Places in the region of Scane (also consider the mix of languages, dialects and prosody, great visualized here from swedish view; not always easy to locate and compare with linguistics
12.12.2022: Helsingborg: best timeline in St. Mary’s church from 12th century (self explanatory, left at the entrance); foundation of bishopric of Lund 1050 (treasury of king Cnut); first city rights in 1085; foundation and exact development of Kärnan fortification debated; city florished by sound dues (toll) introduced by Eric of Pomeranis as Helsingør on the other side of the straight; since the Dano-Swedish War in 1658 (Treaty of Roskile) Helsingborg is territory of Sweden; 1892 a train ferry was inaugurated; today the car ferry is one of the most frequented ferry routes in the world
13.12,2022: Helsingborg: Landborg Promenade is connecting different environments along the coast; it was formed by land elevation after the last ice age; the area has been used for several purposes in the last centuries, before the park landscape and forrests were created in the 18th and 19th century by swedish nobility, it was agricultural area; Frederiksdal just behind Kärnan next to the center of Helsingborg is an example, today it is a natural history museum; the adjacent Olympia District with different settlements including many Art Nouveau buildings was planned in the 19th century by private investors, not the city, many institutional buildings in different styles are also integrated; the major sporting areas of the city are located there; today the city applies voluntarily environmental compensation into the planning processes, investigated by comparative analyes of universities
14.12.2022: Laröd: Tinkarpsgården is oldest building, mentioned in connection with coal mining; Sofiero Gard is the first registered farm; Sofiero castle and parks, built by the later king of Sweden and Norway Oscar II who first dwelled in in 1866 during the turbulent time of industrialization in 19th century, the union with Norway, that existed since the swedish-norwegian war 1814 was dissoluted 1905
15.12.2022: Gunnarstorp: gravehills from stone and early bronce age; in medieval history a fortification probably owned by the Trolle family in Småland was first mentioned 1399 when Johannes Olafson Lunge wrote a care letter to bishop Peder in Roskilde; the castle was built 1560 probably by Jörgen Brahe
16.12.2022: Domsten: settlements from stone and bronce age; fishing village place name first mentioned in 1575, when stone was shipped out for the construction of Kronborg castle in Helsingør; plague cemetry from 1711, when a third of inhabitants died, 300 years later a memorial stone was erected; small marina and beach; nature resort Talldungen at the seaside was planted by the swedish crown in the 19th century to bind sand fields, as Hornbæk plantage on the other side by the danish crown. there are nature bathing places along the coast (as in Hornbæk) and binoculars to watch the wildlife, ships and the danish coastline; the ever changing bays at the coast (Grollegrund) are also protected
17.12.2022: Grå läge: fishing village burned down after plague epidemic of 1713; the village was reerected but fishing declined in the 19th century; today the coastline is part of the Domsten-Viken naturreservat
18.12.2022: Viken: old fishing village with harbor and small marina; in the 19th century the village developed as a shipping center, documented in the small marina museum; landmark of the village is the restaured windmill Sophia; Paul Jönskas farm museum offers insights in the culture of the 19th century in Viken; today tourism and private dwelling are major businesses
20.12.2022 Lerberget: settlement founded by settlers from Jutland, that discovered clay hills; later king Charles XII ordered shipbuilders there, who built cottage houses at the seafront; the fishing harbor is centered around a little maritime museum and meeting house
21.12.2022: Höganäs: historic industrial architecture of 19th century with several contemporary functions; Salthalerna is a recent concept; Höganäs Museum is showing the history of the city and its many transformations
22.12.2022: Nyhamnsläge, Strandbaden: youngest settlement on penisula, founded 1910, when railway to Mölle was inaugurated; a hotel, pensions and several stores were built to comfort tourists; later seaside villas were built; today a communal nature resort is protecting the beach and forrest seeded by Krapperup estates in 19th century
23.12.2022: Brunnby: stone and bronce age burial mounds, investigated by archeologists; later parish church since 12th century; hotel with view to mounds is currently enlarged
24.12.2022: Mölle: former area of Krapperup estates; Myllæ first named in 1491 when farmers used location; in a map from 1753 a harbor appears; stone from the cliff was shipped out to enlarge the harbor in Helsingborg and citadel in Landskrona; the farm Kullagården originally offered meals and beds for lighthouse staff; Anna Elfverson started tourism on Kullaberg in 1820; her son made further investments but had to sell them to Kragerup due to rising costs and declining revenues; the introduction of mixed bathing for men and women formerly only allowed in France and the Netherlands led to an increase in guest numbers (“Sin in Mölle”); the visit of the german emperor Wilhelm II in 1907 pushed german tourism; before danish and swedish royalty were guests; 1910 a new port, steam boat and railway connection was inaugurated; today several hotels are situated on the hills around the bay;Villa Italienborg is one example for the lively facades of the sea resort
25.12.2022: Arild: settlement at the eastern side of Kulla penisula marked by cambrian cliffs washed out by stone age sea level rise 6.000 years ago; the history of inhabitants and how they could survive excluded from social systems and hierarchies bas been reported by many poets like Cilla Banck; village was discovered for tourism in 19th century by artists; Nabben is a nature reserve protecting some coastal areas
26.12.2022: Jonstorp: eastern tip of the former Kulla island; first human settlements were found at Görslöv, the stone age harbor of the region; it was active until viking times, later it was moved to the south eastern tip of the island (Halshamn); in the 19th century the new harbor was inaugurated; in the north of the village and licensed dozens of freight ships; the Hals area with the estuary of the two rivers, left from the stone age sea stream between Jonstorp and Höganäs is now a nature reserve; the former sea ground further in the west is fertile agriculture land; at the bathing place Revet a ship wreck has been found recently
27.12.2022: Farhult: church of 12th century; windmill from 1850; Farhultsbaden sand beach with dunes and holiday houses inaugurated in 30s of last century; after the dunes the stony beach and landscape continues to Häljaröd
28.12.2022: Södra Häljaröd: today’s nature reserve Rönnen with constantly changing sandbanks and landscape was a port for bricks and corn until 1969; it is the starting point of Skåneleden 5 Öresund direction south and Kullaleden
29.12.2022: Ängelholm: settlement Luntertun was first mentioned in 1303, when the danish king Erik Menved made rules about salmon fishing;;today there is a salmon ladder in Munka Ljungby; settlement was transformed into new town in 1516 by king Christian II of Denmark at the banks of the river Rönne shortly before Skälder Bay; a church ruin was excavated in 1929; due to flying sand in the town, artificial dunes have been created as barriers in 1739; vegetation has been planted later (Kronoskogen) and is currently being modified; growth of city with various companies during industrialization in 19th century; historic dune hotel Klitterhus, leisure port and several sporting possibilities at the estuary; Swedens railway museum is dealing with the history of mobility in Sweden compared to other states; the first proposal for a rail network was made 1845 by count Adolf Eugene von Rosen supported by english investors without success; 1856 the first locomotive railways were opened from Malmö to Lund (southern main line) and from Göteborg to Jonsered (western main line); both were expanded quickly; 1887.Swedish State Railways were founded; the network was further expanded and the travel time decreased; a further nmilestone was the connection from Malmö to Copenhagen (Øresund Bridge) in the year 2000
30.12.2022: Vejbystrand: located at the eastern side of the peninsula Bjärre; first settlements were recorded in the 18th century, when farmers of the backland had to make a living there;;later the village was known for several hospital villas and buildings constructed at the beginning of the 20th century; majority were TBC patients; at the end of the 20th century they were closed and gradually transformed into private residences; there is a small marina and sandy beach; starting point of Bjäre penisula tour
31.12.2022: Förslöv: meaning Fäärs heritage; mentioned first in 1289; growing into medieval settlement; major business has always been agricultureis; traces of prehistoric and viking borders and forms of land use; connection to west coast railway line in 1885; 2015 the Hallandsås Tunnel was inaugurated and the old railway track was transformed into the cycling way Hjärnarp-Båstad; entrance to 40 km long and 5 km broad Hallandsås horst, formed 80 mio. years ago during late cretaceous; view over Skälder Bay and the northern coast of Zealand from Hålehallstugan, departure point for several cycling and hiking trails
01.01.2023: Torekov: name either from god Thor or the daughter of a danish king Thora drowned by her stepmother,and drifted ashore at this place, her both brothers Arild and Gille were obviously found in todays Arild and Gilleleje; a blind man promised her a christian burial if he regained his sight; the miracle happened and a chapel was built at her burial place; it burned down in a fire 1858; the settlement has long time been the only protected harbor on the penisula; in the 18th century a shed was build as meeting place for traders and sailors, on the walls are boards of wrecked ships in the region; increase of permanent and leisure residents in 19th century
02.01.2023: Hovs hallar: rock formations on outermost part of Hallandsås, several bronce age grave hills around Hov; archeologists discuss applied spirituality dependent on findings; geologists are interested in development of landscape; Ingmar Bergman shot scenes for two films here, that is why the place was discovered as “Treasure of European Film Culture“;part of protected area Bjärekusten
03.01.2023: Boarp:farm village of 17th century offering coffee, tours and trainings; a contemporary shopping village is only several hundreds of meters away
04.01.2023: Båstad: bronce age settlements; climate deterioration after neolithic-bronze age transition until middle age (no castles or estates found); name means boats place; city founded 1450; city privilleges in 1462; swedish takeover in 1658 but continued dano-swedish hostilities; conflicts about land reforms and administrative division between city (köping) and countryside in 19th and 20th century; area discovered in early 20th century by Ludvig Nobel (the nephew of Alfred Nobel); he initiated the development of the village for tourism, tennis and golf; annual tennis tournaments were held since 1948 (famous Davis Cup riots against Rhodesia in 1968 and Chile in 1975); the tennis stadion is the nordic regions largest outdoor tennis court; the Tennis Museum is dealing with the history of the sports; today several packages for tennis, other activities and arts are offered
06.01.2023: Östra Karup: earliest church in area from 11th century; first mentioned as village in 1509; situated at crossing of Hallandsås on the dangerous historic road from Copenhagen to Oslo; the road has has deteriorated several times and rebuilt in vicinity; 1636 a post route was inaugurated; 1717 an inn was reported; today the E 6 motorway is the comfortable route crossing the hills; a service area with restaurant and hotel is on the top; only a few meters away you find yourself in the water rich wilderness of the hills between Båstad and Koarp (Skaneleden 14) with different vegetations and in Halland (former part of Skåneland now another region of Sweden)
Places in thr region of Halland
07.01.2023: Koarp: at this rural settlement the 380 km long hiking trail Hallandsleden is leaving the common route with Skaneleden and heading direction north, over several hills down to Våxtorp
08.01.2023: Våxtorp: first mentioned 1351 in the last will of a woman called Cecilia, she donated money to the church; the known history of Vallens castle started in 14th century as fief of Peder Laxmand a supporter of king Erik Menved; when Halland got swedish in 1654 Magnus Durell bought the property; the village got famous for a type of pattern knitting obviously started by his wife Birgitta von Krakau; she delivered socks for armies at some times; in the 18th century the settlement consisted of 15 farms; several business developed in the 19th and 20th century (inventory and stories); vicinity to Hallandsås enables excursions, hiking or cycling tours; the sports park Vallåsen offers weather dependent activities (skiing, MTB)
09.01.2023: Fågelsång: ice age landscape situated at river of Smedjeån (formerly a long lake, dug upn 1854); Trollrundan park inspired by different phantasies of the citizens; near Ekegården (a villa built in 1932 by owners of the castle) there is an old watermill and waterfall with fish ladder
10.01.2023: Knäred: situated at the rivers of Lagan and Krokån; known for the Peace of Knäred 1613 ending the Kalmar War between Denmark-Norway and Sweden (king Christian IV against Karl IX and Gustav II Adolf); a mindstone (Sjöaredsstenen) is dedicated to this event (literature); church ruins from the 13th century have been excavated; a historical mill at the river of Krokån from the 15th century is embeded in a historic forrest; 1853 a new church was inaugurated; railway connection in 1899, supposed to reopen in 2028; 1910 two water power plants (övre and nedre) have been inaugurated, as a result of the investigations of two committees; today lots of outdoor activities are possible; several nature reserves are in the area; local commerce is enabled by cooperative movement
11.01.2023: Skogaby: Gatesjön lake with beach in the old settlement; waterfall at Lagan outside bought, developed and artificial sea landscape (Hjörnered lakes) created by Sydsvenska Kraftaktiebolaget in order to establish power plant in 1922; result of the water act of 1918, reviewed several times since then; several outdoor possibilities; best view from Spishall
12.01.2023: Mästocka: situated at the edge of the south swedish highlands, with several versions of genesis (glaciofluvial sedimentation, a key to deglaciation of the Laholm area); Mästocka ljunghed are protected and traditionally managed heithlands along Björsjö, offering a nice beach and resting place; on the way down are two further nature reserves: Blåalt and Göstorp; formerly central place of Veinge woodland; electricity in 1945; subsequently increased real estate investment (inventory)
13.01.2023: Lilla Tjärby:on an old seawall from the litorina sea bronze age graves have been found; hospitality services recorded opposit the district court of Höks Härad already in 1733; the seat and costs of the court was matter of financial discussions, it moved to Laholm in 1916 (judiciary system); recent project are improved walks around the lakes
14.01.2023: Laholm: oldest trading hub in Halland, first mentioned in earthbook of Valdemar the Victorious at the crossing of the Lagan river, central point of danish, swedish and norwegian interests focussed on the kings, their policies and sucessors of that times; the castle was built on the site of the central farm and later fortification by king Christian IV together with bastions in Malmö and Landskrona, but destroyed after swedish invasions by king Charles XI; the old city, grewn from the 14th century, was burned down several times in several conflicts; a majestetic monument of industrial history is the water power plant Laholm next to the ruins of the castle; it was inaugurated 1932 to deliver energy for the Southern Main Line railway (further readings about energy markets); as a result of festivals held between 1933 and 1968, there is a lot of public arts in the city; current exhibitions of the Technical Museum deal with modern and pop art
15.01.2023: Veinge: danish and swedish gravehills from bronce age found; population segments in the area used different technologies and products
16.01.2023: Tönnersjö: Swedens largest alley wood manufacturer; Stora Skärsjön with forrest, owned, managed and cultivated by Sveaskog, Swedens largest forrest owner (14 per cent of forrests)
17.01.2023: Simlångsdalen: area with rich cultural history; the Danska fall waterfall system is the most visited natural monument in the area; the name derives from a legend about the battle of Halmstad in 1676; today there is a multitude of hiking trails to discover the area; in the 18th century (Age of Liberty) Stiernarp Manor operated self sufficient industries at the riverside; they lasted only for 20 years; the old roads are part of the hiking network
18.01.2023: Marhult: several nature reserves along the river of Fylleån along Hallandsleden or the old railway track (Halmstad–Bolmen) now cycling way
19.01.2023: Oskarström: name after bookkeeper Oscar Björkman who in 1844 bought a piece of land with waterfall and built a sawmill; best view over the valley from Virsehatt; sport center with artificial open air ice rink
20.01.2023: Nissaström:cultural history of Nissaströms bruk, a stock company opened at the area near a waterfall bought by count Stjernstedt in 1888, production of poulp and cardboard, development of settlement, closed and demolished 1978; attached hydro power plant still in use; no agreement about new investments; old factory area now nature reserve with impressing rocks at one riverside
21.01.2023: Torup: village between two lakes (Prästasjön, Sjögårdssjön) and a waterfall (Bosgårdsfall, until 1955 hydropower plant, now recreational area); history of tourism since danish kingdom, when some residents were required to pay taxes by keeping guest houses, to provide them with food, accomodation and fodder for the horses
22.01.2023: Rydöbruk: iron manufactury established 1742 by David Habermann from Ettarp manor who inherited Ryd manor; he got permission for succession of steel mill in Gammalbo (Sandsjön); 1748 the mill was sold to Jonas Sommer from Laholm; later a sawmill and wood manufacturing was added; Lahults mill was aquired from local farmers, sold, bought and sold again; last the pond and waterfalls were used for wood transport; when railway was opened 1898 modern production of sulfite, pulp and paper was started with purchase of Erik Samuel Steffansson; during first world war paper production was stopped, after second word war pulp production ceased in favour of Oskarström and Hyltebruk; the old factory buildings and infrastructures serve today as documents for cultural history; several leisure possibilkities are integrated or in the environment; Knystahall marks today the frontier between the regions Halland and Småland sometimes in history between Denmark and Sweden (1619 two scandinavian kings met there; queen Christina passed there on her way to Rome in 1654; different interpretations about frontiers and coalitions, despite existence of paper)
