SEE & DO
Discover the living history of Roslagen
Join us on a journey through Roslagen's historic ironworks, where the iron once glowed and the forges sang with hammer blows. Here you'll find stately mansions, charming mill streets and leafy parks that tell the story of a time when Sweden was one of the world's leading iron producers. Explore the mills and their unique characters, wander through well-preserved environments and feel the presence of history in the buildings. Whether you are a true history nerd, interested in cultural buildings or just curious about Sweden's industrial heritage, an excursion to one of Roslagen's many mills is a trip you will not regret.
Forsmark Mill
Forsmark's mill was founded in the 16th century and rebuilt in the late 18th century after being destroyed during the Nordic wars. The manor house from 1767, designed by Jean Eric Rehn, and the neo-antique church from the 19th century are central parts of the mill's charm. After the blast furnaces closed in 1968, the village - with its 40 buildings - was transformed into an idyllic setting where around 50-60 people live permanently.
During the summer, the area is filled with activities - both for children and adults.
The English Park, created in the 1780s, is one of the country's best preserved and was ranked as one of Sweden's most beautiful in 2009. Here you can wander along winding paths, past romantic glades, reflecting pools, small buildings and lush vegetation - a perfect destination for peace and contemplation.
On site you can also rent and paddle a canoe in the mill pond, play and explore in the Experiment Workshop, have a coffee at Aunt Märta's Café or enjoy classic food at Forsmarks Wärdshus.
Find your way here: Forsmark 314, 742 94 Östhammar
Website: visitforsmark.se
Österby Mill
Österbybruk is one of Sweden's most well-preserved ironworks, dating back to the 15th century and with a long tradition of iron processing. During the 18th century, the mill was a leading producer of bar iron, particularly sought after in England. The stately manor house from the same period, surrounded by park, stables and orangery, bears witness to a bygone era of glory - and at the heart of the mill is the only still-functioning poppy forge in the world.
Today Österbybruk is a living cultural environment where artists, craftsmen and volunteers keep the place alive. In the manor area you will find art galleries, antique and conservation shops, a restaurant, café and guided tours. An opera company also operates here, and visitors can take part in dramatised tours, prince and princess parties for children - or ghost walks for those looking for both thrills and chills.
Find your way here: Herrgårdsvägen 1, 748 32 Österbybruk
Website: Österby Mill Manor
Gimo
Gimo Ironworks was founded in 1615 by the Crown and was later developed by Louis De Geer into a major ironworks with both a blast furnace and a hammer. In the 1760s, the mill was remodelled by the architect Jean Eric Rehn, who designed the stately manor house and its wings, stables and orangeries.
Today, the mill is one of the country's most unified and well-preserved manor houses and is run as a hotel and conference centre.
In Gimo, the traditional carnival Knutmasso is organised every year on Twelfth Night, when participants dress up and parade through Bruksgatan.For the outdoor enthusiast, there are several hiking trails and paths in the area, including Dammleden, a 12.5 km loop around the dam in Gimo.
Find your way here: Bruksgatan, 747 44 Gimo
Website: www.gimoherrgard.se
Rånäs Mill
Uppland's southernmost vallon mill, dating back to the 14th century. The mill was owned by the Oxenstierna, Stenbock and Reuterskiöld families. Some of the operations from Gimo were moved here in 1774, and the mill continued to operate until 1894. Along the mill street there are white-stuccoed residential buildings that testify to the history of the mill. During the 19th century, Rånäs was an important agricultural and forestry centre with a dairy, brickworks, sawmills and hydroelectric power stations, and remained a thriving mill town well into the 20th century.
Today, Rånäs Castle is an attractive conference centre and hotel in a historic setting. Weddings, concerts, guided tours and other events are also organised here all year round. Follow the signposted cultural trail at the mill - a walk through time and mill culture. More information is available at the castle reception.
Find your way here: Rånäs bruksväg 26, 762 96 Rånäs
Website: ranasslott.se
Wira Mill
Despite its idyllic appearance, Wira Bruk played a crucial role during Sweden's time of great power as the country's foremost armoury. Founded around 1630, it forged swords, sabres and swords for the Swedish army - including for the soldiers of Charles XII.
Today, Wira is a living mill environment where you can meet contemporary blacksmiths, wander between the old forges along the Wiraån river and take part in the mill's fascinating history through guided tours - sometimes dramatised for extra empathy. The old courthouse serves well-prepared food and home-baked coffee. During the year, popular events such as the Wira play, flea markets and charming Christmas markets are held - all in a genuine, historic setting.
