Discover Österbybruk

Österbybruk combines an impressive industrial history with trails through forests, marshes and water-rich landscapes. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can plan a variety of days here: from visiting the historic ironworks and hiking by Stordammen to swimming and leisure activities at Simbadet.

Ironworks, manor house and museums

Österbybruk is Uppland’s largest industrial heritage site. The protected historic monument comprises 76 buildings, including a manor house. The Vallonsmedja is particularly noteworthy as the only surviving example of its kind. It remained in operation until 1906. A guided tour of the Vallonsmedjan provides information about forging techniques and the living conditions of the workers and their families at the ironworks.

The manor house also offers various insights. A historical audio walk leads through the rooms and ends in a historic kitchen from the late 18th century. The Triller exhibition displays parts of Erich and Ingrid Triller’s workshop, as well as objects and tools from their work. The historic surroundings also include the workers’ housing in Österbybruk, concentrated along two streets between Herrgårdsdammen and Oppdammen.

For further discoveries, there are the Vagnsmuseum and the Lantbruksmuséet. At the Vagnsmuseum, you can see carriages for different occasions, from the princess carriage to everyday wagons. Guided tours can also be booked there year-round. The Lantbruksmuséet houses a unique collection of various tractors, machines and agricultural equipment.

Hiking between dams, forests and marshes

Österbybruk is suitable for a variety of hiking trips. Outside Österbybruks herrgård begins a marked network of nature trails covering a total of 18 kilometres. It is divided into the three loops Kulturstigen, Karmdammen runt and Harvikadammen runt. A longer route is Stordammen runt: The hike is 14 kilometres long, starts at Simbadet and follows the dams through forests and extensive marshlands. For the most part, it follows an easy-to-walk path. Several hundred metres of boardwalk keep your feet dry while protecting the marsh from wear.

Those who prefer a shorter route can plan the six-kilometre loop 12:1 of the Upplandsleden. It is considered an easy forest route, passes through Österbybruk and returns along the water and the historic ironworks surroundings. The Vikingaleden, a pilgrimage route, also runs parallel to the Upplandsleden near Österbybruk. Stage 11 of the Upplandsleden leads towards Aspo and Gimo, while Stage 12 leads towards Florarna.

Water, nature and special times to travel

Simbadet is located directly north of Österbybruk on Lake Stordammen. Swimming, beach volleyball, boules, a sauna, bicycle rental and a café are available there. The nearby Aspbo nature reserve is characterised by forests rich in deciduous trees, old grazing areas and waterside areas. The eastern bathing spot Aspbo 3 in the Österbybruk area is wheelchair-accessible and has an accessible dry toilet and a picnic table.

A trip on the historic Linfärjan on Herrgårdsdammen is an experience for adults and children alike. The short Kärleksstigen walk also begins or ends there. The traditional Eldfesten festival takes place every year during the second week of August. When planning your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would primarily like to focus on the industrial history, hiking trails, water or a particular time of year to travel. The routes and excursions mentioned above can help you match the location of a desired holiday apartment or holiday home with your personal plans.

More destinations

For your travel planning, you can also discover Öregrund, Östhammar, Alunda, Gräsö, Gimo, Norrskedika and Forsmark.

To the main travel overview: Östhammar.