Ankarsrum: Industrial History, Museums and Hiking Trails

Ankarsrum combines reminders of the iron industry with hiking trails, lakes and cultural sites. Those looking for a place with a tangible industrial history and a variety of options for short or longer excursions can combine culture and outdoor activities here during their trip.

Industrial History as a Common Thread

Ankarsrums bruk was founded in 1655, after formal royal permission had been granted to build a blast furnace. Its location between the lakes Långsjön and Hällsjön made it possible to use hydropower for the works. This history can be experienced in several places. Bruksparken is home to Aktiveum®, an industrial museum that reflects various periods in the history of Ankarsrums bruk.

Bruksparken is also home to a monument erected in 1955 by the artist Erik Reimhult to mark the 300th anniversary of Ankarsrums bruk. There is also a bust of the artist Harald Wiberg, who was born in Ankarsrum. The cast-iron statue Bedjande gosse is said to have been cast in Ankarsrum in the 1850s. Aktiveum offers guided tours of the industrial museum and Bruksparken during opening hours or by appointment.

Another characteristic architectural feature is Ankarsrums kyrka. It was completed in 1896 and built entirely from slag stone, a by-product of iron production in Ankarsrum. Those interested in church architecture, local craft history and the development of industrially shaped communities will find another cultural focal point here. Since the All Saints’ weekend in 2021, the digital cemetery tour “Kyrkogården berättar” has also been available at Ankarsrum Cemetery.

Hiking Trails of Different Lengths

Ankarsrumsslingan is 11.9 km long and intended both for circular walks and as a connection to longer hikes on the Tjustleden. In the Ankarsrum area, the Tjustleden passes through Bruksparken. North of the watercourse at Isgölen, Ankarsrumsslingan connects to the Tjustleden. Along its route, it passes the foundations of the Isgöhleströms Manufakturverk, popularly known as Spiksmedjan. The walls are made of slag stone.

For a shorter loop, Ankarsrum-Xrundan is a separate option. It starts at the railway station building and is approximately 3.4 kilometres long. The two trails can therefore be selected according to the desired distance: Xrundan offers a shorter introduction, while Ankarsrumsslingan is designed as a circular walk or as a connection to the Tjustleden. You should take the stated distances into account when planning your day.

Lakeside, Swimming Area and Regional Railway

The municipal swimming area in Ankarsrum on Långsjön has grassy areas and a sandy beach. There is also a ramp for people with disabilities. Ankarsrums Hembygdsmuseum is located on the shore of Långsjön along Kungsvägen. The museum houses folk artefacts and some iron objects. In addition to industrial details, the site therefore offers an insight into everyday and regional history.

The Hultsfred–Västervik narrow-gauge railway is a useful reference point when planning your journey. The 70-kilometre route serves Ankarsrum railway station. The railway is designated as a listed historic structure and is considered an important Swedish industrial monument.

For more destination pages to help plan your trip, visit Blankaholm, Hjorted, Gamleby, Blackstad, Gunnebo, Loftahammar, Överum and Totebo.

For the main travel overview: Västervik.