Olofsfors bruk

About the museum

Olofsfors bruk (ironworks) was founded in 1762 by the businessman John Jennings, who after a long process was granted permission to build an ironworks on the Leduån. The site had forest for charcoal burning, proximity to the sea and several rapids for water power. The works had difficult early years with disputes over the land, and in 1769 the farmers tried to have the operation banned at the Riksdag, but the iron exports were considered so important that the works was granted tax exemption for many years.

In the 1800s the Pauli family took over, the works was expanded and forging increased. The sawmill industry became ever more important, and in 1886 Nordmalings Ångsåg AB (Nordmaling Steam Sawmill Company) owned the whole works. The blast furnace went out in 1894 after producing 56,740 tonnes of pig iron, but bar iron and manufacturing forging continued. Later, among other things, chains for log floating and tape parts for forestry machines were made, and today industrial activity continues in new premises next to the works area.

The works buildings along the Leduån, such as the blast furnace, the mill, the trading shop, the workers’ housing, the school and the manor house, are more than 250 years old and have changed very little. Olofsfors is classed as a site of national interest in Västerbotten, and the Stiftelsen Olofsfors Bruksmuseum (Olofsfors Works Museum Foundation) looks after large parts of the area and organises visits and activities.

Highlights

• The best-preserved industrial environment along the Leduån
• The foundry with the blast furnace and slag stone
• The trading shop, workers’ housing and school at the works
• The manor house with Kafé Anno 1762
• Guided tours and the Christmas market in December

Permanent exhibition

• Olofsfors bruksmuseum – The museum in the preserved works environment shows the history of the ironworks and the life of the workers, with guided tours and signposted buildings.

Operated by

Stiftelsen Olofsfors Bruksmuseum

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 meeting room on the upper floor of Gula kontoret (the Yellow Office) has no lift.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Playground / play area

Barnens lekstig (children’s play trail) on the works site.

Getting there & parking

The works lies by the Leduån between Umeå and Örnsköldsvik, in Nordmaling Municipality.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Kafé Anno 1762 in the manor house serves light lunches and fika from the manor’s kitchen, with indoor and outdoor seating and takeaway; closed for the season, open only for pre-booked groups. Brukskompisar (Works Friends) with crafts, clockmaking, ceramics and a gallery are on the site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Conference and event venue and weddings at the works. Accommodation with 30 beds in Gula kontoret and Ladugården (the Barn).

Plan your visit