Places in the region of Småland
23.01.2023: Hylte: 9000 year old human bones were found; they got there via the Nissan and Lagan waterways; Lindekullen museumpark of cultural heritage with several hiking trails; mill only opened in 1907 (relocated from Rydöbruk); 1910 after completion of railway it was the world largest news printmill; today the mill is part of the Stora Enso Group (financial statement and strategy); the Stora’s copper mine in Falu was first recorded in a deed of exchange in 1288; it merged with Enso (founded in the 19th century) in 1998
24.01.2023: Unnaryd: settlement located at the lake of Unnen; former center of textile art, started in 18th century, with different artists; Bonadsmuseum is giving an overview of art and historic development; private market since 1856; several hiking and cycling trails; there is a milestone famous for his size from 1777 (identification mark of the village)
25.01.2023: Vallsnäs: Kungsholmen (the king’s isle); formerly part of Finnveden, one administrative division of Småland consisting of three districts; the king of Västbo (one of them) had his residence there; ruins could be remains of a fortress from the 5th to 9th century; first written evidence about buildings from 1425; 1917 archaeological excavations of manor house constructed in 1530s by the district judge Jöns Larsson took place; he was killed in the Dacke Revolt in 1543; residence was destroyed again by the swedish king Eric XIV; name Kungsholmen given during northern seven years war 1563; later state property, inhabitants safeguarded themselves against famine by keeping crucian carp; drought in 1940; today some holiday houses and small camping lot with beach
26.01.2023: Nässja: place of high geological interest due to ridge frontiers, Bedja rör settlements and grave hills from 300 BC to 500 AD (one of 75 ancient sites in the area); area rarely inhabited before and after, until viking age; moraine soil was not always adequate for hyltan Hyltan Farming; different vegetations and coastlines in different times; olden written records from 1466; Nässjaleden trail with amazing sun and starlight
27.01.2023: Jälluntofta: situated at lake near Ölmesberg, the highest elevation of todays region of Halland; first mentioned in Vreta Abbey (oldest monastry in Sweden) in 13th century; construction of church, destroyed in reformation and rebuilt in 19th century; Jälluntoftaleden hiking path along remains of trading route from 16th century; furniture museum reminding of Johannes Chalanders, a local art carpenter with european reputation; beach at the lakeside
28.01.2023: Smålandsstenar: name of village changed several times; recent name from iron age grave felds at the river side, used as place for astronomical viewing and judical procedures; Villstads open air museum offers insights in the culture of the 17th and 18th century in Västbo; Villstads Well was a health ressort with several buildings and sporting facilities until the 20th century; king Charles XI visited Villstad for the water; Skeppshult Cycle and Skeppshult Household are brands established in factories at the river banks in the 19th century; from the village Skeppshult the river Nissan offers several possibilities for water sports and nature discovery along the ever changing landscape along the water course direction Gislaved in the north
29.01.2023: Reftele: thing place after kungsholmen; in 1773 there was a spectacular poison murder; Ingjerd Johansdotter killed Kjerstin Simonsdotter for jealousy with a waffle given to her by her brother in law, she was executed, her brother in law died in prison;; industrialization started 1906 with Skogfors Brug founded by Johan August Pettersson, produced was agricultural machinery, later beating boilers and valves; the division agricultural machinery and heating boilers were sold and production stopped in the 70s, valves are still produced and improved under the label ESBE
30.01.2023: Väcklinge: Dravens Naturreservat; lakes formed by melting ice of last ice age 11.000 years ago, isostatic adjustment when ice plates were gone, formation of landscape; area settled 10.000 years ago; lake nearly drained in 19th century to increase agricultural production, renatured as shallow waters 1996, bird sanctuary and hiking paths
31.01.2023: Anderstorp: scale model (Replica) of the city and environment of Jerusalem 33 AD (Anderstorps model, Holyland Models); the Church of Sweden was separated from the state in 2000 (no church bodies are state or municipal authorities anymore); the city is most famous for the scandinavian raceway; in Gläntan there are mountain bike tracks, hiking routes and a bathing place; Stormosse is the nature reserve in the north
01.02.2023: Målskog: small settlement with camping lot at Hären lake
02.02.2023: Hyltan: Hyltan Hyltan Farm; expanded to Hyltens Metal Works in 1874 by Johan Edvard Hyltén; worker protests in late 1920s; war rationing during second world war; decline in 1950s du to lack of investments; closed 1974, now industry museum with factories as time stood still and Hyltan Farm again
03.02.2023: Gnosjö: Töllstorps culture historical museum founded 1965 where small industries have settled since 18th century; explication of former value chains; new industries settled since 19th century at the railway, old moved to the industry museum outside; leisure area with several trails around Töllstorpasjön
04.02.2023: Nissafors: historical iron works founded in 1725 and leather factory founded 1989; now Isaberg Golf Club
05.02.2023: Vik: situated at connection between Guss lakes; during the nordic seven years war Erik IV (1563-1570) camped there on his way to Halmstad and inspected the hospital on top of the mountain; manor since 19th century; now hotel with cabins and lodges
06.02.2023: Hestra: Guss lakes and entire lake system mentioned as sacred in icelandic sagas of 6th century (king Gylfe); railway connection 1902; first boarding house built in 1914; foundation of tourist association in 1919; organization of Swedens political parties in 30s and 40s in the mountains; first lift built in 1968; 1972 first snow machine; Isaberg, is now southern Swedens largest ski ressort with 11 pists from green to black and 8 lifts, Toboggan run;, climbing park, differnt kinds of golf, MTB, orientation and trail running in summer; restaurants, lodgess, camping, cabins and spa, conference center
Places in the region of Västra Götaland
07.02.2023: Tranemo: situated at the national car route 27 (east west) and new national cycling route Ätradalsleden (north south); resting place at Kroksjön with several hiking routes connected to Hagatorpet outdoor area (general, winter, summer), inaugurated 1977; the city is situated at the Tranemo lake formed by Månstadsån and Jälmån river, draining to Assman and later Ätran river; the local museum park is documenting the history of village and area; 1984 several iron works from the late viking time (according to C14 analyses, 700 – 1300 AD) were found in the area; at the beginning of the 20th century the village consisted only of a church, school, inn, few residential houses and farms; the hexagonal shaped church was rebuilt in 1852; village was industrialized first when it got a railway connection and junction (Västra Centralbanan), then after the second world war until the 80s, before the neighbour village Limmared was the industrial leader due to railway connection before, in 1894 (Falkenbergs Järnväg); places to visit along the old railway route of Västra Centralbanan (Kulturvägen)
08.02.2023: Limmared: old mill and mining town; Swedens oldest glass factory established in 1740; railway to mining sites was built in 1880, now hiking trail Oxway with historical explications; factory now owned by the irish Ardagh Glass Group (owners before were the swedish PLM and british Rexam Group, reorganizations by the European Union); museum, cultural space and conference center; focus on retro and antique shopping, auctioning
09.02.2023: Länghem: the former Hofsnäs farm between Åsunden and Torpa lake was first mentioned in 1488 as property of Jöns Nilsson; 1526 it was given by Gustav Vasa to Severin Kijl, a colonel during the Dacke Feud for helping him to escape from rebels; 13 years later Gustav Vasa withdrew him the fief, since he was to harsh and gave it to his brother in law Gustaf Olofsson Stenbock; under his rule the estates fell into dispair; 1787 the estates were bought by a line of the Sparre family; 1964 they were bought by the community of Borås and transformed into a nature reserve (inventory of infrastructure); the old manor house is now a restaurant and conference center; Torpa stenhus was first mentioned 1470 as property of counselor Arvid Knutsson; in the 16th century it was property of counselor Gustav Olofsson Stenbock, brother in law and later father in law of Gustav Vasa; further extension and glory of the castle in the 17th century; 1787 it was also taken over by a line of Sparre family and is still private property today also offering hospitality and conference services; one of the oldest swedish families (Natt och Dag) were recorded near Torpa in 1280; A junior branch adopted the name Sture; Their coat of arms is the national flag of Sweden
10.02.2023: Vegby: the recreational area Sjöparken was inaugurated in 2004; from 1906 until 1986 there was a sawmill at this location; impressively there is an exact calculation of costs, investments, donations and working hours at the entrance; next to it is a camping lot; on the hillside is the local open air museum with a selection of houses from the priests way; among others a pharmacy selling oil and petrol, usual in the 19th and early 20th century
11.02.2023: Gällstad: the priests way is an old route from Södra Säm at the lakeside to Gällstad on the hill; a church was built in Södra Säm in the 13th century and abandoned 1823; when the parish went to Gällstad; along the way are ruins of former houses mostly built in the 19th century; torn down or moved to Vegby Hembygdspark in the 20th century; 37 signs are telling the story of the former houses; their dwellers and landowners; the vegetation changed according to the land use plan and applied technologies (tractors were introduced in the 1950s); the city is famous for the textile industry and several factory outlets
12.02.2023: Skottek: “Nocturne” permanent installation of the temporary “Land Art Exhibition“; it is shown in a tunnel of the former railway, now hiking and cycling route Ätradalsleden and Kulturvägen; Sten Sture monument on a hill at the lakeside remembers at the lethal injury of Sten Sture in the battle on the ice of lake Åsund in 1520 against the troups of Christian II; who burned him later; after he was excommunicated by the pope (it was about taxes and the income of the church); next to it is Skotteksgarden; a bathing place, camping lot and cabin area
13.02.2023: Ulricehamn: farms and prehistoric graves on the hill; remains of the former agricultural area are visible in Karlslättstorpet, now a living area owned by a major local construction and real estate company, founded by the carpenter Arvid Johansson in 1943; the old name of the trading post at the lakeside was Bogesund, in 1741 it was changed in honor of queen Ulrika Eleonora; the city hall was erected in 1789; it is landmark of the city as the cold bathing house at the lakeside and the old railway station of Västra Centralbanan (inspired by Trollehams castle outside of Lund); the railway opened 1874 and was closed 1988; leisure area Lassalyckan with several indoor sports facilities and routes for hiking, running, cycling and skiing; a sports shop and hotel
14.02.2023: Brunn: Brunnsnäs manor with view to Ulriceham on the other side of the lake was first mentioned in the 16th century as Brundsberg; first recorded owner was Johan Gyllenstierna in 1636; many owners until the property was bought and current main and wing buildings were built in 1770 by Gustav Sparre; 1809 the farm was sold to lieutenant Gustav Coyet, who layed out an english park, agricultural use in 18th and 19th century; at the beginning of the 20s century it was sold to the preacher Efraim Rang, who sold it to the Evangelical Fosterland Foundation in 1930 for bible courses; 2018 it was for sale for 35 million SK; 2020 it was bought by the municipality; currently a development plan for the area and new business models are elaborated, views could be submitted in an open dialogue until January 2022 (138 were received); there is a new walking path (Brunnsnässtigen) in the adjacent nature reserve Kråkebo; the settlement Villastaden in the north of the area offers a promenade and camping faciities; a multisport area with ski, bike and hiking facilities is a few meters away
15.02.2023: Kroken: Bronce age gravehills used until 500 BC indicate location of former settlement, trading spot and court; rock carvings from the bronce age were found on a boulder in the fields; depressions of food soles symbolize the presence of a god or a dead persons journey to the underworld; sacrificial stones and sites were common in rural societies; different rituals were practiced until the 20th century to increase fertility and harvest
16.02.2023: Timmele: Iron age gravehills from 500 BC until 500 AD; trading spot and route node; reason for the relocation might have been tensions with the Roman Empire and implied changes in land use and technologies; the self draining clay soil enabled high fertility, the north south route (Ätrastigen) was used over centuries it became a hole road (the best preserved in Sweden); in the 12th century a church was constructed; in the 16th century Gustav Vasa took this route on his inspection of the country; in 1630 an inn (Timmele Gästgivaregård), 1641 a tinghouse was built from the keeper of the inn at the river crossing (traversable shallow water), 1649 the inns ordinance regulated the further treatment of guests, food and bevarage consumption; 1734 the regulations were modified and put under control of the governor; 1907 the tavern was closed and transfered into a shop until the 70s; 1977 the buildings were bought by the local community; a 1:10 scale model (miniby) of the old town before the 1880 change of legal succession is located near the church
17.02.2023: Dalum: Vinsarp farm house is the oldest building in the village, it is situated next to the lake with the same name; it on Dalumleden (map), the route around the village; the Vinstorpa family name is known since the 14th century; they had Redväg district in fiefdom and controlled trade in Bogesund; chancellor Karl Bengstson built the stone house in the 15th century; his daughter errected the tower at the church, with her the family name died out; her children where called Gyllenstierna; the history of the other buildings in the village is documented in Älvsborgs Länsmuseum
18.02.2023: Blidsberg: the landscape of Baktrågen nature reserve was formed at the end of the last ice age like all Ulricehamsåsens; remarkable are the hills that covered dead ice for a long time and the former sand dunes, vegetated now with divers flora; at the riverside are the historical buildings of the open air museum, including the old mill, currently renovated
19.02.2023: Kölingared: community with very little population density along lake Lönern and the river Tidan; in the church are the graves of councillor Erik Gyllenstierna and his family from the 16th century; the outdoor routes along this area are classified under Sjuhäradsleden (also Europaled 1)
Places in the region of Jönköping (Småland)
20.02.2023: Bjurbäck: frontier region around Nässjön and part of many administrative units in the past; with Mullsjö Alpin offering different downhill ski trails, Näs Gård with its Gate House from 1690 and Nyckelås nature reserve with old forrest landscape on one side, Bjurbäck village on the other side
21.02.2023: Mullsjö: also here the landscape was formed when some until 2 km thick ice sheets covering the area suddenly broke loose or melt about 13.000 years ago; the resulting landscape and water systems in and around the city are to explore by foot paths or bike routes, the paths have been used since stone ages and are explained by the tourist office; Stråkenleden is explaining the landscape in the west of the city, where iron works were founded in 1742 and shot down 1906; damm systems were constructed at the beginning of the 20th century to attract fishing industry; later they were used and extended to improve water quality, drainage, waste water and water levels (Dagvatten); in the 40s of the 20th century tourism discovered the area; Mullsjö Hotel is offering several sporting possibilities, conference facilities and culture historical inisghts; it derived from the old Friluftsgård; Mullsjö is also starting point of the Västra Vätterleden (part 8); Vättern is the second largest lake in Sweden providing drinking water for at least 250.000 people, the future development is currently discussed as the whole spacial planning system
22.02.2023: Sandhem: iron works since medieval ages, from 1903 until 1932 (Kreuger Crash) bikes, cars and buses were produced from Tidaholm Bruk (historic share; historic advertising); Eriksgatuleden, is the route Magnus Eriksson choose 1335 to make an economic plan in competition with Valdemar IV Atterdag; Gustav Vasa went along the river of Ätran in the 16th century
23.02.2023: Utvängstorp: pilgrimsroute dedicated to Saint Sigfrid, who missioned the area and the first swedish king Olof Skötkonung (transition from viking to middle age) about 1008, with consequences on taxes, land property of the church and further bloodshed
Places in the region of Västra Götaland
24.02.2023: Tidaholm: 1799 the farm next to the river in today’s Tidaholm got privilleges for iron works; at the beginning of the 19th century also matches were produced, later Tidaholm became the worlds largest producer of matches; 1868 Hans Henrik von Essen opened Swedens first industrial carpentry works on the islet (historical photo) in the river of Tidan (Vulcanön) and a few miles outside the islet; it got awards in several World Exhibitions, accordingly the city had to change the spacial planning several times; successor of the company today is Swedish Match and Marbodal a kitchen producer and exporter to some countries; the old premises are used as museums or cultural spots; there are two lithography museums dealing with the design and production of matchbox labels; currently the vision2030 also considering the “interests of the state” is being realized
