Forsmark on the Coast: Ironworks Village, Park and Eco-Park

Forsmark is located on the coast in northern Roslagen, in Östhammar Municipality, about 20 km north of the town of Östhammar along Route 76. The town combines a clearly defined coastal setting with the history of an important ironworks site, a historic park and forests of natural interest. Forsmark therefore offers several distinct points of interest for choosing between culture, self-guided walks and nature experiences.

Forsmark Ironworks and the History of Iron Production

At the centre is Forsmark Ironworks. The works were founded in the 16th century as a Crown ironworks and used ore from the Dannemora mines to produce pig iron. Forsmark Ironworks was the first ironworks in Uppland to be designated a listed historic site. The orderly and well-planned layout, together with the well-preserved buildings, forms an almost ideal ironworks environment that remains very well preserved to this day.

This distinctive heritage can be explored in different ways. The brochure “Gör din egen bruksvandring” enables you to take a self-guided tour through Forsmark Ironworks and its history at your own pace. In summer, the visitor centre at Forsmark Ironworks offers free guided tours and other activities focusing on nuclear power and energy. This provides both an independent walking tour and a seasonal guided programme.

English Park and Forsmark Cemetery

The historic surroundings include the English Park at Forsmark Ironworks. It was laid out at the end of the 18th century and includes statues, temples, buildings, winding paths and water, as well as stimulating spaces and small areas. The brochure “Fotojakt i Engelska parken” offers a self-guided search for all the pictures in the English Park.

Another historical perspective is provided by Forsmark Cemetery. It was designed according to a plan from 1882 and subsequently laid out. Several gravestones bear valuable inscriptions documenting occupations connected with the ironworks, including bailiff, forester, stable master, iron turner and foreman. In total, there are 35 graves classified as being of particular cultural-historical value, as well as 30 others classified as being of cultural-historical value.

Routes and Nature in the Forsmark Eco-Park

Forsmark is also a stop on the Bruksrundan, a route with nine stops through the ironworks villages and churches of Uppland. Forsmark Church is one of these stops. Those who want to connect several historical themes will therefore find an overarching route here, while the brochure for the self-guided ironworks tour focuses on Forsmark Ironworks and its history.

The Forsmark Eco-Park contains historic remains such as an old mill, a slag heap, a charcoal-burning site and an old cottage. Thanks to the limestone-rich soil, visitors can discover unusually colourful forests, as well as orchids and unusual fungi. In this way, the Eco-Park adds an independent landscape perspective to the architectural and industrial history.

For comparison with other places in the same selection, you can also visit Öregrund, Norrskedika, Gräsö, Alunda, Östhammar, Österbybruk and Gimo.

For the broader travel overview: Östhammar.