At the heart of Forsbacka, Lake Storsjön flows into the Gavleån River. Two distinct areas of interest can shape a stay here: the history of the ironworks and activities on the lake. Before looking for hotels in Forsbacka, consider what interests you most: historic buildings, architecture and parks, or time by the water. This will help you match your choice of accommodation to the activities you have planned.
Ironworks and manor house: several centuries of history
Iron production in Forsbacka dates back to the 16th century. In 1651, Queen Christina granted Forsbacka a charter authorising a forge and two furnaces. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Forsbacka Bruk developed into a modern large-scale industry for its time. The years 1953 and 1981 mark two different endpoints: the blast furnaces operated until 1953, and the last rolling mill was shut down in 1981.
The grounds of Forsbacka Bruk, founded as early as the 16th century, retain an industrial setting dating from the 19th century. Visitors can stroll among buildings from the ironworks’ heyday and join guided tours. Check with the operator in advance for tour arrangements. Forsbacka Manor was built in 1777. Gustav III visited Forsbacka Bruk in 1792 and stayed overnight at the manor. The interior retains features including woodwork, doors, door pediments, tiled stoves and wall decorations.
The history of the area’s roads is also tangible: the stone stele known as Rysstenen bears an inscription about roadworks carried out by Russian prisoners in 1790 and is connected with Gustav III’s Russo-Swedish War of 1788–1790. A 1798 map of Forsbacka Bruk shows a road running through the area from around the blast furnace, roughly along today’s Storgatan and then along Strömgatan to the harbour. On the map, it is called “Ryss Wägen”.
Church and parks
Forsbacka Church was inaugurated on 7 June 1965. Its ship-shaped, octagonal floor plan sets it apart architecturally from the older traces of the ironworks. The altar is made of slag stone from Forsbacka Bruk. Before the church was built, the orangery belonging to the manor house served as the area’s first place of worship. These details tell of different phases in the area’s history; the church and the former orangery did not serve the same purpose or belong to the same period.
In the 1790s, the park at the manor house was redesigned in the English landscape garden style. Visitors can stroll through the English Park. Bruksparken is also located next to the manor house and is used for recreation, including walks. If you plan to go for a walk, check the current conditions locally.
Lake Storsjön and practical options
Laduholmen is a bathing spot on Lake Storsjön with a sandy beach. Bus route 91 goes to the Forsbacka Konsum stop, about 600 metres from Laduholmen. Check the timetable that suits your journey. The M/S Emma excursion boat departs from Forsbacka for a guided trip on Lake Storsjön. As it operates to a timetable, it is a good idea to check the latest departure times.
In summer, you can rent or book canoes through Labbis at Forsbacka Bruk. Labbis is located in the former laboratory of Forsbacka Bruk and is a crêperie, restaurant, bar and café. Coffee, food and drinks are available; check what is currently on offer before you go. Seasonal canoe hire and a boat trip on the lake can add a water-based activity to your stay, while the manor house, industrial setting and local history offer a different focus. The combination that suits you depends on how you would like to divide your time between culture and the lake.
Discover more destinations: Bergby, Gävle, Valbo, Hamrånge, Axmar, Hedesunda, Norrsundet.
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