Borgviks museum
Originally built as a grain warehouse, Borgvik Museum was converted into a museum in 1983 to mark the 100th anniversary of Billerud. Today, visitors can explore a permanent exhibition that follows the journey of iron from forest to finished product, as well as smaller exhibitions highlighting the history of Borgvik. Digital resources also allow visitors to discover historical information about local places and people. The museum strives to be accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Did you know? Some of the iron produced at Borgvik Ironworks was used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower.
Liljedal Glassworks Museum
During the 19th century, Liljedal was Sweden’s largest and most renowned bottle glassworks. Around the turn of the 20th century, more than 300 glassblowers worked here, producing bottles for wine, whisky, mineral water and milk, as well as chandeliers for churches.
Over time, the glassworks developed into a thriving community with workers’ housing, a school and a mission house. At its peak in 1907–1908, production reached an impressive 13 million bottles. Today, visitors can explore a museum located in the local heritage centre, featuring historic bottles, photographs and tools from the glassworks era. The site also includes the ruins of the former glassworks and a memorial stone commemorating Liljedal’s important industrial heritage.
Did you know? The medicine bottles produced here later inspired the design of a famous Swedish vodka bottle.
LM Ericsson Memorial Farm
The farm Nordtomten in Vegerbol is the birthplace of Lars Magnus Ericsson, founder of the Swedish telecommunications industry. He was born here on 5 May 1846. Today, the farm serves as a memorial site and museum, inaugurated in 1961.
Visitors can learn about Ericsson’s life, his early telephones and the history of the company that bears his name. The site also features a mineral museum displaying collections from local mines. A visit to Nordtomten offers a fascinating insight into an important chapter of Swedish industrial history and the development of modern communication.
Did you know? LM Ericsson built Sweden’s first telephone at the age of 17 using a pig’s bladder, a metal plate, an electrical wire, an electromagnet and a pin.
Stentorget Cobblestone Field
Take a journey 10,000 years back in time to Näshöjderna, once a group of small islands in a sea that covered all of southern Värmland. Here, the shingle field known as “Stentorget” was formed – an ancient shoreline located 175 metres above today’s water level. The smooth stones bear witness to the powerful forces of the Ice Age and the movement of waves thousands of years ago.
Envelope Grave
In the centre of Sveaparken in Grums, you will find the fascinating Envelope Grave, a well-preserved stone setting dating back to the Iron Age (500 BC–AD 1000). The grave takes its name from its distinctive appearance – a four-sided stone structure resembling an envelope, with diagonal rows of stones, larger corner stones and a flat slab at its centre.
Lökene Burial Grounds
Just north of Grums lies Lökene, home to two impressive prehistoric burial grounds with around 50 burial mounds. Although these graves have never been excavated, finds from a nearby burial site – including pottery fragments, iron objects and a bronze ring – have been dated to the Viking Age.
Edsholm Castle Ruins
The ruins of Edsholm Castle rise beside the Slottsbro Strait in Grums. Built in the 1370s by the Lord High Constable Erik Kettilsson Puke, this medieval stronghold was strategically positioned to control important waterways and travel routes. Captured and destroyed during the Engelbrekt Rebellion in 1434, the castle was never rebuilt, but its ruins still tell the story of its former importance and grandeur.
Skans 113
Skans 113 in Borgvik formed part of Sweden’s inner defence line during the Second World War. It served as a final line of defence should enemy forces break through the larger outer fortifications. Built according to the so-called 1000-standard, it was simpler than the outer defences and often lacked protective trenches. Notable features include a concrete storage building and a unique machine-gun turret that has not been found at any other site. Parts of the fortification have since been restored by the local heritage association.
Borgvik Execution Spot
At the Borgvik execution spot, convicted criminals met their fate from the 18th century until the mid-19th century. One of the most notable stories is that of Britta Jonsdotter, who was beheaded and burned at the stake in 1760 after giving birth to a child outside marriage. A memorial stone, erected in 1979, commemorates this tragic chapter of local history.
Borgvik Ironworks
Iron was produced at Borgvik Ironworks from 1627 until 1924. At its peak, the ironworks produced 4,000 tonnes of iron annually, and some of its iron was used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The historic buildings that remain in Borgvik are of great cultural and historical significance. Many are built from unrendered slag stone, known as sinter stone. Around fifty buildings have been preserved, including the blast furnace ruins, the bakehouse, the mill and the southern manor house.