Åkers Bergslag

Magnificent natural area with exciting entrepreneurs

Between Åkers Styckebruk and Gnesta is an area known today as Åkers Bergslag – a naturally beautiful wilderness area in north-east Södermanland. It was here ore, charcoal, lime and manpower were once taken to the blast furnaces in Åkers Styckebruk, which is today one of Sweden’s oldest existing companies, founded in 1580. Canons were cast here up until 1866, when other products took over. There are many sights in Åkers Bergslag which illustrate its history within ironmaking.

Åkers Bergslag is split between Gnesta and Strängnäs municipalities. It is one of Södermanland’s most impressive and magnificent natural areas with a history dating back to the Stone Age.

Many companies and associations are active in Åkers Bergslag. The region is an example of active country life including a mix of handicrafts and culture, with everything from ceramics and glassblowing to live music and charcoal stacks!

‘People, works and canons’

Take a historical walk and follow the red metal signs called Historien i Sörmland which have been put together by Sörmlandsmuseum. The signs describe the iron’s journey from mine to blast furnace and casting mould and are located in various places in the area but above all around Åkers Styckebruk.

Charcoal burning – preserving an old technic

Östra Sörmlands Gruvförening and Galltorpsmilan are voluntary associations which work to preserve and drive forward a cultural heritage as well as offer visitors the chance to spend the night in the area. Every year the associations build a charcoal stack and burn tar at Skottvång.

For current programme visit the associations’ homepages:

More information here about Östra Sörmlands Gruvförening.

More information here about Galltorpsmilan.

Some examples of what you can do here in Åkers Bergslag

Visit Skottvångs Grufva – live music, restaurant, children’s theatre,     conference and weddings
Canoe
Fish
Hike along the Sörmlandsleden
Visit Skeppsta hytta – glassworks, gallery and café