Marmaverken: Industrial Heritage and Nature by Lake Marmen

Two themes shape travel planning in Marmaverken: the area's industrial past and its cultural heritage around Lake Marmen. Marmaverken lies in the northwest of a heritage area of national interest that encompasses the entire lake and parts of the surrounding forests. At the same time, the area around Lake Marmen is considered important for active outdoor recreation. This means visitors can explore history and time spent in the landscape as distinct focuses of a stay.

Archaeological traces by Lake Marmen

The wider area around Lake Marmen is home to one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric iron-smelting sites in Northern Europe. The remains include almost 100 bloomery furnace sites and more than 200 charcoal pits. The different types of finds give the heritage area concrete definition: alongside the furnace sites, the designated area also includes the surrounding forests and the entire lake.

The Askestastigen trail runs along the north shore of Lake Marmen and passes through several bloomery furnace sites with slag heaps and furnace remains. The area's significance on a broad scale and individual archaeological sites can thus be seen side by side: the protected area covers an entire landscape, while the trail explores a particular stretch of lakeshore. Those interested in early iron smelting will find a clear theme to explore in the surrounding area.

Industrial history and Herrgårdsparken

Marmaverken is part of Söderhamn Municipality's industrial heritage and reflects an era in Swedish industrial history. A compact settlement grew up around the former pulp mill. The Marmaverken sawmill operated from 1854 to 1989. Another point in the area's history is Herrgårdsparken, laid out by Jonas Weng in 1857–1858. These details mark distinct chapters in local history: the sawmill's long operating life and the creation of the park in the mid-19th century.

Trails and recreation

As part of a project, new hiking routes were created between the center of Marmaverken, the park, the cultural trail and the bathing area. The cultural trail was cleared and made accessible. Improvements to the recreation areas also included trail signs, information materials and picnic tables with benches. If you plan to use specific trails or rest stops, check their current condition before your visit.

Paddling and destinations by the water

The Marmen Tour is considered an easy paddling trip for one or two days and is about 15 kilometers long. The suggested duration and approximate distance provide an initial guide for planning; conditions may change, so it is advisable to check locally before setting out. In the wider area around Marma, there is a boat-launch ramp on Lake Marmen. Mellangärdet in Marmaverken also has a small harbor with a ramp that the public can use to launch boats. Check the launch conditions and the state of each facility in advance.

Other destinations in the area around Marma offer different experiences: Skäret is a small natural beach on a lake. Hiboberget, with its cabin, is considered a popular excursion destination; check the cabin's condition locally before your visit. Alongside paddling, visitors can choose between a beach destination and an excursion to the cabin.

Discover more destinations: Holmsveden, Skog, Söderala, Norrala, Ljusne, Mo, Stråtjära, Söderhamn

Return to the overview of nearby destinations: Söderhamn.