Swensbylijda

About the museum

Swensbylijda is the local heritage area of Svensby hembygdsförening (Svensby Local Heritage Society) by the Svensbyån river in Liden, a few kilometres from Svensbyn in Piteå Municipality. The association was formed in autumn 1989 to be able to rebuild the historic mill and hydropower environment, which had almost completely fallen into disrepair from the 1960s to the 1980s. The work began with a study circle that mapped the village's history, and the surplus from a book about Svensby became the basis for the first effort, the restoration of the mill dam in summer 1990.

Many of the buildings are old houses that the association bought or received as gifts and then dismantled, moved to Liden and rebuilt. The Sadelinska kvarnen (Sadelin Mill) was the first building to be recreated, and afterwards Pehrs-kvarna (Pehr's Mills), the service building Qwarnbönninga from 1995, Pehrsgården (Pehr's Farm), the eight-sided loge (outbuilding), the woodshed and the cowshed were added. The area of four hectares illustrates a larger 19th-century farmstead and is almost complete.

Today the activities are run by volunteers. The machines are in original working order, and during Kulturtisdagarna (Culture Tuesdays) in July, handicrafts and work from the past are shown, such as smithing, baking, spelk work and mill operation, for visitors of all ages.

Highlights

• The Sadelin Mill and the Pehrs mills by the Svensbyån river
• Pehrsgården from the 19th century, with a room for children with period clothes and toys
• Spelk, sawmill, smithy and bakehouse in operation during Kulturtisdagarna
• Eight-sided threshing barn and cowshed
• Summer café in Qwarnbönninga
• Playground and animals

Founded

1989

Operated by

Svensby hembygdsförening

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The area is free to visit. An admission fee of SEK 30 for adults is charged during Kulturtisdagarna in July. Membership fee in the association: SEK 100 (individual) or SEK 200 (family).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 paths are of gravel and grass and not always level. The service building is accessible by wheelchair, while it may be difficult to reach the other buildings. An accessible toilet is in the service building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Playground and animals to look at, and a room for children in Pehrsgården where they can try period clothes, toys and school settings. During Kulturtisdagarna visitors can try many chores themselves. The area is not an adapted playground: tools are sharp and the animals should be respected.

Getting there & parking

From the E4, turn off towards Arvidsjaur on road 373 and follow it for about 7 km. At the sign Hembygdsområde, follow the road towards Rismyrliden until it forks; the area then lies to the right.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Summer café in the service building Qwarnbönninga with, among other things, palt, waffles and home-baked fika bread. Barbecue places are in the area, and dry firewood can be bought. Visitor toilets are in a separate house in summer.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

The loge (about 70 seated, at most 100 for concerts, unheated), the café premises in Qwarnbönninga (up to 70 people, not rented out in the café section in summer) and a meeting room for 8–10 people; the bakehouse can be rented in summer. Booking on 070-556 89 67 or styrelsen@swensbylijda.se.

Plan your visit