In Hallstahammar, you can explore canal history, industrial heritage, nature and water-based activities as distinct highlights. These include historic locks, a forge with origins dating back to 1628, a marked trail and a canoe tour to Strömsholm.

Locks and Canal History

Sörkvarn is the only triple lock on the Strömsholm Canal. Skantzens sluss is a double lock and an important part of the lock area in Hallstahammar. Kulturområdet Skantzen has an exhibition about the canal’s history. It includes, among other things, a working lock model and tools used to build the canal. You can book guided tours of Kulturområdet through Svedvi Bergs hembygdsförening.

Industrial History in Trångfors

The origins of Trångfors smedja date back to 1628. The coal house also tells the story of the area’s industrial past: it dates from the 19th century and is one of the few that remain in Sweden. At the annual Trångforsdagen, the forge is demonstrated while hot, with its Lancashire furnace, blowing engine and hammer.

Guided tours, visits and activities are offered at Trångfors smedja during parts of the year. The old Trångfors power station is opened by arrangement; you can book an appointment by calling 0220 – 174 09. If you plan to visit, take these different arrangements into account when planning your day.

Nature, Trails and Water

The Sörkvarnsforsen nature reserve in Hallstahammar consists of deciduous-woodland-covered riverbanks and rapids islands. It is one of the last unmodified stretches of rapids on the Kolbäcksån. Valstasjön is home to numerous amphibians, especially toads and the endangered great crested newt. The Valstaspåret trail by Valstasjön is about 3.5 kilometres long, easy to walk and marked with orange signs on the trees.

There is also a specific option for a mountain-bike ride: the MTB trail at Motionscentrum in Hallstahammar runs through the forest and includes singletrack, roots and bends. It is part of Trails of Västmanland. The described trail conditions therefore differ considerably from those of the easy-to-walk Valstaspåret.

For the canoe tour from Hallstahammar to Strömsholm, the launch point is at Sörkvarnsbron. The tour takes about four to five hours. To return to the starting point, paddlers can take the bus to Hallstahammar from Borgåsund or Strömsholm. Check the current timetable before your return trip.

Art and Cultural Perspectives

The Thore Skogmans Museum collects records, books, personal belongings, stage costumes and stories about Thore Skogman, keeping his significant musical legacy accessible. Hallstahammars konsthall presents several new exhibitions every year. Forms of expression include, among others, painting, photography, sculpture, film and crafts.

A roughly five-kilometre loop through Hallstahammar passes public artworks, historic cultural settings, water and central areas. It is easily accessible and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. This offers another way to bring art and local history together on a walk.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kolbäck.

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