauguration as a gallery organ in the chapel. For travelers interested in sacred cultural history as well as industrial history, this offers a distinct point of interest.

Swimming Area by Brukssjön

The swimming area by Brukssjön, centrally located in Strömbacka, offers a contrast to the historical attractions. Its facilities include a bathing jetty, benches with tables, a barbecue area, a changing room and an outdoor toilet. If a place by the lake is important during your stay, these specific facilities may help you plan your visit. The swimming area and the ironworks setting appeal to different interests: one offers access to the water, while the other features a blacksmithing tradition, historic buildings and the history of iron production.

If you plan to visit Strömbacka stångjärnssmedja, check the opening conditions in advance: they may vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Åshammar, Furuvik, Los, Bergvik.

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