Storbergets gruvor

About the museum

Storberget, south of Hofors, has been an iron ore mine since the Middle Ages. A letter from 1363 shows that the king complained that the miners were not paying tax on the extraction in the ancient mines on the great iron mountain. Extraction began in open-cast pits and later continued in deeper shafts and long tunnels.

The Stollgången, a 265-meter tunnel into the mountain, was driven at the end of the 18th century to ease ore transport and drain water. It leads to the mine chambers about 45 meters below the ground surface, where light comes down from the open pits. The deepest mine, the Penninggruvan, is more than 200 meters deep. Extraction in the mine now on show ceased in the 1880s; after a brief attempt around 1920, the last mine at the mountain, Vingesbacke, was closed down in 1980.

Today the mine is shown in summer by Hofors Local Heritage Association, which arranges guided tours. There is also a small museum, and the area around the mountain can be explored on your own.

Highlights

• Guided tour through the Stollgången, a 265-meter mine tunnel
• Mine chambers about 45 meters underground, lit by light from the open pits
• Penninggruvan, more than 200 meters deep
• Viewpoint reached by a staircase of 220 steps
• Legends of the Gruvfrun (mine lady) and the mine trolls
• Nature trail of about 2 km to Tjärnäs hytta (Tjärnäs furnace)

Operated by

Hofors hembygdsförening

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

Inside the mine it is cold and dark; warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. A staircase of 220 steps leads to the viewpoint.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

One of the daily viewings is aimed especially at younger visitors, who get to help find iron ore in the mine.

Getting there & parking

The road is signposted from Torsåkersvägen: turn into Vingesbackevägen, follow it for about 1.8 km and then turn off onto Stollvägen; after about 500 meters the site is on the right-hand side.

Amenities & dining

Small museum, rest area and grill hut at the Stollen.

Events & venue rental

Group viewings and activities for companies, parties and weddings can be requested via the website’s form.

Plan your visit