Fengersfors: Industrial History and Knarrbyån

From iron to paper production

Fengersfors Bruk was founded in 1796 as an ironworks. There, bar iron was made into nails and other wrought iron products; later, the operation switched to producing pulp and paper. A technical milestone in this history is the 1950 sulphate digester, considered the world’s first continuous pulp digester. In 2015, Fengersfors Bruk received the “Årets industriminne” award as Industrial Heritage Site of the Year.

A large industrial complex built of red brick has been preserved. It includes the chimney, the power station and important parts of the production line – from timber reception to the paper machine. The preserved structures make it possible to understand the development from ironworks to paper production as several phases in the life of an industrial operation. Those interested in industrial history will find not only the dates here, but also the specific stages of a production process, from the delivery of timber to the paper machine.

Exhibitions and the old forge

Not Quite presents public exhibitions at Oceanhuset and the Not Quite Gallery. The offering also includes a shop, a café and various events. This means you can include exhibitions and cultural events in your trip planning alongside industrial history.

Since 2003, Not Quite Café and Bistro has been located in the old forge at Fengersfors Bruk. Using the forge as a café connects a site within the former industrial complex with a modern food and drink offering. If you would like to include the café in your plans, you can check the current operating arrangements before your visit.

Knarrbyån, Knarrbysjön and the swimming spot

Knarrbyån runs through the grounds of Fengersfors Bruk and beneath part of the factory’s main building. The river is about three kilometres long and flows through a valley between Knarrbysjön to the north and Ärr to the south; parts of it run underground. This information distinguishes the river’s course from the swimming and recreational spots at the lakes.

Knarrbysjöbadet is a family swimming area on Knarrbysjön in the centre of Fengersfors. It has a small sandy beach and large grassy areas for playing. Those looking to combine a lakeside stay with a place to park their own vehicle can also find Fengersfors Ställplats on Knarrbysjön in Fengersfors. The swimming area and the motorhome parking area are separate destinations by the lake.

Trails and different types of routes

There is a 2.5-kilometre exercise trail at the sports facility in Fengersfors. The Ronjalandsleden passes through the area; a shop, a swimming spot and a cultural centre are located along the route. By contrast, the route itself is a useful point of reference for Fengersfors 8: it starts and ends in Fengersfors, forms a figure eight and first heads north around Knarrbysjön, then south around Ärr.

The three descriptions have different focuses: the exercise trail has a stated length, destinations along the Ronjalandsleden are named, and Fengersfors 8 is defined by its shape and the two lakes. A path with large ceramic works has also been created on the so-called Mesafältet, southeast of the Bruk area. Alongside the industrial heritage, routes and artworks therefore offer further themes to explore on your trip.

Fröskog as a nearby cultural and arrival point

The wood-clad Fröskogs kyrka stands in nearby Fröskog and was inaugurated on 20 December 1730. Its atmospheric interior is considered an example of peasant Baroque. If you arrive via the guest pier at Fröskog, also take into account the walk to Fengersfors Bruk: it is about three kilometres long. Check the conditions and facilities at the pier before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Edsleskog, Åmål, Tösse, Ånimskog.

Return to the main travel overview: Åmål.