Bollstabruk lies on Bollstafjärden, a bay of the Ångermanälven that reaches deep inland. The village can be explored through two distinct themes: a long industrial history and hilly terrain with numerous waterways and mountains. When planning your visit, you can first decide whether you are mainly interested in historic buildings or in walking and running outdoors. Both interests have their own points of interest, so Bollstabruk cannot be reduced to a single reason to visit.
Industrial Heritage Across Several Eras
Bollstabruk is one of the oldest industrial sites in Västernorrland and has been continuously active for more than 270 years. The industrial setting developed from the ironworks and the blast furnace built by Bollstaån in 1737 to today’s modern sawmill. The blast furnace beside Bollstaån is a tangible part of the industrial and cultural landscape.
Kejsarstan offers a different perspective on the industrial setting: this historic district comprises five workers’ barracks built between 1884 and 1894. While the blast furnace represents early production, the barracks point to the residential side of the industrial village. The Bruksherrgården adds to the architectural picture with buildings dating from the 18th to the 20th century and parts of the preserved manor park. Compared with the workers’ barracks, which have a clearly defined construction period, the Bruksherrgården spans a much broader period covering several centuries.
The Stensätterborgen on Borgberget, about two kilometres west of Bollstabruk, represents a much older era. It is one of the three northernmost hillforts in Sweden and one of the best-preserved sites dating from 400 to 800 AD. The destination’s historical significance therefore extends far beyond its industrial history: the hillfort, the blast furnace of 1737 and more than 270 years of continuous industrial activity represent distinctly different eras.
Choose a Landscape and Trails
The surrounding area is shaped by hilly terrain with numerous waterways and mountains. The network of hiking trails around Bollstabruk is suitable in spring, summer and autumn for both woodland walks and running. This offers various ways to spend time outdoors.
Svedjeberget offers a viewpoint overlooking the Ångermanälven. There is also a hut and a barbecue area at the summit. The viewpoint offers a different focus from the trail network: here, the view over the river takes centre stage, while the trails are mentioned as a way to get active in the surrounding area.
A shorter option is the 1.7-kilometre loop starting at Bollstahallen. There is parking at the hall, and a bus stop is nearby. The route is also suitable for walks with a rollator and a pushchair. The longer loop leads to a wind shelter and a rest area before returning through a stretch of forest. Together with the shorter loop, the route is 3.4 kilometres long. By comparison, the shorter loop has a specified starting point and is described as suitable for rollators and pushchairs; the longer one differs in that it includes a wind shelter, a rest area and a stretch of forest. Conditions on the longer loop may vary depending on the season.
Discover more destinations: Nordvik, Ro, Lunde, Bjärtrå, Nyland, Lugnvik, Docksta, Nordingra
For the main travel overview: Kramfors.
