Söderfors combines industrial history with a specific option for a walk: Engelska Parken has a Greek temple and paths along the Dalälven, while Söderfors bruk is associated with anchor making and historic buildings. During your stay, you can weigh up cultural history against a circuit through the park.

Forge Craft and Life at the Ironworks

The Söderfors bruk ironworks was founded in 1676 to forge anchors for the fleet. From around 1750, a large-scale master plan for Söderfors bruk was put into effect. The dates refer to different milestones: the founding and a later plan. Together, they provide a timeframe for the development of the ironworks.

The history of forging becomes especially tangible at the smaller of the two surviving anchor forges at Söderfors bruk. Built from slag stone in 1786, it was used for anchor forging until 1883. Today, the surviving smaller forge serves as a museum. Its construction date, building material and former work can thus be considered together in a single building.

Housing and social concerns are also part of the area's history. Änkehuset was established in 1776 at the initiative of Anna Johanna Grill the Elder; it was intended to improve the housing situation of the ironworks' widows. The whitewashed forge workers' homes at Söderfors bruk were built between 1750 and 1780. Alongside production, the buildings therefore also bring the living conditions around the ironworks into focus.

The Söderfors Hembygdsförening has prepared a forge workers' home for public visits. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit. Söderfors hembygdsgård offers another perspective: it is a living museum where parts of Söderfors's history can be viewed and experienced.

Engelska Parken: Temple and Circular Route

Winding paths run along the Dalälven in Engelska Parken. A one-kilometre circular route crosses picturesque bridges and offers views across the river. The stated distance gives you a specific guide if you would like to plan a circuit through the park during your stay.

The Greek temple is also located in Engelska Parken. It was built on the model of the Temple of Theseus in Athens and completed in 1797. The park thus offers two distinct focuses side by side: an architectural landmark and paths by the river. You can orient your visit more towards the building or the walk.

Which focus suits your stay?

The park offers a clearly defined option for a walk; the history of the ironworks provides several ways to explore industrial, architectural and social history. If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Söderfors, first consider which of these themes interests you most. This can help you choose the destination based on the experiences you would like to include in your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tierp, Karlholmsbruk, Lövstabruk, Skärplinge.

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