In Hammarby, the history of an ironworks meets a landscape of river and lake. This gives your trip planning a clear theme: you can focus on the industrial past, explore the local history, or set aside time outdoors for the tree trail and some exercise. The different places offer a range of ways to shape your stay.

Industrial history by the water

Hammarby Bruk originated as an old ironworks, with a history dating back to the 16th century. The Hammarbyån flows from Ältebosjön in the west, through the village and into the Gavelhytteån. The course of the Gavelhytteån was crucial to the development of the ironworks. In Hammarby, waterways and industrial history are therefore part of the same story.

The old industrial setting around the Gavelhytteån is considered to be of national interest for cultural heritage conservation. The history of the Bruk’s buildings also spans different periods: the older industrial buildings were complemented by 1950s architecture by Ralph Erskine. Those interested in Hammarby Bruk can explore both its early origins and this later architectural addition.

Gamla Stenhuset and local history

Gamla Stenhuset is one of the oldest houses in Gästrike Hammarby and one of the museums listed by Sandviken Municipality. The house contains a portrait collection, an archive and exhibitions on Hammarby’s history. Each offers a different focus: the portraits, archive and exhibitions provide various ways to explore local history. Gamla Stenhuset can therefore be included in your travel plans as a cultural history destination in its own right. Check current visiting arrangements before planning a visit.

Hammarby kapell also has a specific visiting requirement: it is not open every day. You need to contact the caretaker to arrange a visit. If you plan to visit the chapel, make this arrangement in advance.

Parks, trees and exercise

Bruksparken is an English-style park by Ältebosjön. It has a tree trail featuring 22 different deciduous trees. You can borrow the accompanying booklet from a box at the information board by the bridge from Petres väg. The trail gives you a specific subject to explore in the park: its different deciduous trees. Alongside the cultural history, the area’s plant life is also a focus.

Jungfruholmens badplats is on the small island of Jungfruholmen in Ältebosjön. If you are planning to swim in 2026, note that the jetty at Jungfruholmen is closed: swimming there is prohibited for the entire year because of safety deficiencies. Hammarbyheden offers another way to exercise. The recreation area has a lit running trail that can be used year-round. So while swimming from the jetty is prohibited in 2026, the running trail is available year-round; check its condition on site.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can plan your stay around the topics that interest you most: industrial history and historic places, or parks, trees and exercise. To visit the chapel, you need to contact the caretaker; swimming plans at the jetty must take the closure throughout 2026 into account.

Discover more destinations: Österfärnebo, Storvik, Gysinge, Järbo, Sandviken, Kungsgården, Årsunda

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