Ångslipspelet
Industrial heritage site at Gävle shipyard with a steam-powered slipping winch from the 1880s, steam engines and an exhibition on the history of the yard.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Ångslipspelet was installed in 1883–85 as part of the investments that AB Atlas made after taking over Gefle Varvs AB, which had gone bankrupt in 1876. The investments proved unprofitable, and the repair and equipment yard was closed as early as 1888. Afterwards there was workshop activity on the site and, for periods, ship construction. The winch was used until 1967 and then fell into oblivion.
A group of older, knowledgeable people began clearing and restoring the building, and Gävle Varvs Historiska Förening (Gävle Shipyard Historical Society) was formed in 2005. The steam engine is a horizontal two-cylinder back-pressure engine in original condition, which was bought from Day & Summers in Southampton. The steam boiler is a renovated marine boiler from Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstad, built in 1926 and in S/S Östa until 1999. A group of steam enthusiasts maintains the boiler and the winch, and the society has also rescued the steam engine from a dismantled gantry crane, a steam-driven feedwater pump and two other feedwater pumps.
The museum shows pictures and objects from the shipyard era, and the winch itself is run for visitors on certain occasions. The society is working to restore a further building, so that more machines and salvaged shipyard material can be shown.
Highlights
- Steam-driven slipping winch from 1883–85
- Steam engine in original condition
- Marine boiler from 1926
- Exhibition with pictures and objects from Gävle shipyard
- The winch is run live a couple of times a year
Permanent exhibition
- Ångslipspelet och varvets historia – The steam-driven winch is shown together with pictures and objects from the work at Gävle shipyard.
- Operated by
- Gävle Varvs Historiska Förening
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The exhibition hall is accessible by wheelchair, but it is difficult to reach the winch itself. The staircase dates from 1883 and the steps are high. There are no toilets or other facilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gasklockorna · 5-min walk
City bus line 14 from Gävle Town Hall (stop F) to the Gasklockorna stop, then about a 5-minute walk.
By car
Parking available
Parking is right behind the winch house, which is the first building on the right inside the shipyard area.
From the railway station it is a walk of about 20–25 minutes along the south side of the Gavleån (Gävle river). By car from the E4, follow the southern access road, pass the roundabouts past the gasholders (Gasklockorna) and turn into the smaller road to the Gävle shipyard area.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop: not available
There are no toilets or other facilities on the site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A viewing of the machinery can be arranged outside the usual opening hours if you contact the society in advance on +46 70 328 73 10. The winch is run live a couple of times a year. |