25.02.2023: Ekedalen: village situated in a region of high geological and historical interest and UNESCO Geopark; Varvsberget is a mountain formed 1.700 mio. years ago in the paleoproterozoic era; that was eroded 600 mio years ago to a mesa; the landscape around it was created by the last deglaciation 12.000 years ago; primary school children learn the geologic history by “USA klockan tre“; the Battles of Lena and Gestilren (1208 and 1210) were one of the most known fights of today’s Sweden, led on the ice between the House of Sverker and House of Eric, also involving the kings of Denmark; Norway and the pope, summarized in the Westrogothic law (oldest swedish provincial law); in Gestrillen Sverker II of Sweden was killed in 1210, the battle ground and exact history are still investigated; in Varv there is a smal chapel opposite the battlefield (Franciscus Chapel dedicated to simplicity)
26.02.2023: Kungslena: 4.000 until 6.000 year old gravestones have been found, also burial sites from before bronce age; first known owner was Birger Jarl, his son donated the area to the bishop of Linköping; 1617 the village was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by count Per Brahe; during reformation and reduction the property went to the crown and later to Gustaf Olofsson Stenbock; 1862 the responsibility in civil matters went to the municipality; a monument is reminding at the Battles of Lena 1208 between the two swedish noble families (Sverker, Eric); further up the mountan the ruins of Lenaborg remind of the conflicts in property; on top of the mountain is a clint with view over the area, including the norhtern mesa Billingen; villages and cities in the north (hiking routes)
27.02.2023: Varnhem: during christianization a wooden church was built on aristocratic viking estates 900 AD; it was one of the earliest churches in Västergötland; self sufficient cistercians monks and abbe arived in the 12th century, they received the property from a woman (Sigrid or Kata) and founded a monastry; the woman Kata was excavated and remodelled authentically, holding a key in Västergötlands museum; 1527 Gustav Vasa gained control over church territory, in the 17th century count Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie bought the property; four bishops received their resting lace in the church; the monastry ruin was found 1920; village maps including documentation of property are available in the village museum since 1701 (for example Ryttaregården); the monks lake was restaured in spring 2021 to improve the ecosystem; 2017 Kulturväg Skaraborg (Vallevägen) was inaugurated to connect cultural and nature historical monuments along the western side of Billingen (it is the continuation of the culture route Tranemo, Ulricehamn, Falköping; both part of Sverigeleden)
28.02.2023: Skara: king Magnus Eriksson issued a Skara Charter while visiting the city in 1335; the most famous regulation was the abolishan of servdom for christians; it was printed by Johan Hadorph in 1687 from a dubious manuskript as oldest known source and is disputed today; the liberty stone is remembering this event; medival Skara was an important christian power center in northern Europe with many churches and parishes; some of them have been destroyed, found later and reconstructed in parts; most impressive is the crypt of the cathedral from the 12th century, discovered 1947 during the restoration of the church; the old library was one of the first in Sweden and is famous for the Skaramissalet a mass book from 1150, considered as the oldest book of Sweden; the castle Skaraborg was built in 1585 on top of a former domenican monks monastry from the 13th century by king Johan III; also a mint was found in the castle ruins; 1634 the county of Skaraborg was formed after disputes with Denmark about administrative divisions, it existed until 1997; the city walk is interpreting the happenings of the past; a development plan is setting the vision for 2040
01.03.2023: Lundsbrunn: in the 16th century a water mill (Dalakvarn) was recorded at the river Mariedalsån; it belonged to Mariedal (ownership history) but sold to Lund; 1885 it was bought by Emmanuel Svensson; later it was bought by the state and transfered into a nature reserve; it has a special microclimate (some parts of the year humid, tropical); the village got connected to Skara by the Skara – Lundsbrunns Railroads in 1887; the extension to Vänern followed; the project was financed from a share capital of 342.200 SK and credit of 324.000 SK; it was closed 1984; the historic railroute goes along varying landscapes and offers views to the Valle and Billingen in the south, the northern part to Vänern is a cycling path; Museiföreningen Skara–Lundsbrunns Järnväg is maintaining a museum with vehicles; the route was used for the transport of building materials and tourism; 1724 a well law allowed the medical use of a spring and the village was transformed into a spa; Sörbodal was the first hotel; the old spa infrastructure is still present, currently renovated and a new hotel is offering contemporary services (business conferences, private outdoor)
02.03.2023: Göterne: the area Kinnekulle is part of the Geopark Platåbergen (folder); the stone was used for chalk and limestone production since the 11th century; most churches in the area were built with it; lilla Grand Canyon as most famous spot were the stone layers can be seen, that were created about 400 and 50 million years ago by two mass extinctions; between 1882 and 1978 the stone from the area was used for private industrial purposes; when the production was stopped, about 1 per cent of rock was taken out and created todays nature spaces (maps of the area)
03.03.2023: Husaby: Olof Skötkonung, the king of Sweden had property in the area and a house in Husaby; he is said to be christianized there with the water of the spring St. Sigrid or St. Brigit; he was the first christian king of Sweden and united Swedes and Geats; other sources say, that he was babtized in England; after the babtization he gave his property in the area to the church; a church building was constructed in the village; the house of the king became one of the castles of the bishop of Skara; it was permanently expanded in the following centuries and demolished during reformation; obviously there were interplays and competition with Aranäs in the north, applying different laws; it was left unused; only in the 20th century the ruins were reconstructed as a cultural monument; today it is a Bed&Breakfast; next to it is Halla nature reserve with Lasse Eriksson Grotta, a cave, stone age tribes built 80.000 years ago in France, he built it in the 19th century with ways and stairs around it, and got in conflict with local authorities; there is a swedish movie about his history (Tjuvjägaren); it is located at the Kinnekulle hiking path
04.03.2023: Hastings: place at direction from where the bishop came to baptize Olof Skötkonung; probably he was a doctor since it has to go quickly; bishop (Sigfrid of England or Turgot of Germany) and circumstances are not clear, only that a change of doctrine and culture was involved, he had to decide about; obviously english monks had already settled next to powerful farms there, did missions and gave the place the name Hastings; research is still done about the truth; today the area is part of nature reserve Västerplana storäng; next to it is Blomberg a former manor settlement first mentioned 1558 (with the owner Roos af Hjelmsäter), also part of the Väner routes
05.03.2023: Källby: a huge iron age burial field was stretching from lake Vänern to Källby hills; around the hills are three burial mounds and four round stone settings: life expectancy was very low and child mortality high until the age of enlightment; there are two runestones on the hills; the southern one was erected in the 10th century, it is dedicated to christianity (cross, from sons to their father who was a christ); the northern one was set up by Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie in the 17th century and is dedicated to a neutral spirituality with unknown symbolics (manlike figure with belt around the waist); he was a constructor of the new Sweden and founded also the new city of Lidköping
06.03.2023: Lidköping: Limtorget is the oldest part of the city, that got city rights in 1446; St. Nicolai church (patron of traders) was built at that time; it is situated at the eastern side of the river Lidan at the entrance from Skara and Götene; the city on the western part was founded in the 1670s by Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie the son of Jacob De la Gardie, count of Läckö since 1615 (founded by the bishop of Skara Brynolf Algotsson in 1298); both towns were united in 1683 but remained different legislations until 1705; the famous city hall on the new market was a hunting house on the island Kållandsö before; at the moment the beach promenade is being renewed; the Vänern museum offers many exhibitions and is currently dealing with refugees; virtual reality glasses and 360 video techniques enable visitors to emphasize with the victims
07.03.2023: Medelplana: three stones from viking ages indicate, that the place has been used for pagan spiritual services; the observation tower on top of the hill was inaugurated in 1892; a bit below it is a restaurant
08.03.2023: Hellekis: the first known owner of Hellekis Säteri was duke Erik Magnusson in early 14th century; the estates have several times belonged to the crown; councillor Axel Nilsson Posse built the first stone building in the 16th century, the buildings burned down several times, but his family owned the estate for 300 years; Hönsäters Alunbruk was founded in 1667 and first extracted alun from the stone; Hellekis port was one of the most important ports of lake Vänern; 1856 the first mechanical stone quarry was started at Kinnekulle; the works have been stopped several times and people occupied with other businesses in the region; now the “Gran Canyon” is a nature reserve and recreational area; the industrial history from stone, to alun, chalk and concrete production over the last centuries is explained comprehensively by the local Hembygdsförening; the old worker houses have been renovated in the 1990s and offer cultural handcrafts; the old industrial port has been transformed into a leisure port recently; Paroc insulation solutions and Svenska Foder are the two largest employers today
09.03.2023: Forshem: Forshem church was built early after christianization of king Olof Skötkonung, but later than the churches in Husaby and Westerplana; all three are connected with a pilgrim way; guests got since 1564 bed and food in the Gästgivaregård Forshem, the oldest Gästgivergard in todays Sweden
10.03.2023: Leksberg: the name of the village on a hill derives from games old people played to compete in memory of the dead; several rune stones show ancient allocation rules and have connections to Denmark; the village is also on the pilgrim way from Skara to Trondheim in Norway; the church was built in the 13th century and dedicated to St. Olaf; some areas of todays Sweden were len of the church of Norway in the middle ages (like the complete Bohuslän); the archives of the area were administered in Leksberg before foundation of Mariestad
11.03.2023: Mariestad: Residenz Marieholm was situated on a royal estate of Gustav Vasa, who was interested on the property himself, but got only bed and food there; the castle was given to his son Charles in a fight against his brother for the crown of Sweden; the name of castle and city derives from his first woman Maria of the Palatinate (daughter of Louis VI, Elector Palatine); Charles founded the city of Mariestad 1583; 1625 the cathedral was inaugurated, but in dispute with catholic Skara, calvinism and lutheranism; it got religious center for the northern border areas; from 1634 until 1997 Mariestad was also seat of the governor of Skaraborg; in 1933 many publications have been released, explaining the 350 years old history of the city in detail; 2010 the Biosphere Trail Lake Vänern and Kinnekulle from Mariestad to Läckö was inaugurated and is still expanded
12.03.2023: Töreboda: former swamp land that went important by the construction of the Gotha channel and the railway Stockholm and Gothenburg, the channel was built to avoid the Sound Dues posed by Denmark since 1429 and was very disputed since the planning happened during the napoleonic wars and local business lost their revenues; Gustav IV Adolf abdicated after a coup d’état due to his foreign policy, his uncle Charles XIII got liberal king and started the construction works with swedish soldiers, english and russian workers, it was inaugurated 1822 by the napoleonic general and new king Charles XIV John, he also built the fortification Karlsborg for his family (crown jewels), the government and the central bank (gold reserves), today the channel it is a major tourist attraction of Sweden, offering a multitude of activities, currently the renovation project Göta kanal 2.0 is being realized; 1859 the railway to Gothenburg was inaugurated (Töreboda station) despite conflicting party interests, 1862 it got connected with Stockholm (Western Main Line); the journey between the two cities took 14 hours by train and 4 days by ship; currently a highspeed route via Borås–Linköping (Götalandsbanan) connecting both cities is planned; every year there is a well known music festival
13.03.2023: Hajstorp: the local museum of Fredsberg is offering a walking route along the lock Hajstorp, explaining building stages of the channel, settlement structure and labor division with 20 posters; the western line of the channel was inaugurated 1822 by king Charles XIV John, for the 100 year celebration king Gustav V (Mr. G.) was officially present
14.03.2023: Lyrestad: Norrqvarn was a workers camp during the building phase of the channel, later a sawmill settlement and is now a hotel with educational park, explaining earth history, water cycle, drainage, and how the channel regions were dealing with those issues in the past and might in future
15.03.2023: Hova: most famous for a battle in 1275 between the sons of king Birger Jarl for the throne of Sweden; the opponent Magnus was supported by the danish king Eric V Klipping, who took a castle as pledge, won and became the new king; every year there is a festival reminding at this event:
16.03.2023: Gårdsjö: border region for several centuries with different and blurring divisions; cultural use since 17th century; Högsåsen is today nature reserve and outdoor active area with several possibilites; next to it is Kvarnfallet, a source, lake and waterfall landscape
17.03.2023: Finnerödja: name due to a finnish settlement of 16th century; situated at the entrance of Tiveden between lake Skagern and Unden; information about cultural development in the local museum (Finnerödja Hembygdsföreningen); there are hiking, riding and cycling routes around lake Skagern (maps); the little kings route is the most famous route at the eastern shore of lake Unden
Places in the region of Örebro len
18.03.2023: Ramundeboda: resting place documented since king Valdemar spent a night there after defeated in the battle of Hova in 1275; 1475 the only one antonite monastry of Sweden was founded there and run several businesses like a hospital, shelters; pig breeding and construction; it was closed during reformation in 1530 by Gustav Vasa; the inn was shut 1862 when the railway stop was opened in Laxå; 1686 a church was built by the patron of Tiveds works Anders Boij and moved to Laxå in 1899; remaining today is a cemetery, burial chapel and the ruin of the monastry; 1910 the ruins were examined and restaured in 2010; the monks way is connecting the former businesses
19.03.2023: Laxå; Stora Lassåna Castle was the former center of Laxå works and the mill empire of Tiveden with first privilleges from 1638; several kings visited the company and one king (Charles XII) was found dead there; the clapboard church in baroque style from the former site of the monastry Ramundeboda was rebuilt next to the railway station; in the 19th, 20th and 21st century the former mills and attached companies changed their business models several times and are serving now highly specialized niche markets; Laxå Bruksmuseum is explaining the cultural history of the area; the central park was baptized Dr. Hannerz Park in 2017 remembering at the only one provincial doctor for 10.000 residents from 1947 until 1965
20.03.2023: Svartå: the former manor house and oldest mill of Svartå are located at the outlet of lake Lill-Björken; the mill was opened in the middle of the 17th century and active until the middle of the 18th century; then it was moved to the upper mill in the current community; the old management building called “castle”, was bought from Hasselfors Bruk in 1981 by the local museum Svartå, collecting and exhibiting cultural history
21.03.2023: Degerfors: Sveafallen is one of the most impressive natural monuments of Scandinavia; Until the 1970s it was thought that it was a waterfall in the Ancylus Lake connecting the former Baltic Sea and Kattegatt; it was compared with the biggest waterfalls of the world; later it was found out, that the area developed under the ice sheets covering todays Sweden, during the last deglaciation, gas and water bubbles under the ice were flooded and formed the bizzarre landscape with rocks and pot holes; the water streams flowed along the Närke Sund and lake Vänern direction Kattegatt; the isostatic land elevation (still ongoing today) transformed the landscape again; Migration records of people propose different interpretations; Degerfors is now part of the swedish east west watershed; at Berget the history of the iron works in Degefors is experienceable; the first forge was opened by Georg Camitz in 1660; 1886 the mill was bought and transformed into a large scale industry; new settlements were opened; the historic buildings host today a cultural center dealing with history; crafts and hospitality; check the Bingo dates, if you like games; Degernäs-Ramshöjden is a recreational area and nature reserve with golf, camping and other outdoor facilities, also created by the water streams of the last deglaciation; several administrative reforms were recorded since 1634 and led to todays community Degefors in Örebro len;
22.03.2023: Ängebäck: Draisine Track is connecting three counties on the former Nora Bergslags Järnväg; Gryten is a recreational area with several hiking routes around the lake; uphill in Nordhöjden, direction Björneborg are several viewing points over the landscape
23.03.2023: Aggerud: Bergsmansgården is a settlement first mentioned in a tax record from 1543; two farmers from the shore of lake Möckeln were on the top of the list; 1584 farm and property of the crown; instructions about land use from the crown; one year later revenues from the crown were recorded; 1590 first sherif Olof Månsson; 1790 the main building was rennovated; 1934 particion of land and purchase of settlement by Karlskoga Bergslags Hembygdsförening releasing magazines about historic development of the area; the cycling route lake Möckeln with several sights and resting places is 30 km long
24.03.2023: Karlskoga: in 17th century three iron works were founded; 1894 Alfred Nobel bought Bofors-Gullspång (Bofors Industry Museum); he was an inventor looking for labaratories in several countries and got the chance to open his laboratory near Björkborn Manor, built from the owners of the ironworks with the same name, later bought by Bofors; when he founded the Nobel Prize Foundation there was a dispute which institution should award it; the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences won (1968 economics was added to the awarded disciplines, due to the 300th anniversary of the swedish central bank; it is the most controverse and critizised prize);
