Gimo

Manor life and industrial history

Gimo emerged as an ironworks as early as the 17th century, at a time when the forests and water power of Roslagen laid the foundation for Sweden's period as a great power. The current Gimo Herrgård was built at the end of the 18th century in the Gustavian style and is still the town's obvious heart today – with its wings, avenues, and the large manor pond.

The manor house is today a highly regarded hotel and conference venue, known for romantic weekend stays and weddings. There is a spa with views of the pond, function rooms for parties and meetings – and over the years, sports teams have also prepared here before major championships. There is something special about the tranquility by the water.

World-class industry

Today, the locality is internationally renowned for the Sandvik facility – one of the world's leading producers of cemented carbide inserts and precision tools used in the manufacturing industry worldwide. Components that literally shape modern industry are manufactured here. The contrast is clear: ultramodern robot lines and advanced technology – in the middle of a historic industrial community.

Knutmasso - Gimo's most colourful heritage

Every year on January 13th, on Twelfth Night or 'Knutmasso', Gimo transforms into something entirely different. The streets are then filled with masked 'knutgubbar' (Knut men) in imaginative, handmade costumes – often with satirical nods to the year's events. It's Knutmasso: a colourful masked parade with roots stretching back to the 17th century.

The tradition is said to have originated as a way to “sweep out Christmas”, but in Gimo, it has become something bigger – a creative expression that unites generations. The masks are not store-bought costumes. They are built from scratch. Cardboard, glue, paint, humour, and stubbornness. The result? A popular spectacle that draws thousands of visitors every year.

But the Knutmasso don't just live for one day a year. In Knutmasso Museum Mill the tradition is kept alive all year round. Here, creativity reigns supreme – with workshops, crafts, mask-making and cosplay creation. Children, young people and adults come together around crafts and creativity in an environment that is as much a living room as it is a museum. 

Dams, ski tracks and year-round movement

In the heart of the community, Gimo Dam spreads out – a cherished spot for walks, swimming, and everyday life by the water. Footpaths wind around the dam, and the area is frequently used throughout all seasons of the year.

During winter, both recreational and competitive skiers gather at Gimo Ski Center. Here, artificial snow tracks are laid out when the season permits, and races like the Lindmansloppet – with seeding to Vasaloppet – put the resort on the map for skiing enthusiasts.

It's the contrasts that make Gimo special – the stillness of the manor house and the factory's robot lines, the park's walking paths and the masquerade's explosion of colour. A small town with an unusually large number of layers.