Bollstabruk: Industrial History and Hiking Trails

Bollstabruk is located on Bollstafjärden, a bay that reaches deep inland from the Ångermanälven. The surrounding area combines hilly terrain with numerous waterways and mountains. At the same time, the town is shaped by a long industrial history. This gives visitors two distinct interests to focus on: trails and viewpoints in the landscape, and traces of the area's industrial past.

Landscape and hiking trails

Svedjeberget has a viewpoint overlooking the Ångermanälven. There is also a cabin and a barbecue area at the summit. The terrain around Bollstabruk is characterized by hills, waterways, and mountains; the view from Svedjeberget provides a specific reference point for this landscape.

A network of hiking trails around Bollstabruk is suitable for both woodland walks and running in spring, summer, and autumn. There are several rest areas along local hiking trails in the area around the destination. If you prefer to plan around a clearly specified distance, there is a 1.7-kilometer loop starting at Bollstahallen. Parking is available there, and a bus stop is nearby. The loop is also suitable for walks with a rollator or stroller.

A longer loop leads to a wind shelter and a rest area before returning through a wooded area. Together with the shorter loop, it is 3.4 kilometers long. This makes it easy to distinguish between the two routes by their stated distances: 1.7 kilometers for the shorter loop or 3.4 kilometers for both combined. Seasonal conditions can vary, so take them into account when planning.

Industrial history and historic buildings

Bollstabruk's industrial area developed from the ironworks and the blast furnace built on the Bollstaån in 1737 to today's modern sawmill. Bollstabruk is one of the oldest industrial sites in Västernorrland, with continuous activity spanning more than 270 years. The blast furnace next to the Bollstaån is part of the town's industrial and cultural landscape.

Kejsarstan is a historic part of this industrial area. It has five workers' barracks built between 1884 and 1894. Another historic building is Bruksherrgården, which includes buildings dating from the 18th to the 20th century, as well as parts of the preserved manor park. Together, the buildings from different periods show how the industrial area developed over several centuries.

The Stensätterborgen on Borgberget, about two kilometers west of Bollstabruk, represents another period in history. It is one of Sweden's three northernmost hillforts and one of the best-preserved sites dating from 400 to 800 AD. Alongside the more recent industrial history, this adds an archaeological site from a much earlier period to the region's heritage.

What to focus on during your visit

Those who want to focus on the landscape and outdoor activities can explore the hiking trails, rest areas, and viewpoint on Svedjeberget. The distances of 1.7 kilometers and 3.4 kilometers offer a straightforward way to compare the loops; the longer one also leads to a wind shelter and through a wooded area. Those more interested in the town's development can find different connections to its industrial history in the blast furnace, workers' barracks, and Bruksherrgården. Stensätterborgen adds a much older period to the mix. You can explore Bollstabruk through its landscape, trails, or historic sites, depending on your interests.

Discover more destinations: Kramfors, Salsaker, Nordingra, Lugnvik, Nordvik, Ullånger, Ro, Bjärtrå.

Go to the main travel overview: Kramfors.