25.03.2023: Lunnedet: penisula between the lakes Lonnen and Alskwettern; 1626 Knappfors iron works were foundet on initiative of Alkvetten manor; and workers got employee shares; production had to be stopped due to hard reginal competition in the late 18th century; 1852 a lock was built to create Bergslags channel; 1860 new iron works were opened, but shut down in 1891 again; 1873 the waterway lost in importance due to the construction of railway routes; today the area is recreational area with several sporting and outdoor activities; the locks are used for leisure boats and in responsibility of Bofors Motor Sports Club
Places in Värmland
26.03.2023: Kyrksten: former Alkvettern manor with the 8 meter high statue of Patron Mitander at the lakeshore; he was responsible for the area in the early 19th century, got in conflict with the crown and nearly executed when he delivered the norwegian army with food and gun powder in times of war 1809; he was released and bought the farm from his earnings
27.03.2023: Sandsjötorp: Åsjö Iron Works was founded 1638 by 6 miners; at the beginning 1,2 tons of pig iron were produced per day; until the end of the 18th century production was increased to 2,75 tons per day, then it was closed; after reconstruction in 1808 production increased to 8 tons a day; the works were closed again 1881, the forrest was distributed between the 40 co-owners; Börjes farm museum is nearby and property of Bjurtjärns Village Association, dealing with record keeping, cultural history and activities; the community was seperated from Karlskoga in 1630; Åsjöleden is leading through the area
28.03.2023: Bjurbäcken: in the first land register of 1606 a bar iron hammer was mentioned; the work was expanded steadily in the 17th century by king Gustav Vasa and his son Charles IX; it was bought by Linderoth family from Alkvettern manor, that made further investments; ownership passed to Storfors company in 1840 and works closed in 1841; channel and three stage lock were built in 1857, but lost importance after railway construction in 1870s; recreational area today (pictures)
29.03.2023: Storfors: estate aquired 1587 by Duke Charles (later Charles IX); hammer forge started 1589; 1606 Lillefors on the other riverside was founded; geographic differentiation of iron handling and processing were optimized several times; landmark today is the old fire museum opened 1998 and dealing with the history of fires in Värmland
30.03.2023: Aspen: due to the rapids king Gustav Vasa made Asphyttan to industrial and administrative center of Värmländ in 1545; he was interested in the construction and improvement of Blast furnaces, and promoted the production of bar iron to achieve higher export prices, since the bars could be easily transformed into other products; production process, value chains and logistics were changed several times in the following decades; for the Bergslags Channel a lock was necessary and inaugurated 1857; the year with most traffic on the channel was 1872; when the Östra Värmlands Railway was opened 1873 it lost in importance for the logistics
31.03.2023: Fillipstad: name and city rights since 1611 from duke Charles Philip a son of king Charles IX, but settlement is known since the 14th century; Storbro Iron Works were opened 1589 by the miner Måns Brynielsson; they have been renewed several times; the last iron works were inaugurated 1853 and closed 1920; they were transformed as culture historical monument 1982 and are now property of the Village Association; the best known citizen of the community is John Ericsson, a civil engineer and inventor, who was born in Långban; his father Olof was director of the iron works that went insolvent; then he was engaged for the construction of the Göta Channel, where his sons were educated; John went to the United States and built the advanced war ship “Monitor” for the unionists in the civil war; that is why Monitor Battle is the name of the extreme run event every year in the city; despite his american citizenship he was buried in a mausoleum on a hill at the lakeside; major employer today is the food producer Vasa Barilla
01.04.2023: Persberg: Värmlands oldest mine field, is known since the middle ages and was closed 1977; 1719 a horse walk was established to the iron works; 1751 a channel was built to drive pumps; between 1856 and 1860 a railway network was established between the mines and lake Yngern; the former mining field Högbergsfältet is a nature reserve since 1979 to protect the ruins of houses built of shimmering blue slag and the mining infrastructure as cultural heritage; Tilas Stoll from 1767, run by two miners from Sala, is the best known mine and free to enter; it got a boost of visitors 2016 when Alice Cooper wrote a Facebook post about it
02.04.2023: Finnshyttan: cycling path along the former Filipstads Norra Bergslags Järnväg, built 1875 to connect the mining fields in Nordmark with Finnshyttan and Nyhyttan along various environments, cultural historical traces and recreational spots; Skribotjärn is a fishing lake with dozens of resting places and huts around it; on the sidetrack to Nyhyttan is Hennickehammars Herrgård a former mill known since the 17th century and manor since 1722 with lake, waterfall and MTB tracks
03.04.2023: Långban: cultural and museum village with well preserved historical industrial infrastructure; ore mining and production is known since the 15th century, and many models of property rights (private, public, competition) have been applied until the closure of the industry in 1970; the mines were flooded again with water and the diving club is offering mine diving until 300 meters in the underground; the area belongs to the mineral richest places in the world
04.04.2023: Sandviken: Sandvikens Fribad is a naturist camping and beach at the eastern shore of lake Yngen; owner is Värmlands Naturist Association
05.04.2023: Saxå: Saxå Bruk is taxable mill since 1540; it was owned by several co-owners and teams; 1633 a bar hammer was constructed; steel was exported to Russia, England, France and some german states; 1916 the property was bought and shut down by Hellefors Bruk; since then the manor buildings are used as summer residences and for recreational purposes; guest house services and golf course since the 1970s
Places in Örebro
06.04.2023: Hällefors: situated at the middle part of Svartälven, a river and lake network, stretchng from Äppelbo in southwestern Dalarna to Gullspang at lake Vänern; guided cano tours in all directions are available at the local canoe center, the city is offering maps of the river landscape; due to the ressource rich environments it has always been very important in history; in 1639 Hellefors Bruks silver works were built on the property and under the auspices of the crown, 1686 the works were entrusted to a company; 1731 the company was bought by another company with Detlof Heijkenskjöld as majority owner; he received the right to built further works and hammers and built a manor (HelleforsHerregard), what is a conference hotel today; 1821 his heir got single owner; 1864 it was transformed into a limited company; production processes were changed several times in the 19th century; 1915 it was bought by Wargön Group and reorganized 1925 under the name Hellefors Bruks in state ownership; in the 1940s it was transferred to Skandinaviska Banken; 1958 it was bought by Billerud Group, later by SKF; since 2005 Ovaco is the owner, presently owned by Nippon Steel; the silver route is a path along the area; there is a cross country run with the same name (Silverleden) every year
07.04.2023: Bredsjö: the open air musum park Finnstigen is showing, how the forrest finns lived and worked from the 16th to 20th century; in 1590 a man named Simon was the first finnish settler in the area; he lived at the shore of lake Sången and given privilleges by king Johann III; in the following centuries thousands found their way to central Sweden due to wars, high taxes and worsening living conditions in Finland; a walk through the village (Slaggstenspromenad) is showing the further development of industries, technologies and dwellings; the old manor building is a bed and breakfast today (Bredsjö Gamla Herrgård)
08.04.2023: Stjärnfors: during the middle of the 17th century there was a copper works (Stjärnfors Bruk), enabled by the rapids; 1683 iw was sold to Salbo Manor that invested in several other buinesses; 1754 it was sold to H. J. Wallis, a wholesaler in Stockholm; 1905 the iron works were closed down and a power plant built; the mill manor is preserved and the farmland is used today as a golf course; a culture way was inaugurated 2022 along the first road of 1620 from Stripa to Stjärnfors for travellers and regional goods transport, when Ljusnarsberg became its own parish; Stjärnfors is connecting Bergslagsleden stage 2 and 3
09.04.2023: Kopparberg: 1624 coppar was found and a settlement established; the last mine was closed in 1975; the copper trail is showing the relicts of industrial history, from the first scale, court and ting house to the mines and dwellings;
10.04.2023: Skäret: internationally reputated opera (Opera på Skäret) established 2004 in a former sawmill and timber store at the shore of lake Ljusnaren
11.04.2023: Ställdal: oldest preserved building is Ställdals Manor from the 16th century; iron works were built in 1797, closed in 1919 and transformed into a paper mill; there is an outdoor gymn with trees next to the bathing place Sågdammen and sports center Bergslagsvallen; on the other side of the lake are the remains of Svartvik mines and a power station on the rapids
12.04.2023: Ställberg: Ställbergs Mines was Europes deepest iron ore mine and is currently being transformed into an experimental culture center; the mine was in operation from 1867 until 1977; the last mining facility was built in 1920 and owned by Ställbergs Grufve AB
Places in Dalarna
13.04.2023: Grängesberg: the mines have been known since the 14th century; the british financier Sir Ernest Cassel started modern mining in Grängesberg; in the 20th century there were 200 mines in the area, that had the richest deposits of iron ore in Europe; the last mine was closed 1989; the Cassel’s-Donation building is inspirated by the greek style of the Bank of England, it also includes bath house, park and sporting facilities; the housing area Stora Hagen was built at the end of the 19th century, offered rented properties and was a model (square building with four houses) for working-class people in Britain and Sweden; the district was renovated 1990
14.04.2023: Klenshyttan: fitst iron works from about 1605, first record from 1620; bar iron hammer until 1650; division of property among 24 miners as shareholders; 1842 Hagge bruk bought majority and made large investments; 1920 accident and closure of works; todat the infrastructure is industrial monument and leisure area; bathing place at the dammed lake
15.04.2023: Ludvika: iron works Hammarbacken was founded by king Gustav Vasa 1550 and was Swedes first crown mill; the mill granary situated on the hill next to the old manor is a landmark of the city; today a waffle restaurant with terrace overlooking lake Väsman is next to it; there is a 45 km lonng cycling route around the lake; todays city is built around Högberget a primeval rock, formed 2 billion vears ago and transformed several times; after the last deglaciation the area was an island around this rock but elevated due to isostatic processes; the landscape on the rock was used fo agriculture in the south part, as economic forrest in the north; both are leisure areas today
16.04.2023: Norrvik: situated at lake Väsman on the opposite side of Ludvika with view to the city; history of iron works from the beginning of the 17th century; two works were closed 1649 and 1653; trade relations were not clear until the end of the 18th century, when most was taken over by Ludvikia Bruk; railway connection in 1907; rich bird and wildlife today
17.04.2023: Grangärde: first recorded in ages of christianization when the norwegian king Olof Haraldsson (later the holy) passed there; he had to flee to Russia, returned and was killed in Stiklestad; until reformation the village was an important place for pilgrimage; at the end of the 18th century Nyhammars Bruk was the most influential owner of the area and built Grangärde Manison; due to falling steel prizes in the 19th century, other business had to be established and the courts were reorganized; today the Church of Sweden is owner of several courts others are private investments; the store from 1809 is still open
18.04.2023: Röämshyttan: first iron works were recorded in 1640 and last operation closed in 1903; Rämsbyn is a holiday resort situated on a penisula of lake Rämen first opened in 1920
19.04.2023: Tuna-Hästberg: mine of 15th century, closed several times and last time 1968, now adventure space, offering guided tours
20.04.2023: Idkerberget: Dragberget is the highest point of the Stora Tuna district; reorganized several times since the 15th century; the area had various vegetations and served several purposes in history, as often the area was completely clear cut in the 19th century but reforested later, today it is a nature reserve with several trails, resting places and cabins; some places have mystical interpretations; the 400 meter long and 10 meter deep hard bedrock ravine Dragbergsgatan is a well known landmark
21.04.2023: Halvarsgårdarna: ski ressort Ronne Alpin (34 slopes,14 lifts and 169 rooms in the ressort)
22.04.2023: Romme: Rommehedslägret was a camp and exercise place of the Dala Regiment from 1796 until 1906 (map, scale model and arts); today the park is embeded in a nature reserve and due to sandy soil home to some rare bee species during summer; next to it is Dala Airport presently transformed into a green airport
23.04.2023: Borlämge: old village documented since 14th century with ownership and functions of houses; it was fortificated by Borganäs, burned down by Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson in 1434 since the bailiff (taxing) was from Eric of Pomerania for the Kalmar Unon; his rebellion led to the first Riksdag of the Estates in Sweden; todays city is situated around the old castle; best view over the city from Tjärnaberg with loads of hiking, running and biking trails (consider the niches, ups and downs; topographic profile)
24.04.2023: Torsang: situated at the shore of the river Dalälven connected to lake Runn, the village has been a trading hub since the stone age; the local open air museum is showing the history; the tour around lake Runn is 70 km long
25.04.2023: Ornäs: the farm Ornäs Stugan was first mentioned in 1368 and was probably aquired by a miner in 1490; it is famous for a visit of Gustav Vasa, who escaped from the bloodbath of Stockholm, caused by Christian II; at this times the farm belonged to Stig Hansson, a shareholder of Falun mines (that issued shares since 1288, it was used as a guest house; he was bailiff and a proponent of Christian II, Vasa had to flee from the manison due to political differences, when he came into power he changed taxing, industrial organization and land use planning (agriculture, mines and forrests, trade partners), it was changed again by Charles IX; mining was the most important, disputed and regulated industry of Sweden, Scandinavia and Europe for centuries
26.04.2023: Liljesund: property rights and use of land in the area are documented since the 14th century and researched by Norsbo-Hinsnorets Bystugeförening; some houses like Liljesunds gård burned down several times and older dwellings were found under them only recently; old infrastructure projects like Björbo Railway are riding, walking and cycling routes today
27.04.2023: Källviken: leisure village Sjösidan and port to the three northern islands of lake Runn, first farms, then restaurants and amusement parks in the 19th century on Hellmans island, all are nature resere today
28.04.2023: Falun: the mines of Falun are over 1000 years old and are classified as one of the oldest companies of the world due to offered financial models; they had their peak in the 17th century; accounted for 70 per cent of the worlds copper production and were closed 1992; today they are industrial monument and UNESCO world heritage site; there are several walking routes in the area, among them the way of the water is the most famous one; Falukorv is a famous sausage protected by Sweden and the European Union (traditional speciality guaranteed); Lugnet is a worldclass sporting and leisure area, extending to a nature reserve with a vast network of routes (skiing, MTB, running)
29.04.2023: Slätta: Stångtjärn is a lake with catchment area of the surrounding hills and bogs with former outflow in north eastern direction into lake Varpan; it was reorganized by the engeneers of Falun mines since 1639 who integrated the lake into the vast water network of the mine; it was changed several times to increase productivity and was the only source for energy, besides humans and horses (working conditions) until the 19th century; most famous engeneer of the mine was Christopher Polhem, who was the motif of the old 500 Swedish Krona banknote from 1989 until 2000; today it is Brigit Nilsson a Wagnerian dramatic soprano, printed with new technologies; the area is now used for recreational purposes and outdoor sports
30.04.2023: Sveden: mining farm first mentioned in 1542; wedding cottage of the nature scientist and botanist Carl von Linne; he married there the daughter of the owner Sara Lisa Moraea in 1739; today the area is primarily used for horse riding; the name Sveden (Svedjebruk) in this context means creation of fields and beginning of crop rotation
01.05.2023: Sundborn: earliest tax excempt mining farms from Falun mines were recorded since the 16th century; the value chain went along the river of Sandborn to the city; that is why Gustav Vasa avoided the area on his flight from the bloodbath in Stockholm, his next stoop was Svärtsjö, the network of Falun mines was managed by Christian II at this time; the village underwent many changes in the next hundred of years; Johan Ersson was judge in Falun and started the expansion of the village in the 17th century (Stora Sundborn); his daughter married the lord major of Falun who became co-owner of the silver mine in Sala; timber rafting was the most important source of income in the 19th century, his residence was bought by the lawyer Rathsman, who educated students there; a bathhouse and a power plant were added in the early 20th century; today the village belongs to the cultural heritage area; there is a historic path along the most important sights; highlights are Stora Hyttnäs a former mining farm and residence and Lilla Hyttnäs the home of the artist Carl Larsson, both in todays shape are from the 19th century; Carl Larsson also made maps of his long excursions (check the direct way to Falun, but mind military exercises, indicated of course)
