Hults bruks smidescentrum

About the museum

Hults bruk (ironworks) in Norrköping Municipality was founded in 1697, when Jakob Reenstierna received the privilege to produce ship’s spikes. German smiths worked at the works, and over time it also made iron stoves, wheel parts, fencing and anchor chain, among other things. In the later part of the 19th century it began to make axes, and axe production became the works’ salvation when many other works closed. To this day, axes are forged at the works.

Hults bruks smidescentrum (Hults Works Forging Centre) is run by the cultural-heritage association Yxskaftet, which was formed in 1995 by residents of the works together with the association’s smithing group. The centre consists of three buildings: Skaftverkstan, where axe handles were once made and which today houses a basic exhibition on the history of the works and a café; Röda längan, a renovated barn for exhibitions, markets and events; and Smedjan, which was built in 1997–1998 in a training project and is used for courses for both adults and children.

The goal is to develop the site into a national meeting place for the art of forging, with courses, exhibitions, cultural events and guided tours in the well-preserved works environment.

Highlights

• Basic exhibition on the history of Hults bruk in Skaftverkstan
• Craft smithy with blacksmithing courses for adults and children
• Café in the old Skaftverkstan
• Guided tours of the works environment and the axe factory
• Röda längan for exhibitions and markets

Permanent exhibition

• Basutställning om Hults bruks historia – Exhibition in Skaftverkstan on the history of the works, from ship’s spikes and iron goods to axe manufacture.

Operated by

Kulturmiljövårdsföreningen Yxskaftet

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The society has held family days with children’s theatre and workshops, and the smithy runs courses for both adults and children.

Getting there & parking

Hults bruk is 12 km from Norrköping. Drive along road 55 past Åby towards Katrineholm and turn left at the sign “Hult bruk – Yxbacken”. Then follow the signs “Utställning–Smedja” and “Utställning” and park by the exhibition.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café in Skaftverkstan with fika and lighter lunches such as salads, soups and pies; seating indoors and outdoors.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Events and conferences for both small and large parties, for example in connection with blacksmithing courses or guided visits; enquire with the society.

Plan your visit