Discover Norberg: Mining History and Trails

Norberg’s mining history is reflected in its buildings, technical equipment and a landscape dotted with mine shafts. There are also different ways to explore the subject: at Norberg Mining Museum, on an approximately 500-metre history trail at Svinryggen, and at the Nya Lapphyttan open-air museum. The Norbergsleden trail and Blå Grottan add further distinct highlights to the options for a stay.

Mining history in buildings and technology

Norberg Mining Museum is housed in the Risbergs konstschakt. Built in 1876, the building is made of slag bricks and red-painted wood, and stands above a 114-metre-deep shaft. Here, the museum’s function, the building’s construction and the depth of the shaft come together. Its construction date, materials and depth offer different points of reference for understanding the building.

The Polhemshjulet was built in 1877. Its preserved technical equipment is operational and closely connected to the mining industry in Kärrgruvan. In contrast to the Risbergs konstschakt, the emphasis here is on preserved technology; at the museum, the historic building, its materials and the deep shaft provide the specific points of reference. Together, the technical equipment and the building represent different aspects of mining heritage.

Trails and landscape

Svinryggen is a ridge between two rows containing a total of 18 mine shafts. There is an approximately 500-metre trail with a digital guide to the site’s history. These two features reveal different aspects of the area: the shafts shape its physical landscape, while the digital guide explores its history. At around 500 metres long, the trail is a short, clearly defined activity.

The Norbergsleden trail can be described by three features: it is marked in blue, mostly flat, and runs along asphalt, gravel walking paths and natural forest trails. While Svinryggen offers a digital way to explore the site’s history, the Norbergsleden is defined by its markings, terrain and surfaces. If you are comparing trails for your stay, these details offer different points of reference: a focus on history here, trail conditions there.

Museums and special places

Nya Lapphyttan is an open-air museum with reconstructed buildings that recreate a medieval ironworks setting. Here, the focus is on a reconstructed environment, while Norberg Mining Museum is housed in a building dating from 1876. The Nya Lapphyttan visitor centre is next to Hembygdsgården; both use the same car park. This is a practical point of reference when visiting the visitor centre.

Blå Grottan is part of the Klackberg mining area and is counted among the Seven Wonders of Västmanland. Water flows from the bottom of the Granrotsgruvan mine into the cave, where it appears intensely blue. Unlike the buildings and technical installations, the focus here is on the mining area, the cave and the water’s distinctive colour.

Getting there and event information

For travel by bus and train, VL bus 500 serves Norberg bus station from the nearest railway stations, Avesta Krylbo and Fagersta C. As the transport network may change in the future, check the timetable before your trip. Torget is another specific point of reference in Norberg: the Engelbrektsloppet route starts there, goes around the square and finishes in the middle of Torget. If the race is the reason for your trip, include the event date in your plans.

For the broader travel overview: Norberg.