02.05.2023: Svärdsjö: some old farmhouses of the district have been brought to and restaured at Gammelgarden; next to it is the church first built in the 13th century, but restaured several times, the beach Höganäs and a canoeing lake entrance for the way from Balungen to Runn; there is a hiking way downstream to the fishing place Borgärdesströmmen (further sights of the community)
03.05.2023: Isala: historically important place, since Gustav Vasa has hidden there on his flight from Christian II for not exactely known reasons; no happenings could be restaured from memories of the village dwellers, most probably from his children and grandchildren; that is why there are many myths about his journey;150 years later a memorandum stone has been inaugurated by Gustaf III, who researched the life of his ancestors
04.05.2023: Linghed: agricultural settlement with vast lands and beautiful farm houses in the backland; farms outside are from the times, when food around the villages was not enough for the livestock; the network of ways may be used for long distance hiking to Nysjön with several old farms (20 km) and further to Himmelberget; there is an outdoor gym at the village entrance
05.05.2023: Bergsgården: first recorded in 1418 with land use researched by Dalarnas museum; dozens of well preserved detached miner farms and slap heaps between the lakes Grycken and Varpan are remnants of copper melting and handling in later times researched by the municipality; the farms indicate the wealth of the area in good times, the heaps show how the stones were further exploited mainly by children, when there was no output from the mines anymore; large areas of overgrown and unexploited farmland between the dwellings; the cycle tour (Varpan runt) around the lakes is 14 km long and most part of it belongs to the world cultural heritage zone
06.05.2023: Bjursås: Dössberget is a rural settlement on a hill built around a farm from the 17th century, to demonstrate life in this area during this time; due to the simple architecture and the uneven landscape the place has often been called the Switzerland of Dalarna; accordingly there are mountains with summer and winter sports ressort and lakes offering several outdoor possibilities; there is also a nature reserve (Prästskog) at a place with the highest diversity of animals and plants
07.05.2023: Sågmyra: in the older history a stone axe has been found near Näset, during the reign of Gustaf Vasa ther were iron works, closed during the reign of queen Kristina; then there were disputes about the area between the parishes Bjursås and Leksand; in the later history a copper mine was opened in 1820, but plans for extension refused; 1850 a nickel factory started; 1870 two german bankers that got rich from the franco german war bought the area; 1896 Axel Ludvig Tidstrand acquired the area and built a spinning mill, manison and the leisure infrastructure for his employees; 1976 the mill was closed down and factory outlets opened, currently there are discussions about future strategy focussing on excursions and recreation; Ylleleden is a hiking tour along the places of industrial development
08.05.2023: Ullvi: agricultural community with extensive ancestry research dating back 350 years; some old farm houses from the district have been moved and restaured in several places in Dalarna
09.05.2023: Västanvik:
10.05.2023: Siljansnäs: rural settlement with oldest barn from the 14th century, auctioned, restaurated and enriched with more historic buildings since 1919 (MasOlles Gammelgård); Anna Buffils opened a coffee for tourists in 1925 on top of Björkberget; it was reopened in 2021 by Kersti Bowser, a swedish american celebrity; 1933 a viewing tower with view over lake Siljas was added, it was rebuilt in 2021 with the japanese Shou Sugi Ban method; in 1983 the Nature Center Dalarna was inaugurated by Carl XVI Gustav; it is dealing with earth history and the development of land use and fertilization; in a geological path around it several stones, formed at different times, at different places, by different events (vulcano eruptions, meteriorits, continental shifts) and moved to different places in todays Dalarna with different economic history are shown
11.05.2023: Leksand: landscape formed by major transformations in the past; Gropen a trough in the city is now used as amphitheatre, the cliffs at the coast are nature reserve (Lugnet-Barkdal) with prommenades along it
12.05.2023: Tällberg: stone age findings, first recorded 1320 as pine covered mountain; farming settlement often with poor conditions due to dry soil, that people were dependent on side jobs; because of the view and light conditions tourism discovered the village at the end of the 19th century; electricity since 1912; railway since 1914; many supporters drove the development; Johan Johansson expanded his trading post to a guest house; Gösta Mittag-Leffler a professor of mathematics well connected in Stockholm with influence on the Nobel Commitee built a hotel (Dalecarlia), and invited the laureates of the prize; the artist Gustaf Ankarcrona restaured old farm buildings arranged them in a settlement and made history visible (Holen)
13.05.2023: Rättvik: most celebrated citizen is Johan Stiernhöök, one of the first legal historians of Sweden; he was born in on of the oldest settlement of the village the church yard, the obligatory visit of the church included to take part in the life of the settlement from gossiping to news consumption; the best view over the village is from Vidablik with many rumours about further investments, but exact history about the construction of the tower in 1898 designed by the 17 years old Olof Klockors and built by Olof Lidmark, a baker of Gävle, who died one year after inauguration; already in the first summer the tower was visited by the later king Gustaf VI Adolf and many tourists from Gävle; another attraction of the city is the 628 m long bathing bridge built in 1895 as quay for the steamer S/S Rättvik; rennovated 1992 by crowdfunding (2938 investors); the shallow water landscape was formed by a meteorit impact 380 million years ago and following land elevations and depressions
14.05.2023: Sjurberg: former agricultural village discovered by nobility in the mid of the 19th century, when Hilda Rehnström opened a hotel (Persberg); Tanggarden was the first permanent summer house aquired by John Améen for his wife Märta; later the architect Isak Gustaf Clason bought the farm, moved several other old farm buildings there and restaurated them in dalarna romantic style to create a manor; on the neighboring farm Solgården was built by Emma Sparre, the aunt of Märta; Emmas sister Helena Munktell built the summer residence Sjurgården; her sister Amlia built Rönneliden; her sister Clara planned a Carolingian manor, but died; all sisters were the daughters of Johan Hendrik Munktell the founder of Grycksbo Paper; bought 2006 from Stora Enso by Accent Equity; further summer houses were built by more investors in new forms of traditional log construction (two floors, corbelled upper floors, l-shaped buildings, stained glass)
15.05.2023: Garsås: the leaders of the Dalecarlian rebellions against Gustav Vasa were executed in Stockholm; the church bells from Mora are said to be burried in front of the harbor in the tax dispute (Bell Rebellion); view over the lake to Gesunda and Sollerön
16.05.2023: Nusnäs: iron age findings; first record from 1485; cultivated open landscape with different forms of farm groups arranged in a street system recorded 1846; about 300 old fishing houses (sheds) and small marina at the lakeside; 1922 a trading company, later factory (Grannas A. Olsson) for Dalarna Horses and souvenirs was opened by Nils och Jannes Olsson; they were invented in Risa about 350 years ago
17.05.2023: Mora: most known for Vasaloppet a 90 km ski, bike and running race established 1922 to remember the flight of Gustav Vasa from Christian II; a much celebrated citizen of the city is Anders Zorn, an artist and architect, who bought a farm (Zorngården) in 1886 and was involved in the city planning process of the late 19th and early 20th century, he was in permanent dispute with the city council about the symbiosis of nature and economy;
18.05.2023: Läde: settlement at Vasa’s trail dating back to the 16th century; it is unclear if it were dependent pastures or independent farms; 1670 registration as pastures (Mora Village Association); livestock grazing until the 1960s; the village tour (Mastrundan) is leading to Norra Hemulberg and back
19.05.2023: Bonäs: first record from 1435 (Mora Village Association); one of longest villages in a row of Sweden, with farms stretching like pearls along the village street; obviously the farms were moved from the lakeside direction west to the sand dune embankment (up to 30 meters high) in a not specified land reform; the area towards the lake is agriculture, towards the west are forrests (landscape analysis); Eric Wickman the founder of Greyhound Lines was born in Bonäs
20.05.2023: Orsa: Enåns valley with remains of 40 mills on a route of 3 km nature has reclaimed; some of the old businesses are preserved from the Village Association (Orsa Hembygdsgård); Birger Olsson an iron trader from Ulricehamn was the most important person for the economic development of the city in the 20th century; he was able to establish a chain factury against the upcoming cartels of that time; turistic infrastructure (First Camp) at the lakeside (Dalarnas Riviera)
21.05.2023: Viborg: situated above Orsa with view direction Bonäs and Norra Garberg, the former city hall gives hints about past administrative organization, transitions of division of labor and land ownership; today it is a hub for hiking trails in summer and skiing in winter; a bit further is Östra Grunuberg an open pasture; near the center of the largest impact crater of Europe (list of craters)
22.05.2023: Mässbacken: the grinstone mill (Slipstensgruvorna) is the oldest manufactory of the community and several hundred years old; the stone of about 30 mines with different and changing ownership models in the area was used to produce grindstone for changing markets; behind the mill is a sandstone quarry with partly preserved infrastructure, walking and cycling paths; next to the mill is a infrequently used limestone quarry (Nordkalk); both were formed by a metereorite impact 376 years ago (Siljan Ring); the historical grindstone is the motif on the coat of arms of the community; the stone mason (Orsa Stenhuggeri) nearby is keeping the tradition alive on smaller scale
23.05.2023: Skattungbyn: farming village (Skattungbyn) on the northern slope of Siljanringen (dome shaped after meteroid impact) with view over the forrest area Orsa Finnmark, settled by immigrants from Finland at the beginning of the 16th century; stone age settlements were found along the Orsälven and lake Skattungen
24.05.2023: Furudal: Furudal Bruk old iron works have been transformed into a first class golf club (Furudal Bruk Golfclub); the Norwegian Veteran Museum is dealing with the history of german occupied Norway during the second world war, and training of the norwegian police in neutral Sweden
25.05.2023: Dalfors: 1724 ore was found; 1726 two investor groups (around Anders Svab from Falun and Johan Gripenhielm) applied for the extraction and related manufactoring units in the two parishes Voxna and Ore; Kopparberg mines had objections and the joint project failed; both investors had to realize their own businesses, they merged later and sold parts of it again; 1793 major Didron bought consequently parts of the businesses and leaded them to their heydays; a manison was built; later the businesses were separated again and sold to several investors; the ruin of the first moved and later destroyed blast furnace at the outflow of Dalforsån in lake Amungen is a hint for disputes of different investors; there are grocery store (Dalfors Lanthandel) and hiking paths to the former investments and industries
26.05.2023: Ullanfors: mills at the rapids competed for capacities (flour, forge) for several hundred years; 1840 the first factory of the area was inaugurated, nails were the main production; 1857 it was transformed into an axe factory; around 1900 the business expanded to Edsbyn; a cultural route around the lakes (Stora Hälsingegårdars Väg) is explaining the cultural and industrial development; focus are the unique farm houses, still in use; the factory in Ullanfors was closed 1940
27.05.2023: Roteberg: long extended village at the edge of forrests on the hillside; fields and lakes at the other side, stretching to summer pastures 30 km in the north; the oldest farm (Roteberg böndernas by) was recorded 1276; most celebrated citizen is Lim Johan, symbol of the hard living conditions of the 19th century and artist
28.05.2023: Knåda: continued ancient agricultural landscape between forrest and lakes; from 1810 to 1911 the village was known for the winter market and festival, important for the farmers economy; 150 bird species have been identified by Hans Lidman; the sporting center Kygelvallen is the entrance to medium and long distance trails to the forrests and pastures in the north of Ovanåker; the pastures Våsbo Fäbodar are preserved as cultural monument.
Places in Gävleborg
29.05.2023: Edsbyn: the settlement grew into a village by access to electricity in 1906 (När Electricitäten kom); first it was only used in Edsbyn; 1914 the first national law regarding the living standard in cities was introduced; 1918 the surrounding settlements, farms and pastures were connected; responsible for the project, involved discussions about capacities and business models was Olof Johansson (a local carpenter and member of the parliament for the liberal party); the first price was 30 öre/kWh; in the 1920s irons, stoves, vacuum cleaners and washing machines revolutionized households and capacities were increased; since then the connection between fundamental laws of natural sciences, mathematics and ethics got more important
30.05.2023: Alfta: two decorated farm houses, built in the 19th century, achieved UNESCO world heritage status in 2012: Jon-Lars and Pallars; the varying interiors were topic of discussions; the emmigration museum is dealing with the mass emigration from Hälsingland (Sweden) to Illinois (US), that started 1846, when the evangelical lutheran church lost dominance to stakeholder identities; the area is embeddedin in the Bioshere Voxnadalen
31.05.2023: Bollnäs: history of currents and rapids of the river Ljusnan creating lake Varpen; first recorded 1312 by a vicar named Ingemund; businesses for centuries were agriculture, mining and forrestry; 1878 the village got connected to the railway and was an important hub for the north expansion; the railway was the largest employer until 1990; best view over the city in checkerboard pattern from Bolleberget a leisure resort and nature reserve (Stora Bolleberget) with several trails for summer and winter sports
01.06.2023: Röste: Dönje hydropower plant with history and landmarks of economic use of the river Ljusnan (Bollnäsströmmar); the power plant was the most energy efficient of Sweden in the 19th century
02.06.2023: Lottefors: history of Lottefors Bruk, former iron works transformed into a sawmill in the 18th century; Ungers Business Corporation from 1881 diversificated into pulp production; now the area is part of Ljusnan hydropower grid; recreational area around Växsjön
03.06.2023: Arbrå: first record from 1314; early industrial traces have been found due to the currents and rapids of the river Ljusnan; the wooden castle (Träslottet) is a farm with cellar from the 16th century inherited by the community and developed into the castle by Willy Maria Lundberg in the early 20th century; the rooms were designed as log halls or are decorated with stencil paintings; the park was added by his daughter; today it is one of the biggest attractions of Hälsingland with restaurant, cafe and events; in the north of the hydroelectric power plant, built in the 1960s, is a small marina and beach (Skeppstabadet Norränge)
04.06.2023: Orbaden: viking findings at the river side; a tourist resort is grouped around the Gingerbread House at the lakeside; a climbing park (Zip & Climb) is at the mountain side
05.06.2023: Järvsö: a landmark are the church stables from the 18th century at the riverside; they accomodated horses from the surroundings, when farmers went to the impressive church (on the church island) or were engaged in trade; they were used until the 1930s; Stenegård is a well preserved manor and center of the World Heritage Hälsingegårdar; manyfold tourist activities in summer and winter
06.06.2023: Tallåsen: retro Mercedes trader with many models from the 60s and 70s famous for the nostalgic neon advertising
07.06.2023: Ljusdal: growth by extension of Northern Main Line in 1880; the three parks (map) in the city center are dedicated to the people that drove the development: Fredrik Signeul (an iron dealer); Eric Collin (a merchand) and Theodor Hagander (a judge); the current city development project is Östernäs, the area of a former sawmill, in operation from 1887 until 1995; it was the largest industry in the 20th century; the nature reserve Kläppaängarna with hidden treasures of cultural history (like the old railway bridge in Edänge) is in the south of the city
08.06.2023: Delsbo: culture reserve Västeräng (with OL-Ers farm), latest houses built in 1847 but iron age stone settings behind the farm; the old railway inclusive station are well preserved and offer rides with a dressine inclusive cultural history hints; a fishing gear factory (Fiskredskapsfabriken) was established 1895, it was closed 1962
09.06.2023: Norrbo: penisula in Dellen lake system, formed by an impact crater 89 million years ago; a channel is enabling the passage from the northern to the southern part and further to Hudviksvall; next to is a redoubt used for conflicts between Sweden and Denmark from the 15th (Engelbrekt rebellion) to the 18th century; the old village is preserved as cultural area, with the neoclassicistic church in the center (the churches of the two neighbour villages were built in roccoco and romanticistic styles); Norrbo route is connecting both lakes
10.06.2023: Bjuråker: Bjuråkers Museum is containing 30 houses from different places, times and a cafe
11.06.2023: Friggesund: old factory branch location of Hedvigsfors Bruk, with removed infrastructure (CD 1); viewing point Avholmsberget with crater route and restaurant (Avholmsberget)
12.06.2023: Moviken: former harbor of Strömbacka Bruk, with charcoal kiln for the factory. blast furnace (with changing exhibitions) and rests of railway system (Oxbanan)
13.06.2023: Fönebo: riviera of Dellen lakes with sand beaches, holiday houses and camping