Find your way here: Bruksgårdsvägen 7, 184 93 Åkersberga
Website: www.wirabruk.se
Ortala mill
Ortala Mill, founded in 1586 in the parish of Väddö, developed into one of Uppland's most important ironworks in the 17th century. In 1626, the tenant Heinrich Lemmens introduced the poppy forge, which contributed to the success of the mill. During the Russian raids in 1719, the mill was burnt down but later rebuilt. Iron production ceased in 1878, but sawmill operations continued into the 20th century.
Today, buildings such as the coal house from 1789 and the main building from 1878 bear witness to the mill's history. Visitors can also see a watermill, probably built in the 16th century, and the remains of the three 17th century mill ponds. Ortala Mill offers a unique insight into Sweden's industrial heritage and is an interesting destination for those interested in cultural history.
Find here: Ortalavägen, 760 40 Väddö
Harg Mill
Founded in 1668 by Gustaf Otto Stenbock, Hargs Bruk was a key player in the iron industry until its closure in the 1920s. Hargs Bruk is one of Sweden's oldest companies, founded in 1668. Today it is a modern family business in forestry, agriculture and property management. The mill has no visitor activities, but is a private area.
Visit instead The iron shed, an art gallery and café, or experience a musical performance with ensemble members Legato in the old forge in summer - to experience the mill up close.
Find your way here: Road 76, 742 95 Hargshamn
Website: hargsbruk.se
Skebo Mill
Founded in 1626 by Henrik Lemmens, Skebo Mill was active until 1924 and was known for its high quality iron production and played an important role in the industrial development of the region.
Today, the museum is housed in the old fire station and tells the story of Sweden's first export success. The museum displays artefacts and detailed models that depict the industrial environments of iron production and the special culture of the Walloon mill community. The manor is in private ownership.
Find your way here: Smedsvägen 20, 763 93 Skebobruk
Website: skebobruk.com
Edsbro Mill
The environment at Edsbro blast furnace is an interesting industrial history site of national interest. Edsbro is an old poppy mill where the ruins of the blast furnace and the blacksmith's shop recall the time between about 1680 and 1894, when pig iron was manufactured and transported by barge to Skebobruk for further processing.
The visitor centre is run by Edsbro Hembygdsförening - please contact them for current opening hours, guided tours and events.
Find your way here: Edsbro Masugnsväg, 762 98 Edsbro
Website: https://edsbrohembygd.se/edsbro/edsbro-masugn
Berkinge Mill
Berkinge Mill is one of the poppy mills that contributed to the industrial development of Roslagen. The blast furnace was in operation until 1884.
The area today contains a small manor house from 1750, workers' housing, remains of slagstone buildings and a restored mill pond, but no public activities linked to the mill operations. Instead, there is Berkinge Bad och Fiskecamp, a popular visitor destination on the banks of the mill pond. Here you can swim, sunbathe, fish for noble fish such as rainbow trout, and stay overnight.
Find your way here: Berkinge 121, 819 66 Lövstabruk
Website:www.berkinge.se
Meadow
Herräng is a historical mining community by Singöfjärden dating back to the 16th century. Iron ore was mined here until the 1960s, and the industry flourished at the end of the 19th century, when Herrängs Gruf AB was formed. Traces of the mining era are still visible in the landscape, such as water-filled shafts and large slag heaps. (Here you can find a map and historical information of the area)
Today, Herräng is best known for the Herräng Dance Camp - a world-renowned gathering place for lindy hop dancers from all over the world.
Find your way here: Herräng, Norrtälje municipality
Ramhäll mining village
Iron ore mining in Ramhäll began in the 18th century at the so-called Hammarins mines and intensified in the 19th century. In the 1940s, Stora Kopparberg took over the mine and modernised operations. Mining continued until the end of the 1970s, and several industrial buildings still exist.
Today, several of the original buildings remain, such as the mine barn, the crushing house and the concentrator, making the area an interesting destination for those interested in history. Ramhälls Bygdegårds- och Hembygdsförening, which is housed in the old school from the 1880s, organises guided mining tours and various cultural events. The community centre also houses a preserved schoolroom from the mid-20th century and exhibitions related to the history of the mine.
Find your way here: Ramhäll 106, Ramhäll
Website: www.bygdegardarna.se/ramhall