Lessebo Handpappersbruk
Working hand papermill in Lessebo, where paper is made by hand using the traditional method, with guided tours and a shop.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The paper mill in Lessebo is first mentioned in 1692, and paper production began in 1693. In 1719 the mill received a privilege from Kommerskollegium (the Board of Commerce), which gave the workers tax exemption and required that Swedish-born people be trained. Hand-made paper was produced here for more than a hundred years before a paper machine was started in 1836, but hand production was taken up again on a small scale in 1842.
The hand papermill operates in a stone building from 1897 on the large mill site. The paper is made from linen rags with a holländare (Hollander beater), kyp and mould frames, using the traditional method, and is used among other things for watercolour and writing paper. According to tradition, August Strindberg wrote on paper from Lessebo.
The mill received the award Årets industriminne (Industrial Heritage of the Year) in 2016 and is one of the few hand papermills remaining in Europe that operate commercially. In summer, tours are offered in which visitors can follow the production and try it themselves.
Highlights
- Hand-made paper using the traditional method
- Guided tours in Swedish, English, German, Dutch and French
- Shop with watercolour paper, cards and writing paper
- Industrial Heritage of the Year 2016
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
Visitors can try making paper themselves in connection with a tour.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Lessebo station
Lessebo station is on the Kust till kust line (Coast-to-Coast line) between Gothenburg and Kalmar; the mill is within walking distance.
By car
Free parking
Free parking outside the mill.
The mill is on road 25 between Växjö and Kalmar.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop with handmade paper, cards and watercolour paper. Fika in connection with a tour is mentioned, but no fixed café is described.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours in Swedish, English, German, Dutch and French during the summer. The mill also arranges art exhibitions, workshops, concerts and seminars. Paper is made when staff have time. |