14.06.2023: Strömbacka: history of Strömbacka Bruk iron works founded 1742 against the will of the peasants by Daniel Ahlbom and later bought by his father in law Peter Strömbäck; further owners followed; the local ore from Bjuråker contained to much phosphor and sulfur (different asteroid), that it had to be imported from Dalarna; factory was enlarged with new production techniques in the 19th century; today well preserved cultural historical environment with forges, hammers, workers houses, church, manison, fire house, archive and bathing place; until the 20th century employees got a small house, food, and a small amount of money as wage, they could shop in a store several times a year
15.06.2023: Bergsjö: best view over villages, rural landscape and lakes from Bålleberget and Haghällorna; one of the oldest houses in the young farming city is Häket from 1893, dwelling of the former judge, now hosting an artistic gravure printing workshop
16.06.2023: Gränsfors: Gränfors Bruk axe manufactory founded 1868 by Johan Pettersson; increased exports since 1920 started with Russia; shrinkage by introduction of chainsaws in 1960s; revitalization by oil crisis in 1970s; decline by global price competition in 1980s; survival of financial crises of 2000s with new positioning and exports to 30 countries; ax museum (history of axes from different perspectives since stone age); 1893 the production of clay vessels was started and is still ongoing (Gränsfors Blomkruksfabrik)
17.06.2023: Gnarp: history of iron works at the baltic coast founded in 1671 (Gnarps Massugn), now recreational area in rock garden environment and 2 kkm sandy beach embedded in two nature reserves; the remains of the industry are the ruin of the furnace and a slack stone field
Places in Västernorrland
18.06.2023: Galtström: Galtströms Bruk is a well preserved landmark of industry and cultural history, it was founded by Magnus Blix and used from 1673 until 1916, today the area is owned and managed by Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA), that created a diversity park, to enhance existing natural values and form new industrial networks; different routes and education for time travelling (Galtströms Bruk Prommenade) are offered
19.06.2023: Junibosand: old traditional but still active fishing village with view at the northern eastcoast of Sweden, fish saltery restaurant
20.06.2023: Kvissleby: situated at the river of Ljungan; fishing was dominant industry until 1724 when the first timber contract was made by Jacob Polack and the area bought by Sivert Bistedt; the river was modified 1784 and 1819, renatured later; timber sorting and trading was dominant industry until 1968; 1811 the king sent a resolution to reduce timber flooding in favor of the other industries (water energy, agriculture, fishery) and to improve working conditions, 1872 some orders were implemented after several disputes; 1870 1350 men sorted 1.500.000 trees for 550.000 kronas; 1896 600 men sorted 2.000.000 sticks for 350.000 kronas; 1906 600 men sorted 8.000.000 trees for 250.000 kronas; 1905 the accord was reduced, working hours limited to 11 a day and a minimum wage was introduced; 1913 they sorted 6.000.000 sticks for the same amount; 1914 there were first strikes and they sorted 2.500.000 sticks; best view over the area from Nolbybacken; Sundsvalls Golf Club and outdoor recreational and swimming park (Dyket) at the other side of the river in Skotsund
21.06.2023: Klampenborg: Klampenborg Nature Reserve on island formerly owned by a sawmill; paths explain disappeared infrastructure; small marina (Sundsvall Njurunda Bätclub)
22.06.2023: Svartvik: park of industrial memories (Svartviks industriminnen); restored industrial area and manor of one of formerly 40 sawmills in the area; for the rise of the white collar worker (middle class) in the 19th century a new infrastructure was built to satisfy new needs, remarkable is the bowling alley built in 1850; the manor building is a restaurant now (Svartviks Herrgård)
23.06.2023: Sundvall: founded in 1621 for timber trading; the city has burned down and was rebuilt four times; 1888 the city was rebuilt with stone in a multitude of architectural styles resembling Vienna; that is why the city center is called Stenstaden; the hills on both sides of the city offer various viewing points leisure and recreational activities (Södra Berget and Norra Berget); the long distance trail St. Olavsleden to Trondheim in Norway across Sweden is starting or finishing here
24.06.2023: Birsta: rich agricultural settlement known since stone ages; mint treasures from stone and iron agewere found in nearby villages; arab and persian coins from the 9th century found in 1834 (Birsta myntskatt); after christianization parish of Skön; today Birsta is the largest shopping center of Sweden, divided into several districts and malls; ICA Maxi Birsta supermarket is recently increasing self sufficiency by growing food in the store
25.06.2023: Alnö: inactive vulcano island; the geological path in the north is explaining the different and often unique rock types; the environment and cultural landscape Norra Alnön is documented since the iron age and several places are protected as national interest site; beaches and small islands in the south; most known is the old fishing village Spikarna
26.06.2023: Skönvig: Merlo castle and park built 1885 by Fredrik Bünsow as summer residence; 1847 he took over the little timber company of his uncle, and expanded by buying forrests and building saw mills; he was second richest man of Sweden after Alfred Nobel; after his death the property went to Skönvig Corporation and later to SCA; Skönvigberget Outdoor Center currently with exhibition “letters in the forrest“; in the valley between both hills is Hamstasjöns bathing place
27.06.2023:: Tirå: Fagervik sawmill founded 1880; charcoal factory from 1906 until 1912; sulfit factory from 1912 until 1975; demolition and start of clean-up work 2007; recreational area with golf course, adventure golf and disc golf; at the riverside Bergeforsen hydro power plant was built 1955; next to it are fishing areas (Bergeforsfisket); a small traffic airport (Sundsvall Timrå) was inaugurated 1944 and is currently transformed to reduce emissions; the delta of Indalsälven is a nature reserve
28.06.2023: Söråker: 2 km long beach prommenade (Söråker Strand) with culture historical information about industries and working conditions of the past; the blue route of Sinneas Väger is providing further information for navigation; it starts at the infopoint Y:et; Y was the county letter for Västernorrland on swedish car registration plates from 1907, when licensing was introduced, until 1976; at Torsboda Industrial Park Europes largest production unit for lithium batteries is planned
29.06.2023: Härnösand: Västernorrlands Museum is giving an overview of the history of the county since stone ages; it is situated at the open air museum Murberget, founded 1913 by Theodor Hellman; the buildings and environments reflect different life worlds of the past; the fishing houses were brought to Sälsten (Länsmuseets Sjöbodar) in the 70s, when the city changed the zoning plan; Swedens largest car museum (Härnösands bilmuseum) was founded 2015 by Calle Lundkvist and is expanding since then; best view over the city from Vårdkasen (the highest point of island Härnö); ship cruises with M/S Ådalen
30.06.2023: Smitingen: recreational area and nature park (Smitingen-Härnöklubb) at the east coast of Härnön; Grottstigen is connecting several different caves formed by the power of the sea and accessible due to the land elevation, occuring since the end of the last ice age (0,8 cm a year, vertical datum of Rikets höjdsystem); Klubbsjönrunt is an easier trail around a lake near the sea; volleyball and surfers paradise at the beach (Smitingens Havsbad)
01.07.2023: Säbrå: findings from stone age, bronce age and iron age; 14th century Säbrå pastorate , 1863 Säbra county; 1952 Säbrå landskommun; 1969 Härnösand municipality; history of agriculture, sawmills were opened in the 19th century at the seaside at Lövvik, Saltvig and Ulvvig; today farms, pasture farms, holiday houses, marina and golf course (Härnösands Golfclub)
02.07.2023: Hemsön: island with chapel ruin from the 17th century, responsible for fishing rights (Prästhushamn kapel); ferry connection since 1936 (Hemsöleden); bastion during second world war and largest fortress of Sweden (Hemsö Fästning)
03.07.2023: Rö: cultural history of fishing and Rö sawmills opened in the 19th century; miniature model of the sawmill village at Folkets Hus closed in 1931 due to economical crisis in Central Europe; today Hotel Sågverket; cultural historicla tours and hiking
04.07.2023: Högsjö: forrest Sami were noted around 1650; the southern part of Mörtsjön was also a popular winter pasture for Sami with reindeer; Olov Molander from Härnösand reported about them still in 1924; 1862 Högsjö municipal county was formed and incorporated into Härnösand in 1969; 1997 Scandinavias longest suspension bridge (Högakustenbron) was inaugurated, model was the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
05.07.2023: Lunde: customs moved from Nyland to Lunde in 1873; central place for sailors and dock workers; five people shot down during strikes in 1931; a monument inaugurated in 1981 is reminding to this events (Minnesmärke Ådalen 1931); august 31, 1939 (the day before the second world war started) the not completed bridge (Sandöbron) collapsed and 18 people lost their lives, a new bridge was inaugurated 1943, it was the world largest concrete bridge until 1963; since 1997 the motorway E 4 is guided over the new HögaKustenbron
06.07.2023: Kramfors: two large iron age grave hills in Frånö (Storhögarna i Frånö); first sawmill in Lästa 1574; fine-bladed water saw opened by Christoffer Kramm 1744 in Gudmundrå (Sqvällsån); city rights won 1947 in competition with Nyland; several olympic gold medalists were from Kramfors; new prommenade with historical information about cultural development around Kyrkviken
07.07.2023: Finnmark: Icktjärnsbergets naturreservat with fishing lake, old pasture farms and viewing points; Nästvattnet lake with multitude of houses to buy (Finnmark property sales)
08.07.2023: Bollstabruk: in 1680s the owner of Graninge mill and governor of Västernorrland Carl Larsson Sparre planned a blast furnace and hammer mill; it was realized 1737 by Johan Clason and Jacob Polack; 1760 Lars Hornreus and Erik Edström built a paper work; 1853 the mill was supplemented with a water saw, 1860 with a steam saw; 1909 electrification; 2003 purchase by SCA, Graninge power plant was bought by e.on (EU regulation); 2020 the SCA Bollstabruk belongs to the most innovative sawmills in the world; in Wiborghslund the history is explained in further detail; Olof Wiborgh was born in a worker colony, built in 1930, with a sleeping room for his grandparents, parents and two siblings; the first colony was built 1857, the second 1894, the third 1930; due to the poor conditions there have been many strike actions in the village, improving the situation; the monument Ljuspunkten is dealing with ecosystems and is part of the art walk; best view from Svedjeberget
09.07.2023: Torsåker: famous for the largest wich trials in Swedens history (Torsåker witch trials), that were conducted by the lutheran church (lack of seperation of church and state), took place in 1675 and led to 71 executions on Häxberget; the trials were not reported to the high court; the walking path from the church to the hill (Häxstigen) is 7,5 km long; next to it is Höga Kusten Airport
10.07.2023: Sollefteå: trading hub in middle ages since protected from sea; establishment of saw mills at the beginning of 17th century by crown; at the beginning of 18th century iron works was built, but removed to Bollstabruk some decades later; purchase of mill by Graninge works at the end of 19th century; purchase of land areas by community to provide area for Västernorrlands regiment, which was dispended 2000, and re established in parts 2022; railway connection since 1886; the city was detached from the county in 1902 (Sollefteå köping); a court house was built in scottish and norwegian style in 1904 (Gammel Tinghuset); the county was incorporated by the city in 1945; 1950 hydropower was expanded; since 1971 central place of re formed Sollefteå Community; best view from Hallstaberget with outdoor facilities for all seasons (Hallstaberget trails) and Hallstaberget Hotel
11.07.2023: Långsele: railway station opened 1886 and closed for passengers 2012; railway junction for the Stambanan through upper Norrland and the Ådalsbanan; lowest hydropower plant of Faxälven (Hjälta kraftverk); cycling route along Faxälven and railway (Södra Järnvägsgatan) to Sollefteå; beach with camping lot (Långsele Camping) and cabins Sollefteå Golfclub
12.07.2023: Björkå: 31 grave hills from iron age (Björkåfältet); nine of them were investigated in 1943; a woman with a horse and arabic silver coins was found, a child with grave gifts and a man without leg and hand without gifts; iron works opened 1771 by Johan Nordenfalk; when the iron works were closed, wood industry (Björka Bruk) was established in the 19th century; 2022 the village became village of the year awarded by the community
13.07.2023: Gålsjö bruk: culture historical monument of industry established in 1730 (Gålsjö bruk historia); today conference facilities
14.07.2023: Sidensjö: rural settlement between two lakes, bathing places at Bysjön and Drömmesjön
15.07.2023: Själevad: Själevad medival parish with church originally dedicated to St. Olaf, situated at Själevadsfjärden (on of three fjords through which the river of Moälven flows in its lower reaches); 1701 and 1803 shipwrecks have been reported; history of wood processing along the river; separation of church and community in 1862; the current church replaced the old one in 1880; it belongs to the most 10 beautiful churches of Sweden in most rankings (f.e. Listor.se); 1971 municipality of Örnsköldsvik; the lake Svarttjärnen is a secret tip
16.07.2023: Gullvik: Gullviks Havbad holiday resort with sandy beach and several hiking routes; nature reserve Ögeltjärn with view over the landscape
17.07.2023: Örnsköldsvik: Själevads parish; separation of Arnäs parish in 14th century; knowledge of flax processing recorded in middle ages; florishing of coastal area in 18th century; stagnation when supply of flax decreased due to competition and poor transport facilities; city rights by crown in 1842 after examination of natural conditions and competition with Arnäs; destruction of parts by fire in 1888; Handelsbankens Hus (former Uppstickaren) is a remnistcent of the past; 1907 Örnsköldsvik broke out of Själevads parish; major employer today is Domsjö Fabriker a biorefinery, started as sulfite factory in 1903; best view from Varvsberget with nature reserve Hörnsjön and the artistic hiking path “wander wonder“; MTB trails and arena at Örnen; Ice Hockey is a popular sports in the city, played in Hägglunds Arena
18.07.2023: Arnäsvall: Arnäsbacken is an elevation formerly at the seaside now in a valley subject to continued landrise; farms from the 6th century have been found; later the hill was a trading spot (mainly for fur); Arnäs parish was established in the 14th century; 1963 the community was incorporated in the city of Örnsköldsvik; start of Arnäsleden hiking trail (70 km) along the elevated hill ranges with pasture farms and the decreased seaside with beaches
19.07.2023: Idby: Idbyfjärden nature reserve with paths and bird watching tower; in spring migratory birds rest in the area with nutrient rich buttoms; bathing place at Idbyns Havsbad
20.07.2023: Ovansjö: Örnsköldsviks Golfklubb Puttom situated between little and large Rossjön
21.07.2023: Mosjön: recreational area along lake (Mosjöns Camping) next to Mosjöns kapell
22.07.2023: Husum: situated at river of Husån; stone setting as labyrinth in Husbyn; sawmill at the seaside founded 1787; hiking trail along the river and several lakes (Nedre Husån); running and skiing trails at Degersjön
23.07.2023: Grundsunda: stone church on hill Valen probably from the 14th century, wooden belfry from 1794; collection of historical buildings in the open air museum (Grundsunda Hembygdsförening) is contributing to understanding of the past; 1971 Örnsköldsviks municipality
24.07.2023: Saluböle: beach ressort with water sport facilities
Places in Västerbotten
25.07.2023: Ava:
26.07.2023: Aspeå: earliest preserved pasture farms from around 1750 (Aspeå Fäbodar), at the beginning of the 20th century their operation was stopped; now cultural events; few kilometers away are tunnel caves (Lidbergsgrottarna)
27.07.2023: Lögdeå: start of the temple trail along the river of Lögdeå (Lögdeälven) to Frederika; the lack of settlements and ruins of old industries (like Hyngelsböle sawmill from 1535) gives it a strong wilderness character and is considered as one of the most valuable forrest rivers of Sweden
28.07.2023: Rundvik: stone labyrinths at the seaside; excavations of destroyed old harbor from 16th century; first books about trade from 1582 of a merchand from Mo found in Härnösands stift
29.07.2023: Olofsfors: well preserved iron works (Olofsfors Bruk) from 1762 founded by John Jennings member of the Hats Party; the military airfield (Kriksflygfält 19) nearby was inaugurated in June 1939 and used for private purposes until 1973; there are well preserved bunkers (Olofsfors bunker) nearby
30.07.2023: Nordmaling: a church was built between 1316 and 1480, in order to seperate parish from Grundsunda (Nordmaling parish); separation of church and state in 1862; the historical buildings of parish (Nordmalings försammling) and community (Nordmalings hembygdsmuseum) are next to each other and have different business models; formation of Nordmaling Community in 1972
31.07.2023: Håknäs: situated at the river of Öreälven with hiking trail along the shore (Öreälvsleden); water powered sawmill since 1750; it was bought 1889 by Mo and Domsjö for timber logging rights
01.08.2023: Norrbyn: remains of much awarded industrial landscape Norrbyskär, founded 1895 by Mo and Domsjö; area was called ideal society out in the sea; now holiday houses or permanent residences; ferry cruises (Norrbyskär trafikerar)
02.08.2023: Hörnefors: Hörnefors mill was established 1775 for iron production and manufacturing of derivatives; it was bought 1902 by Hörneå and later by Mo and Domsjö for sawing and pulp production; left is a church, a warehouse and a workers house; the Duncker memorial is dedicated to the battle of Hörnefors, where he was killed; it was part of the napoleonic wars of 1809; there are two different beaches: Gråboland and Megrundet
03.08.2023: Sörmjöle: Sörmjöle memorial was inaugurated 1752 for king Adolf Fredrik on his way to Sörmjöle Bruk; on the top is written “the welfare of the state is my welfare” in swedish and latin; Brännäset is now a holiday resort with leisure facilities
04.08.2023: Röbäck: during stone age the village was under water; due to land elevations it was at the coast line during bronce age; the area is rich in ancient remains; there is a hiking route (Historiska platser i Röbäck)
