Bollstabruk: Industrial History and Hiking Trails

Bollstabruk is situated on Bollstafjärden, a deep inlet extending far inland from the Ångermanälven. The town is an industrial community and mill settlement; at the same time, its surroundings are shaped by hilly terrain, numerous waterways, and mountains.

Landscape and Hiking Trails Around Bollstabruk

A network of hiking trails around Bollstabruk is suitable in spring, summer, and autumn for both forest walks and more strenuous running. There are rest areas for hikers at several points along the local trails. The hilly terrain, with its waterways and mountains, forms the landscape setting for these routes.

A shorter loop is 1.7 kilometers long and starts at Bollstahallen. Parking is available there, and a bus stop is nearby. This loop is also suitable for walks with a rollator or stroller.

The longer loop leads to a wind shelter and a rest area before returning through a section of forest. Together with the shorter loop, the route is 3.4 kilometers long. This figure refers to both loops combined, while the shorter loop alone is listed as 1.7 kilometers. Conditions on the longer loop may vary depending on the season.

Svedjeberget and Views Across the Ångermanälven

At a viewpoint on Svedjeberget in Bollstabruk, you can enjoy views across the Ångermanälven. There is also a hut and a barbecue area at the summit. The river views complement the picture of surroundings shaped by hilly terrain, waterways, and mountains; Bollstafjärden bay is another feature connected to the Ångermanälven.

Industrial History: From the Blast Furnace to the Sawmill

Bollstabruk’s industrial history stretches from the ironworks and the blast furnace built on the Bollstaån in 1737 to the modern sawmill of today. Bollstabruk is one of the oldest industrial sites in Västernorrland and has been in continuous operation for more than 270 years. The blast furnace represents an early stage in this development, while the modern sawmill connects it to the present day. The town’s history thus spans both a long period and different phases of industrial activity.

Historic Buildings and an Early Hillfort

Kejsarstan is a historic part of Bollstabruk’s industrial surroundings. It is home to five workers’ barracks built between 1884 and 1894. Bruksherrgården comprises buildings dating from the 18th to the 20th century, as well as parts of the preserved manor park. The barracks represent a narrower construction period, while the buildings at Bruksherrgården span several centuries.

About two kilometers west of Bollstabruk, Stensätterborgen is located on Borgberget. It is one of Sweden’s three northernmost hillforts and one of the best-preserved sites from the period between 400 and 800 AD. Its date is much earlier than the construction periods of the workers’ barracks and the buildings at Bruksherrgården; the hillfort therefore adds a distinct archaeological focus to the area’s industrial history.

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