Engelsbergs bruk is an outstanding example of an influential European industrial complex from the 17th to the 19th century. A complete ironworks from that period and much of its technical equipment have been preserved. This means you will encounter not just individual remnants, but a connected historic site. Tours are organised by the owner, Nordstjernan; as visitor arrangements and schedules may change, check the dates before you travel.
More traces of industrial history
At the Fagersta Bruksmuseum, you can learn more about the history of the ironworks and steel in Fagersta. On request, the museum can be shown to school classes, groups and other interested visitors. At Dunshammar, well-preserved Iron Age bloomery furnaces can be seen in their original setting. They offer an earlier perspective on ironworking than the industrial sites from later centuries.
Trummelsbergs bruk was founded by Olav Trummel in 1622 and operated until 1907. Traces of historic ironworking are still visible in the landscape; there is also a barbecue area and a shelter on site. In the Jonhagen area are visible remains of the medieval farmstead of Västra Mårviken, including a house plan with remnants of hearths, as well as the foundations of an outbuilding and a cellar.
Ängelsberg: Refinery, Art and Water
The island of Oljeön in Lake Åmänningen, near Ängelsberg, is home to the world’s oldest preserved oil refinery. In summer, you can visit the museum as part of a guided tour; check seasonal visiting options before your trip. The Petrolia ferry departs from below Ängelsberg railway station, and the crossing to Oljeön takes just under ten minutes. As the ferry operates seasonally and according to a timetable, it is worth checking the schedule before you travel.
In Ängelsberg, the sculpture park displays outdoor artworks in nature, beside the Snytenån. Each summer, works are installed there around a new exhibition theme. During the summer season, a paddling trip to Ängelsberg can be combined with lunch or coffee at Nya Serveringen and a visit to the sculpture park.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
The limestone-rich habitats of the Svartberget Nature Reserve provide suitable conditions for rare plants, orchids and mosses. Birds spotted there include the European honey buzzard and the red-breasted flycatcher; the species you may see can vary by season. At Landsberget, you will find caves and cliffs. From a viewpoint, you can look out over Lake Åmänningen. At the summit there are seating areas, a shelter and a barbecue area; from spring to autumn, colourful hammocks are also available in the hammock forest.
In Fagersta, the Bruksleden trail passes through Högbyn, at 241 metres Fagersta’s highest point, as well as Trummelsberg and Landsberget. At 217 metres, Landsberget is Fagersta’s second-highest point. Another option is the 16-kilometre Landsbergstriangeln circular hike, which passes through forests and by several lakes and waterways. In winter, the lakes around Trummelsberg often freeze early, attracting long-distance ice skaters.
Explore by Bike
The Strömsholms canal follows the Kolbäcksån water system for 110 kilometres, passing through the municipalities of Smedjebacken, Fagersta, Surahammar and Hallstahammar and by 14 lakes. The cycle route along the canal runs from Smedjebacken in the north, via Fagersta and Ängelsberg, to Västerås in the south. The Linjan cycle route runs partly alongside the canal and through the centre of Fagersta. Mountain bikers can enjoy purpose-built trails at Fagersta Södra IK’s bike park at Fageråsen, ranging from one to nine kilometres and catering to different skill levels.
Fagersta Wakepark, Sweden’s first full-size wake park, is located on Lake Eskiln. Its cable system consists of six towers. Golf enthusiasts will find the Fagersta Golfklubb’s 18-hole course right by Hedkärrasjön, in a cultural landscape characterised by parkland and woodland; the clubhouse has a restaurant.
Discover more destinations: Fagersta, Ängelsberg, Norberg, Surahammar, Köping, Kungsör, Strömsholm, Sala.
See the main travel overview: Västmanland.