05.08.2023: Baggböle: six farms in 1543; Könik Olofsson was richest trader (south Sweden, hanseatic towns); first harbor of Umeå; 1813 Baggböle sawmill was built; 1842 it was bought by James Dickson & Co; Baggeböle manor was built 1846 as residence for the manager of the mill by Johan Anders Linder, the minister of Umeå county; 1885 a steam engine was added; there was a famous dispute about the excessive use of forrest by the company with the crown; 1958 stop of last operations; Arboretum Norr was founded in 1984 and contains the richest selection of trees in the northern world; an artwork was installed in the cellar of the former power plant; it is part of a series connecting seven rivers (Konstvägen sju älvar); Notvarpsbron was built in 1991
06.08.2023: Klabböle: name known since 1531; queen Kristina gave water rights to Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie in 1653; through barter it fell to governor Johan Graan; 1898 a hydroelectric power plant for the growing city of Umeå was built to replace steam power plant; extensions were made in 1910, 1914 and 1932; it was closed 1958 when Stornorrfors was opened; the old buildings are part of Umeå Energicentrum
07.08.2023: Umeå: foundation of the city in 1621; fires in 1720 and 1888; Västerbottens Museum is dedicated to the identity loss of rural and sami population during industrialization in the 19th century (Landflucht); old buildings from some deserted areas have been preserved; next to it are running and skiing trails (Stadsliden) and Bräntberget, an elevation with view over the northern parts of the community; Nydalasjön is the other recreational area of the city, with a multitude of facilities; currently four low carbon energy construction projects are being discussed or realized: Tegsområdet, Norra Ön, Tomtebo strand and Campus
08.08.2023: Brännland: soldier cottages from the times of allotment system built in the mid 19th century; the system was replaced by a mandatory service in 1901; the houses were purchased by Umbygda hometown association in 1950; the homesteads were enriched by an old manor house, now serving as restaurant (Brännlands Wärdshus)
09.08.2023: Söfors: permanent population since 13th century; first mentioned in Gustav Vasas soil register in 1543 with salmon fishing as important industry; Kronobodars were warehouses of the crown; in the geometric suryey from 1696 more waterways, islands and eight tax households are recorded; 1802 the first wooden bridge (Sörforsbron) over the Umeälven was built and destroyed 1809 by swedish troops during the finnish war; due to lack of money no new bridge was built until 1875; it was financed by passenger fees and replaced by a iron bridge in 1910
10.08.2023: Norrfors: Swedens most northern rock carvings (Norrfors Hällristningar) were discovered in 1984, the location was a trading spot for hunters and gatherers during stone age; on a bridge over the rocks major events since then are indicated; Stornorrfors is the second largest hydropower plant of Sweden; it was inaugurated in 1958; the visitor park (Stornorrfors Kraftverkomrade) offers several leisure activities including one of the largest fish ladders of Europe (Laxtrappan Norrfors), built as compensation for the power plant
11.08.2023: Vannäsby: known since 1535 as Wendenäs, since the direction had to be changed, when shipping or walking down the Vindel river (confluence Vindelälven and Umeälven); today on the eastern shore is the hiking trail Vännforsleden with Vännforsens naturreservat and connection to Tavelsjöleden; the parish Vannäs was founded and church built in 1825 (separation from Umeå parish); when the railway was built to Nyby in 1891 (main line through upper Norrland) that was called Vannäs, the village changed its name to Spöland (found in Gustav Vasas Jordebok 1543); 1940 the name was changed to Vannäsby; in the 1980s the railway station was demolished and reopened 2012; the village has been affected by floods several times, the worst was 1938; since the river is unregulated it was declared as UNESCO bioreserve in 2019 (Biosfärområde Vindelälven–Juhttátahkka); there is a prommenade along the river of Umeälven (Strandpromenaden Vännäs) and a bird lake (Brånsjöns naturreservat)
12.08.2023: Vannäs: founded after railway was opened in 1891; Vannäs camp from 1898 until 1901, when general conscription was introduced; multiple uses of the area and historical buildings (Vännäs Läger) since then; in the former hangar, built in 1927, when there was an airfield, is a motor museum (Vannäs Motormuseum); Gothnellska halvön is an urban forrest area inaugurated 2023 and connected with the recreational area by a new suspension bridge; cultural route Två Älvar along the two rivers of Vindeälven and Umeälven
13.08.2023: Fällfors: Fällforsen rapids were regulated for hydropower in 1917 due to increased need for electricity; in the area around the tunnel outlet (Tunnelutlopped Fällforsen) are walking routes to admire the rock formations the water formed into elephant head shapes over millenia that were hidden previously
14.08.2023: Ramsele: settlement on both sides of the Umea river; 1738 the first house was recorded (Olof Olofsson); 1898 a school was built; 1943 a shooting range; 1963 the school was closed and later transformed into the city hall; aunt museum with collections of households of the past; Almagrundet is recreational area at the river side
15.08.2023: Tväralund: situated next to two lakes (Lillsjön and Storsjön)
16.08.2023: Vindeln: Degerfors known since the 16th century; 1768 separation from Umeå county; the oldest church was built 1769; the court house was built in 1814; the manison was built by merchant Anders Aström in 1858; 1888 founding of Degerfors Quarnaktiebolag; 1890 railway connection; 1903 a new church was built; today the former mill area is a nature reserve (Vindelforsarna) with exhibitions, coffe hotel and hiking routes
17.08.2023: Abborrtjärn: the Isälvsleden is a 60 km long hiking route leading across a landscape formed during the last deglaciation; there are several tunnel valleys, kettles, mud volcanoes, sand dunes and other phenomena embedded in varying landscapes and vegetations
18.08.2023: Hjuken: first records of farms from 1500s; inn built in early 1800s by Per Johansson; transshipment from Umeå to mountains; Hjukenåsarna nature reserve a ridge system on the north side of Vindel river
19.08.2023: Hällnäs: first records from 1785; railway connection and relocation of transshipment from Hjuken in 1892; Hällnäsmodellen is a type of railway station built at 43 places; there is a local museum on the ground floor; a sanatorium (Centralsanatoriet i Hällnäs) for tuberculosis was built in 1926, but closed in 1970; there are two lakes Lillsandsjön and Storsandsjön
20.08.2023: Ekträsk: inspected as new built 1737; railway station community since inauguration of northern main line 1892; old station building Ekträsk in Byske model; 1925 the longest organized conflict in Sweden broke out there (Lossmen-Ekträsk conflict); forrestry was and is dominant industry; 1990 classified as small town with 52 inhabitants; in the nature reserve Fäbodträsket bush fires have ravaged several times in history and fire dependent species have evolved
21.08.2023: Kattisträsk: first mentioned as village in 1593; a man building (Kattisträsk 2:2) was constructed in 1703, it had originally an earthern floor, 1828 an attic floor was built of planks with a diameter of 29 cm
22.08.2023: Bastuträsk: railway settlement of northern main line inaugurated 1894; a school was built in 1902 (Bastuträsk gammel skola); it was first also used as church and during the second world war as hospital; 1910 the railway line was continued eastward direction Skellefteåhamn; 1924 a press office kiosk was opened, closed later and rediscovered 2009 (Pressbyråkiosken Bastuträsk); it sold mainly tobacco, chocolate and postcards; 1990 the passenger traffic on Skelleftebanan was stopped and reopened 2010; several hiking trails depart from Bastuträsk: Kyrkstigen (path from the 15th century for people from the coast to their fishing grounds and settlers for their church duty in Sollefteå) and Rågmjölsvägen (path from the 16th century for farmers to transport goods from inland to the coast); along the old railway route to the north (gamla linjen Skellefteälven) are several lost places
23.08.2023: Bastuträsk by: Bastuträsk by is situated between two lakes and was first mentioned in 1539 with one household (old land register Bastuträsk); the old inn (Gästgivargården Bastuträsk) is from 1682; in most years until the 17th century Bastuträsk is reported under Långträsk and included the swamps Mensträsket and Grundträsket
24.08.2023: Norsjö: five farms in Gustav Vasas land register from 1543; independent parish in 1834; Vajsjön nature reserve was formerly part of Norsjön and formed in the late 19th century; the homestead area (Norsjö hembygdsområdet) was built around the house of wholesaler Grahn, is dealing with the history of the settlement and includes a cross-country skiing and hunting museum
25.08.2023: Norsjövallen: Rännudden leisure area offering several possibilities
26.08.2023: Boliden: acquisition of farmland by mine in 1920; an urban plan for the village Boliden was develloped by Tage William-Olsson inspired by neo-classicism of the Vienna Ring Road and the Place de l’Étoile in Paris; the strict hierarchical organization was visible in different quarters; the buildings of the management were on the hill; chief engineer villas below it and at the bottom were terraced and multi family houses embedded in a garden city; 1926 a hotel was added on the hill (Brukshotellet Boliden) and extended 1956; today three mines of New Boliden are active in the area with the vision to improve sustinability (Boliden circular economy)
27.08.2023: Bruträsk: Finnforsberget cave is said to have been home for robbers from Norway that caused much trouble in 1524 recorded by farmers in Bruträsk; the cave is situated at Nasaleden, a hiking route from Skellefteå to the Nasa silver mine along the Skellefteälven
28.08.2023: Finnforsfallet: excavations of corduroy road, charcoal and salpeter production, agriculture; 1556 first recording and taxation; main revenue from salmon fishing; 1663 first map; 1749 grain grinded in watermill; 1830 silver malm was found on the land of C.W. Lindskog; 1830 malm area was sold to Leonard Janse; 1890 dam for water saw; 1908 Finforsens kraftstation was built at the rapids and new community with subsistence farming founded; 1910 general store; 1915 silver production was stopped by state; 1940 bathing coast at lakeside; 1953 holiday houses at lakeside
29.08.2023: Nybygge Rismurliden: new construction of settlements (Nybygge) due to increased need for arable land in the 18th century; tax exempt and cultivation conditions set by governor and county board; the homestead museum of Rismurlinden is showing buildings and living conditions from that time; currently a criminal and drama series is recorded there for Disney+ (Koka björn)
30.08.2023: Åliden: founded 1842 by Gabriel Gabrielsson; there is a railway epos (Jernbanesviten) from the local writer Sara Lidman, dealing with the cultivation of the area; the settlement is situated at the Gruvstigen hiking route; there is a resting and bathing place at the lake (Ålidens badplats)
31.08.2023: Skellefteå: foundation of parish as breakaway from Bygdeå in 1324 (Skellefteå landsförsamling); first wooden church built in 1330s; stone church inaugurated in 1507; the church town Bonnstan dates back to the 17th century; was a market and meeting place until 1835, when it was destroyed by fire, rebuilt and a necessary overnight stay for people from the countryside from 1861; the city Skellefteå was founded in 1845 on the area of Norrböle and got trading rights in opposition to Umeå and Piteå; Lejonströmsbron was buillt in 1735 and was the only one bridge of the city until 1913; it is today Swedens longest preserved wooden bridge; the homestead and park Nordanå was inaugurated 1945 as a birthday gift to the people; Vitbergsområdet is the outdoor sports and recreational area of the city; Kraft Arena is the major indoor event and sporting facility; landmark of the city is Sara Culture Center, the tallest wooden building in the world, including an hotel; there are several urban development projects discussed and realized at the moment (Skellefteå växer)
01.09.2023: the old church way (Kyrkstigen Burträsk) connected Skellefteå and Burträsk in the south; it is a popular hiking and cycling route today and passes several lakes and varied landscapes; Falkträsket lake is just a few minutes outside of Skellefteå
02.09.2023: Kåge: known since 1505 when the widow Gunborg sold her property to the provost Mr. Andreas of Skellefteå; his illegimate child received Kåge when the archbishop declared it as legitimate; in the middle of the 17th century there were plans by Charles XI to built a new town after Piteå burned down, instead Piteå was rebuilt; in the 1830 the plans came up again, but instead Skellefteå city was built, because of the neighbourhood of the church; the interpretation of the name Kåge is unclear, except that Frostkåge was the parish’s worst frost village in the 17th and 18th century; there are many resting and fishing spots along the Kåge river valley and is a hiking route along the bay (Grytsundsleden); there is a small leisure harbor at Mörviken (Kåge Batclub)
03.09.2023: Ostvik: the villages Ostvik and Östanbäck were separated by the river Storbäcken; acccording to the land register of 1543 five farms were in Ostvik and nine in Östanbäck; during the cold years of the 19th century food was sent from other states via Stockholm; 1868 food did not arrive due to the freezing cold; since some merchants in Skellefteå raised the prizes, that starving farmers could not afford it; they looted the stores (Ostvikskriget) and were stopped by the police; Storbäcksleden is a hiking route along the river to the bay; there is a bathing place and running loop in Ostvik at Brännträsket; cultural events and classes are offered at Sölviks Folkshögskola
04.09.2023: Byske: situated at the river estuary area the village is offering many places to discover along Byske river and beach (Byske havsbad); there is also a hiking route along the seaside (Furuögrundsleden); historically Ytterfors mill was founded 1796; a channel was built 1817; Ytterfors glass factory was constructed 1837 and closed 1878; the parish seperated from Skellefteå in 1838 (Ytterstfors bruksförsamling) but returned 1866; 1872 a new central church was built (Byske Kyrka) and a new parish was founded; next to the church is Västerbottens youngest preserved church town (Byske kyrkstad), now homestead
05.09.2023: Renholmen: at the river estuary of Åbyälven are the ruins of an old industry (Brännfors sawmill) from 1760 until 1930, to explore on a historic path (Kulturstig Renholmen); next to the old harbor is a small nature camping (Renholmen Camping); along the river are several resting and fishing places
Places in Norrbotten
06.09.2023: Jävreboderna: old pasture farms transformed into a fishing camp ( (Jävrebodarna fiskecamp)
07.09.2023: Jävre: impressive stone-, bronce- and viking age findings also from settlements formerly on sealevel, now on hill ranges (due to land elevations); an archelogical path (Arkeologistigen Jävre) is guiding through the area; trade relations have been proved by similar findings in the south of todays Sweden; between 1797 and 1887 there were ironworks in the village (Degerfors bruk); Skags lighthouse was moved from Örnsköldsvik to Jävres homestead in the 1970s to create one of the most awarded harbor sceneries of Sweden
08.09.2023: Svensbyn: name probably given after colonialization of the Piteå area by Nils Åbjörnsson Sparre in 14th century, but appeared first with 22 households in documents of the Västerbotten county in 1539; genealogists in the 18th century were told that the name derived from four brothers that gave four villages their names (Sven for Svensbyn); highlight is Swensbylijda a well preserved homestead, where the village association has recreated the activities and businesses that have existed on the site in the past; the area is embedded in the pine green route of Solanderleden, the new hiking and cycling system (food along Solanderleden); Lindbäckstadion at Vallsberget is the skiing and biathlon area of Piteå in winter, in summer it is used for roller skiing, hiking and running
09.09.2023: Roknäs: the villages Roknäs and Sjulnäs are separated by the Lillpiteälven; the first bridge (Sund Bridge, Sjulnäs) was built 1785 at initiative of persecuted citizens of Sjulnäs managed to get Roknäs citizens involved in the construction; the present bridge is the third, and was built in 1920 when the unemployment in Sweden was 30 per cent; the buildings at the village street with historical shops and crafts testify the social transformation during industrialization of the 19th and 20th century; a fraction of Nasa leden, a trading route intended to connect Nasa silver mine with Öjeby churchtown passes the village
11.09.2023: Långnäs: first church village of Norrbotten (Långnäs Kyrkbyn); it was discovered in 19th century and further investigated in the 1960s; the settlement was founded at the beginning of the 14th century; it consisted of 20 cabins and a harbor; no church was found but metal books and pilgrim relicts from the birth town of Bridget of Sweden, verifying that christianization and mission played a pivotal role in the expandsion of Sweden to the north; some iron tools, coins and glass findings gave hints about hierarchies and trade partners; common people were bartering, elites had coins and glass; 100 years after founding the settlement was moved southwards to Öjebyn; before christianization the market place was in Gråträsk, where the largest Sami sacrified site was found (Gråträskfyndet)
12.09.2023: Böle: major income of the village until 1984 was log driving, now it is agriculture (f.e. Böle Potatis); at the rivershore is a traditional tannery from 1899 (Bölebyns Garveri) dealing with the history of hide materials and conservation; bridge over Piteälven (Bölebron) was inaugurated 1917, before there was a ferry connection; from Böle the blue route of Solanderleden is leading northwards along the river to Skifors and Älvsbyn
13.09.2023: Öjebyn: oldest parts of the church (Öjeby kyrka) were built in the 15th century; the well preserved church town (Kyrkstaden Öjebyn) consists of overnight cabins for people who visited church and market; the harbor was at Hamnviken, now a recreational area; 1620 the market town of Piteå was built around the church town, and got city rights in 1621; after fires in 1652 and 1666 it was moved further south to Häggholmen; Solander Association is dealing with historical research and education; Framnäs Folkshögskola was founded 1952 by the labor movement and specialized in musical education; a hiking an cycling area is at Karlberg
14.09.2023: Piteå: the city was built 1668 at the current location Häggholmen; Piteå Stadtskyrka was built 1686 and survived the destruction of the city in the great northern war (it was on the mainland); the islands of Piteå archipelago were and are also used for different purposes; 1915 railway connection; 1961 Swedens first pedestrian zone (Storgatan Piteå); Norra hamn is the largest leisure harbor of the community and is surrounded by a park dedicated to the arts (Konstparken Piteå); the parks on the other side of the channel are dedicated to the twin towns of the city; Saint Barthelemy park is a reminiscence of the swedish colonial history in the west indies (Svenska Sankt-Barthélemy); Grindavík in Iceland and Kandalaksha in Murmansk (Russia) have similar geological and human history (Vikings, Lapland); there are cycling routes in all directions (Cycling Piteå) through various landscapes
