6 JUNE 2026
Industrial Heritage Walk — 2 days among the Walloon ironworks
Northern Roslagen holds one of Sweden's richest industrial heritage. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Walloon ironworkers established ironworks whose manor environments, forges and works streets remain to this day. Here is a two-day round trip among the most beautiful.
Background — the Walloons and iron
When the Dutch merchants Louis de Geer and Willem de Besche recruited metalworkers from Wallonia in the 17th century, they laid the foundation for Sweden's golden age of iron production. The ironworks of Roslagen and northern Uppland became some of the country's leading — and their well-preserved manor house environments are among the most worth seeing in the region today.
Day 1 — Forsmark and Lövstabruk
Start at Forsmarks bruk, one of Uppland's best-preserved ironworks communities with an English landscape park, manor house and red-painted works street. Take your time to walk through the park and along the dams.
Have lunch at Forsmarks Wärdshus before continuing north to Lövstabruk — the crown jewel among the Walloon ironworks. Here Louis de Geer established in the 17th century what became known as Sweden's largest iron foundry. Don't miss the famous Cahman organ from 1728 in the works church, one of Europe's best-preserved Baroque organs.
Accommodation
The area around the ironworks offers accommodation in manor house environments and on nearby farms. Plan your accommodation in advance, especially during the summer season.
Day 2 — Österbybruk
The second day is devoted to Österbybruk, known for its Walloon smithy — one of the few preserved of its kind — and for Österbybruks Manor with the Bruno Liljefors collection. The smithy gives a concrete picture of how iron was worked with water-powered hammers.
Finish with lunch at Bistro Jernet or at Wärdshuset Gammel Tammen in a manor house setting.
Extend your journey
Those who wish to deepen their knowledge can add more ironworks in Roslagen — including Wira bruk with its blacksmithing tradition, as well as Hargs, Edsbro and Ortala bruk, each with their own history. Together they form a coherent cultural landscape shaped by iron.