A 50-metre-long mine shaft beneath Garpenbergs kyrka and a mining chapel that is still in active use today reveal two distinctive sides of Garpenberg. Gruvkapell dates from the early 17th century and is the only above-ground mining chapel in Sweden still in active use. Along with the manor house, traces of mining and trails through the surrounding area, the village offers different ways to plan a stay.

Mining history, church and manor house

Mining at Garpenbergs bruk dates back to the 13th or 14th century. Garpenbergs bruk and the manor house were closely connected with the Garpenberg mine for a long time. The manor house’s construction history can also be seen in several buildings: the present main building was constructed of stone to plans by C. C. Gjörwell, signed in 1801. Three of the original four wings remain; they were also built of stone, around 1760.

Garpenbergs kyrka is an 18th-century church. Its distinctive features include tall red pews and a large statue of Christ on the altar. The 50-metre-long mine shaft, called Stollen or Carls stoll, runs beneath the church. Sacred architecture and a tangible trace of mining are thus present in different forms. Visits to Gruvkapell can be booked through the Garpenberg local heritage association.

Another destination for history enthusiasts is Garpenbergs Gammelgård, an open-air museum with around ten historic buildings. Guided visits can be booked through the Garpenberg local heritage association; availability may vary by season. Beside Klondyke beach, at the outflow of Lake Gruvsjön, are the ruins of an ore-processing plant. The area also contains a large expanse of slag heaps—visible reminders of the industrial mining history.

Trails, views and nature

Garpenbergs arboretum offers a botanical highlight: this small park features unusual trees and plants, particularly conifers such as spruces and thujas. Visitors who want to focus on plants as well as architectural and industrial history during their stay will find a different way to explore the area here.

The two circular trails described here differ considerably in length. Dammsjöleden is just under five kilometres long and runs around Finnhytte Dammsjön. Along the way, it passes both disused mines and the modern mining area of Garpenberg. Several rest areas with wind shelters and barbecue spots offer places to take a break along the route. The approximately 19-kilometre Bensåsleden is a loop from Garpenberg to Bensåsen and the nearby Bensåsgruvan. There, visitors can enter the Morfars ort mine tunnel; on the return journey, the route follows an old church path.

Banvallen is adapted for walking, cycling and horse riding, and mostly follows the former railway embankment of the Gruvgården–Fors line. It offers views over Lake Gruvsjön; Pilgrimsleden also runs along Banvallen. The trails therefore differ not only in length, but also in whether a circular route leads to mines or a former railway embankment and its views define the character of the route.

Plan your visit and journey

Choose trails and visits to suit your interests, without limiting the mining history to a single museum or route. The nearest bus stops to the Banvallen trailheads are Garpenbergs kyrka and Garpenbergs herrgård. Check the current timetable before travelling. Guided tours can also be booked as part of a stay at Garpenbergs Slott; confirm availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hedemora, Stjärnsund, Vikmanshyttan.

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