15.09.2023: Bergviken: industrialization and economic rationalization in Norrbotten started with Bergvikens Sågverk in 1858 built by C. A. Winroth; Bergsviken was the first elictrificated village in the region; the mill was bought 1917 by Ytterfors-Munksund and 1929 by Ivar Kreuger, the founder of Svenska Cellulosa AB, presently the major employer of Piteå and involved in the permanent transformation of the community and markets (Urbanization Piteå); at the location of the former sawmill is a small marina today (Hamnen Bergsviken); to discover the hidden places Öholmaleden is guiding around the area
16.09.2023: Norrfjärden: first mentioned in 1539 as Porsnäs when Sven Andersson payed income tax; the geological and administrative organization of the surrounding farms and village is not clear; 1913 a church was built and Norrfjärden parish seperated from Piteå parish; church cottages were built north west of the church at the lakeside; since 1967 it is part of Piteå community again; Norrfjärden leden is guiding through the area with many pittoresque farms, often used as residential houses today; there is a beach and bathing place at Harrträsket
17.09.2023: Sjulsmark:
18.09.2023: Rosfors: in 1830 iron ore was discovered in the bedrock of Rosfors; it got privillege in 1832; 1838 farmers and workers started a mining company (Rosfors Bruk); first only pig iron was produced, later a foundry and mechanical workshop were added to produce industrial and consumer products; a mill enabled self-sufficiency; 1899 a manison was built; the works were closed 1940; today the manison (Rosfors Bruksherrgård) is a hotel, the area is a nature reserve (Rosfors Bruk Naturreservat)
19.09.2023: Ersnäs: Hembergsleden is a trail along varied landscapes of coniferous forrests and heathland, high quality sand; agricultural land, marshes and stone quarries in relatively short distances; on top of Hemberget is a snow scooter cabin with view over the area
20.09.2023: Antnäs: pasture ways (Fäbodaleden) were introduced in 16th century to increase efficiency of agriculture; the pastures appeared in official plans in 19th century and are well preserved; Kvarnleden is part of the rasperry red Solanderleden; at Öberget stone age settlements have been found and researched further after the introduction of water power in the 1940s; the hill was an island in the archipelago formed by the last deglaciation; due to uncertainity in radiocarbon dating, makrofossilanalysis and lipidanalysis are applied to find cues about changing geography and development of the coastline
21.09.2023: Kallax: the tour historical places (Kallax historiska platser) is guiding through the village; highlight is the old harbor with fishing cottages; the extremly sour and nurishing fish Grand Kallax was used to feed the swedish army for centuries; in the 1990s this tradition was brought alive again by selling 1000 tin boxes of it a year; the area is part of the light orange Solanderleden
22.09.2023: Bergnäset: Lulea airport was built in 1941, winter operations started in 1948; tourist charters 1969; cargo flights since 1999; the Aviation Museum is dealing with past constellations and material; it is surrounded by Kallaxheden, a pine heath on sandy ground with many cycling and hiking routes; interesting are the many tunnels
23.09.2023: Gaddvik: Lax cottages (Lule Älvs laxfiskemuseum) from times when fishing was major income of the area; Soldattorpet Gaddvik was foundet in 1830s, when northern and southern Gaddvik were merged; it was disbanded when the allotment system was abolished in 1901; the old Gäddvik bridge was built 1941, the new bridge 1978
24.09.2023: Gammelstad: after colonialization in 14th century trading center and market place on a river island; first wooden church from 1339; new church building from 15th century; 404 cottages were used as short term housing on Sundays and during religious festivals for peasants due to difficult travelling and weather conditions; 116 buildings were for officials and permanent merchants (UNESCO World Heritage Churchtown, Luleå); city privilleges in 1621 by Gustav II Adolf; the harbor was unusable in 17th century due to land uplift and had to be moved downstream to Luleå in 1649; Visitor Center Gammelstad with comprehensive exhibitions and information
25.09.2023: Karlsvik: 1850 saw mill; 1873 steam saw mill; 1905 steam iron works; 1888 railway connection to Gällivare (Malmbanan); exponential growth of city in late 19th century; prosperity due to rising exports during first word war; depression in 1920s and closure 1929; 1911 a pulp factory was founded and in operation until 1962; today on the postindustrial area (Området Karlsvik) is a railway museum (Norrbottens Järnvägsmuseum) and a recreational park
26.09.2023: Luleå: city moved from Gammelstad to Luleå in 1649; city fires in 1653 and 1657; 1667 church was opened; 1690s starvation due to crop failure; city fire in 1762; 1864 city council; 1887 city fire; 1943 purchase of Karlsvik iron works by state and production in Norrbotten Iron Mill; 1954 Bergnäset bridge was built; 1955 construction of city mall; 1969 formation of Luleå municipality; beside the two bridges (Gäddviksbron, Bergnäsbron), the two harbours are landmark of the city; Norra Hamn was built after the city has been moved to the current location and was used until the beginning of the 20th century; 1901 Södra hamn was built
27.09.2023: Bälinge: Bälingeberget (as Öberget) was an island in the archipelago after the last deglaciation, before the land masses rose out of the sea; the wilderness area is now a nature reserve; it is situated at the rural cycling route of Luleå or the route 616 by car
28.09.2023: Sunderby: farming recorded since the 16th century; the old monastry (Sunderby Klostret) on Kråkberget is now a Folk High School (Sunderby Folkhögskola), offering education, hospitality and art exhibitions; there is a ferry connection (Avanleden) over the Luleälven river
29.09.2023: Sävast: as with some other villages in the region, name probably from a seal witness, in this case from 1339; history of fertile land and fine forrestry; in the mid 1970s multiple nuclei areas (settlement geography) were built in Sävast and a business park added in the 1990s (SKAPA)
30.09.2023: Boden: first mentioned in a tax collection of 1539; Överluleå church was built and parish founded in 1827; since 1894 most important railway junction of northern Sweden; five forts in concrete and armor were embedded in the surrounding mountains to defend Upper Norrland (Fortification of Sweden); from Rödbergfortet there is a wonderful view over city and area; 1919 separation of city and county; since 1971 municipality of Boden
01.10.2023: Brotjärn: 34.1 gramm human bones and well preserved objects have been found in the early 1940s (Brotjärnsfyndet); osteological analysis could not determine the cause of death; comparative carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses give possibly hints about nurishment; dating methods (archeological dating) based on bones and objects put both in different timeframes between 9760 and 1150 CE; further investigations are conducted to get hints about past trading and communication networks in accordance with russian research; in any case the impassable rapids of Luleälven between Råbäcken and Heden had to be avoided
02.10.2023: Heden: most likely the oldest marketplace of the villages along Luleälven (Lulebygden) due to rapids of todays city of Boden; Gammelstad further downstream was the oldest church site; 1863 a channel was planned to connect the swedish iron ore fields with Luleå; the project had to be stopped due to riots and bancrupcy of the investor (Engelska kanalen); rests of it are visible at Laforsudden
03.10.2023: Vittjärv: inhabited since the 13th century; name is finnish and means bush lake; village consisted of islands, surrounded by mountains, ravines and streams; in Gustav Vasas earthbook from the 1500s 15 people spread over four properties and there was a shortage of farmland; the first cultivated land was next to the southern part of Vittjärvs lake; 1765 there was a drowning accident and five people died in the river; during times of war in the 17th century, the local population had to pay with lives, livestock and money; at the end of the 17th century, there was a severe crop failure and people survived by eating straw and bark; 1750 a common mill was built at Kvarnbäcken; later a dance floor was built near Leåkersgården for log dance; during the war of 1808 the russians drove horses, hay, grain and brandy in wagons to Gammelstad; land reforms from 1848 until 1854 and many people were moved to new land; 1856 the post line from Luleå to Jokkmokk was opened; 1849 permission to built a saw mill; 1913 a steam saw was opened and closed 1969; a small school was startet at the begining of the 20th century; it was bought and transformed into an agricultural school in 1928, to reduce unemployment during recession; it stopped activities in 1943 and was transferred to Norrbottens County housekeeping society; it was changed into a boarding school in 1957 and stopped in 1980; and became a primary school in 1985 (source: Vittjärvs historia); 1974 Vittjärv hydropower plant was inaugurated, and is one of 15 power plants of the Lule river; it has the lowest drop height with 6 meters (highest is 173 meters in Ritsem)
04.10.2023: Sörbyn: after long debates in the 1970s and 80s it was decided that the Råne river stays unregulated and major future income will also be forrestry and agriculture, recently also nature tourism (Fishing in Råne river); it is 210 km long and stretches over 4 municipalities (Bodens list of possible activities along Råne river; Luleås list of possible activities along Råne river); the local museum of Sörbyn is in the building of the old school, that was founded in 1879, moved to the present building 1925, and closed 1969; Sörbyn Lodge is offering hospitality services at the lakeside
05.10.2023: Gunnarsbyn: remains from bronze age on hills east of Råne river; 1645 there were two farms in Gunnarsbyn, one farmer was called Gunnar; 1928 a church was built; 2018 Folkets Hus Gunnarsbyn was awarded for Sweden’s non-profit cinema and cultural space of the year in the smallest village; community association Råek is offering information and orientation in the area
06.10.2023: Lassbyn: during the second world war there was a tar factory organized by Munksunds AB; a hiking path is connecting several cultural, fishing and resting areas to explore along Lassbyforsen (video)
07.10.2023: Niemisel: cobblestone fields on Snöberget indicate the old coast line, the highest fields are at todays 220 meter level; until the 1950s a tower on the top was used as fire watch station; the cliffs of Snipen enable climbing; the first farms were recorded in the 16th century; railway connection 1903; the independent school was Swedens first unified school; another landmark is the thai restaurant in the old petrol station (Daw Thaimat)
08.10.2023: Melderstein: 1740 Jonas Meldercreutz, Abraham Steinholtz and Carl–Johan Thingwall founded Melderstein works; due to problems with the transport of ore and labor force, the 200 km long and 100 km broad district was cultivated (Principality of Melderstein); later Meldercreutz built a saw mill and rifle factory in Melderstein, a forge in Niemisel, a mill in Prästholm, ship- and brickyard in Strömsund; besides that, he was member of the Academy of Sciences and Professor of Mathematics in Uppsala; after his death the empire was bought 1785 by Jean Bedoire, 1799 by Gustav Hermelin; he got bancrupt in 1812; 1825 the new king Carl Johan Bernadotte took over the mill; 1855 Gellivare Company bought the mill; 1892 it was closed; Melderstein manor was run as a manor house, school, leisure farm for the Missionary Association and is now private property of the direct descents of Carl–Johan Thingwall (Melderstein history)
09.10.2023: Prästholm: at Pålberget stone age settlements were found; first mentioned in today*s records 149215 farmers were reported in 1543; 1667 a spring flood swept away fields and meadows; 1690 several people starved to death; periods of severe stunting in 17th and 18th century; 7 grop failures in the 1830s; post service since 1886; grouping and architecture of farms changed several times in history and is visible in the village and on old plans (history of Prästholm); there are public facilities including bird watching tower at Pålträsket lake and Pålträskängarna
10.10.2023: Böle: in the 1850s a grain grinding mill was reported at Kvarnbäcken; 1919 there was nothing left and there is still no information about of how many buildings it consisted and why it was demolished; in the 1940s the swimming school for the valley was at Andträsket, 1971 drinking water was taken from the lake; the village association has issued a self explaining map (Broschyr Fembyarna) about available information and how to find around in the valley; the association Raan.nu and Bild Internet Luleå is dealing with collecting and making sense of historical material
11.10.2023: Råneå: oldest known village along the river; the parish Råneå was founded 1642 as breakaway from Luleå parish (map of Råneå from 1685); 10 of 250 church cottages, built by farmers to attend the church, are left next to the church; until 1883 Råneå was a second class pastorate, when the division of pastorates into classes was abolished; also 1883 a shoe factory was established by Tave Lundin, another one in 1930 (history of shoe industry in Råneå)
12.10.2023: Kängsön: old fishing and trading harbor with typical houses located at the archipellago of Råneå (history of Kängsön), which is part of Luleå archipellago with 1.312 everchanging islands; the islands are reached from Råneå boatclub in summer, by ice ways in winter (ice ways managed by municipality Luleå); there also is a canoe center (Canoe Adventure North); here a video of my personal water adventures in the urban jungle of Unterer Letten in Zurich at your own risk
13.10.2023: Jämtön: first recorded in 1491 as Jemtthöön, when commoners settled in the village, that was an island; in Gustav Vasas earthbook there were 16 taxpayers; 1654 incorporation into Råneå parish; 1969 Luleå municipality; there is a network of scooter trails (Skoterleder Jämtön); Metträsket is an idyllic fishing lake an nature room in the east of the village; in Jämtöavan four boatbuilders were counted, harbor with old fishing huts; Rörbäck Seabath is offering further recreational activities
14.10.2023: Töre: Törefors Mill was inaugurated in 1799 by baron Samuel Gustaf Hermlin; he started with a sawmill and an iron forge at the rapids; a blast furnace was built in 1875 when the phosphorous ore from Gällivare could be used (Thomas process); the public company was liquidated in 1888 due to changing logistics and price competition (Törefors Masugn 1875 – 1888, doctoral thesis); the sawmill was moved to Sandholmen in 1880; after insolvency the iron works were purchased back by the sawmill; since then changing owners (economic history of Töre); 1924 Töre parish; 1967 Kalix municipality; there is a guided way around the historic area
15.10.2023: Siknäs: Siknäsfort is part of Kalixlinjen, a defense system, built during the second world war and closed after the end of the cold war; guided tours are offered; a small submarine museum is at Töre harbor, the most northern point of the baltic sea
16.10.2023: Pålänge: graves from 14th century give hints about old coastline (history Pålänge); first recorded in 15th century; first map from 1647; four mills were built along Pålängeån in 18th and 19th century (audioguide Pålängeån)
17.10.2023: Kalix: Swedens northernmost medieval church from the first half of 15th century (Kalix kyrka) as secession from Luleå parish; the belfry was built 1731 by craftsmen from Österbotten, at this time at the river mouth into the sea; from here the Nationalelfsleden is leading along the river to the north; Vassholmen is an island in the stream, that was used as arbitration place for timber handling from 1890s until 1979; Strandpromenaden is leading through the city direction south along several leisure opportunities (Kalix Camping, Kalix Beach Bath, Kalix Sport City, Kalix Winterland); the transformations of the city during the last 100 years are exposed at Galleria Kalix; a well known speciality of the city is Kalix Löjrom a protected designation of origin by the EU
18.10.2023: Månsbyn: first recorded in 1539 as Karmansmansbyn; Karman was the name of a settler; name change in 1619; first inns at riverbanks after regulation of 1638 were important for infrastructure with changing weather conditions; 1732 Carl Oloffson was the first guestgiver in Månsbyn (history of Månsbyn); in the napoleonic wars 1809 major general Hans Henrik Gripenberg (Sweden) negotiated the convention of Kalix there with Michail Barclay de Tolly (Russia); remains of the old allotment system are visible at Naturstigen Månsbyn and the fort Storberget also used in the first world war
19.10.2023: Bjumisträsket: Bjumisträsket bathing and ice skating lake with public facilities; often mystic nordic light coupled with sound due to temperature inversion; no animals
20.10.2023: Sangis: grave mound Sangishögen poses questions about relations of hunters and gatherers in the north with traders, their routes and the historic landscape
21.10.2023: Seskarö: medieval labyrinths have been found; 1917 the Seskarö Uprising broke out in Nedertorneå, due to hunger; port to Haparanda Skärgårds nationalpark with trails and public facilities
22.10.2023: Haparanda: city built, when Sweden lost Finland to Russia in 1809 (Treaty of Fredrikshamn); first plans for the city were near Seskarö with name Karl Johans stad; city rights in 1821; exhibition of impressive history during first world war (Torneå and the First World War) and revolutions of 1917 until 1923 in neutral Sweden next to Tornvallen at the embankment; the fortification was built to secure supply and the railway bridge built in 1919; thousands of political refugees of all political fragments from rebells to nobility, traders, agents and injured from Russia, Germany and Austria led to the growth of the frontier town; Stadshotell was a melting pot and it is unknown who paid Lenins bill on his way from Geneva to Moscow (Lenin’s journey in a sealed car); challenges with the supply of goods, currencies and customs on both sides of the river; during the second world war and Lapland war, the city was refugee camp and hospital again; also hundreds of japeneese refugees were counted; Riekkola-Välivaara is the recreational area of the city and offering various summer and winter leisure activities including a little harbor (Riekkola småbåtshamn); since 2013 Haparanda Järnvägsstation can be reached by train again from the swedish side; a connection from Finland is planned
Weihler 