Strömforsin ruukin pajamuseo
At the Yläpaja of Strömfors ironworks the operation of the iron works and the work of the smiths are presented; admission is free daily in summer.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Strömforsin ruukin pajamuseo is located in Ruotsinpyhtää, in a building on the culturally unique ironworks site known as Yläpaja (Upper Smithy). The museum presents the operation of the old iron works and the work of the smiths. Here one can see an authentic water hammer, as well as the equipment used to make iron objects such as nails and tools.
Strömfors ironworks is one of the oldest ironworks in Finland. Baron Johan Creutz founded the first tilt-hammer forge in the village of Petjärvi in 1695, on the western branch of the Kymi River, where the rapids provided water power all year round. In 1744 the works received its name from its new owners, Anders Nohrström and Jakob Forsell. In 1790 Virginia af Forselles took over the management of the works, which she led for almost 60 years, and most of the present building stock dates from her period.
The ironworks forges ended production in 1950, after having used almost the same technology for more than 250 years, and the sawmill was closed in 1953. A protection plan for the Ruotsinpyhtää ironworks area was confirmed in 1969, and the area with its buildings is under the protection of the Finnish Heritage Agency. The municipality of Ruotsinpyhtää was merged into Loviisa at the beginning of 2010. The smithy museum belongs to the museum of the City of Loviisa.
Highlights
- Authentic water hammer in Yläpaja
- Operation of the old ironworks and the work of the smiths
- Equipment for making nails and tools
- One of the oldest ironworks in Finland (1695)
- Summer guided walks around the ironworks area
Permanent exhibition
- Yläpaja ja rautaruukin toiminta – In Yläpaja the production of iron in earlier times, the work of the smiths, an authentic water hammer and equipment for making nails and tools are presented.
- Operated by
- Loviisan kaupungin museo
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Walking tour ‘From Forging Iron to the Idyll of the Ironworks’ (in summer), adults | €10Under 18s €5; under 7s free of charge. |
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| Drama guided tour ‘Virginia af Forselles’ (in summer), adults | €12Under 18s €7; under 7s free of charge. |
Admission to the museum is free. Tickets for the summer guided walks are sold at the Yläpaja museum, in cash or by card.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in Yläpaja, on the Ruotsinpyhtää ironworks site.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Good to know | Group guided tours of the ironworks and the smithy museum can be booked with the Loviisa guides. For the summer walking tours a place can be reserved in advance by telephone from the smithy museum’s guides on 040 630 2204. |
