24 JULY 2026
Discover the mills in Norrtälje
In the 17th century, Walloon ironworkers came to the Norrtälje area and founded the ironworks that shaped the entire region. Skebobruk – Uppland's oldest ironworks with documented evidence from 1444 – is the hub of a fascinating ironworks history that lives on in preserved environments and a living museum.
The Walloons who shaped the Norrtälje region
In the 17th century, Walloon smiths from present-day Belgium arrived at Roslagen's ironworks. They brought with them knowledge of Walloon smithing – a technique for producing the sought-after bar iron that Sweden exported throughout Europe. In the inland areas of Norrtälje municipality, they left their mark on the landscape forever.
Skebobruk – Uppland's oldest ironworks
Skebobruk in southern Norrtälje is Uppland's oldest confirmed ironworks, with evidence of iron production dating back to 1444. In the 1680s, Walloon smithing was established in Skebo, and during the 19th century the works was Roslagen's largest workplace with several hundred employees. The works closed in 1924 but the well-preserved works street, the manor house from 1770 and Skebobruk museum testify to its heyday.
The works environments today
The preserved works communities with their straight streets, workers' cottages and manor houses are living cultural environments. In Skebo you can visit the museum and walk along the historic works street. If you want to see more works environments, Österbybruk in the neighbouring municipality of Östhammar – with the world's only functioning Walloon smithy – is an obvious next stop.
- Skebobruk museum: open during the summer season
- Skebo manor house from 1770 with orangery
- Walloon smithing in Uppland since the 1680s
- Österbybruk (Östhammar municipality): Walloon smithy, manor house, walking trails