Engelsberg Ironworks

Iron mining and smelting in this area started to take on some scale in the 17th century. Due to its modern machinery and construction, Engelsberg became one of the most important ironworks in Sweden and Europe a century later.

Production ceased in 1919. Most of the 50 technical and related administrative buildings have been conserved and are open to visitors in summer.

Year	Decision	Comments
1993	Inscribed	Reasons for inscription
1991	Referred	Bureau - pending completion of a study by ICOMOS of the industrial heritage

Reviews

Christer Sundberg (Sweden):

Three hours on a train from Sweden’s capital Stockholm and you find yourself in an area where the iron making traditions goes well back to the Middle Ages. Iron, copper, silver and gold mining together with the forest industry – two industries working closely together - has formed the back-bone of the Swedish economy and rise to power ever since the 16th century. It was back then, when skilled miners came from central Europe to the cold north, seeking their fortunes in the depth of the Scandinavian wilderness. And indeed some of them did.

At Engelsberg it all started with a German immigrant, the miner Englika, who settled here by the end of the 14th century. In 1681 an industrial site for iron works was established and during the 18th and 19th century it developed into the most modern iron works of its time. A mansion was added together with workers homes, offices and other buildings. Engelsberg is also the only ironworks in Sweden that has preserved most of the original equipment. All operation ceased in 1919.

On a small island in lake Åmänningen, just a kilometre away from Engelsbergs Ironworks, you will find another interesting industrial heritage, the Oil Island - the world’s oldest preserved oil refinery. Though it does not belong to the World Heritage Site of Engelsberg – it is still an interesting place to visit. Guided tours are available on both sites during summer months.

Date posted: September 2006

Paul Tanner (UK):

Engelsberg Ironworks are a very early industrial monument – a WHS category of which there are in my opinion too few representatives. ”. Made primarily of wood they do not give an “industrial impression” being set in green and wooded country in what is now a “country park”. Nearby lies the Manor house. They originally dated from c1680 but the preserved buildings are as at 1870.Unfortunately when we were there on a weekday in early June the buildings were not open – but there was plenty to see just wandering around:- A range of production buildings including a Blast Furnace and a Mill together with offices, shops and workers accommodation. . Perhaps it is all a bit too idyllic now and difficult to capture the atmosphere of smoke, fumes and backbreaking work which must have the case. Nevertheless – well worth a detour! Nearby are the remains of primitive Iron age furnaces and some plants of the contemporary Swedish steel industry providing an interesting example of continuity of human activity based on local natural resources.

Date posted: June 2005

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