Horndals bruksmuseum
Works museum in Horndal's works park on the history of the ironworks and the community from 1652 until its closure in 1979; visits by arrangement.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Horndals bruk was founded in 1652, when Isaac Kock, a descendant of Walloon immigrants, set up an iron industry by the Horndalsån river and brought in skilled Walloon smiths. The works remained in the Cronström family's ownership for just over 200 years. After a change of ownership in 1861, production grew strongly, and in 1875 the railway station was inaugurated. A new furnace (hytta) was completed in 1885, and the forge with fifteen Lancashire hearths was the world's largest of its kind under one roof. In 1906 Sweden's first ironworks collective agreement was signed here. The works became part of the Fagersta group in 1927 and was closed in 1979, after more than 300 years.
The old works area is today a works park with many buildings and slag-stone ruins, sometimes called the “Pompeii of industry”, including the ruin of the Lancashire forge. The park is run by Föreningen Horndals Brukspark (Horndal Works Park Association), a non-profit association that runs a café in summer, as well as minigolf and boules, and rents out the Bruksmässen (works fair hall).
The works museum shows the history of the works and the community. It is open by request, and during the Bruksdagarna (Works Days) it is open daily.
Highlights
- The history of the works and the community from 1652 to 1979
- Works park with slag-stone ruins and preserved buildings
- The ruin of the Lancashire forge
- Café, minigolf and boules in the park in summer
Permanent exhibition
- Bruksmuseet – Exhibition on the history of the Horndal works and the community.
- Operated by
- Föreningen Horndals Brukspark
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus and train connections to Horndal from Avesta and Krylbo, and trains from Gävle (Dalatrafik).
Horndal lies about 2.5 mil (Swedish miles) north of Avesta. Follow national road 68 from Avesta and turn right onto Allévägen by the flywheel in Horndal; there are signs to Horndals Brukspark there. After 600 metres you have arrived.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Café in the park in summer; minigolf and a boule court are in the park.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
The Bruksmässen (works fair hall) is rented out for parties, conferences and meetings; the park is also used for weddings.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Viewing of the works museum is arranged after a telephone enquiry to the association. |
