Feel the tide of history

There is something special about being in a place where two completely diffrent worlds live side by side with each other. To have one foot in modern society and then suddenly end up in a place where time has stood still and where past times remind you about life before you and me. In Hagfors you can get the best of both these worlds. Here, modern innovations and comforts are united with a rich cultural heritage in the form of craftsmanship, music and traditions.

Perhaps you would like to know more about the people who have lived and worked here? Welcome to meet the world famous star, Monica Zetterlund, in image and music at Hagfors Minnesmuseum. You also get to experience life in the small town and the extensive musical and sports history that characterized Monica´s childhood. Another important bearer of our cultural heritage is our unique and charming dialect that is characterized by a warm sense of humour and great personality. We promise that it will make you feel right at home and in very good company.

Historical excursions

The church in Ekshärad dates back to the 17th century and is one of Värmland´s best preserved churches with objects and furnishings from the 13th century. Here you will also find a unique cultural heritage in the form of 450 forged grave crosses from the 1700 and 1800s that adorn the cemetery next to the river Klarälven. The crosses which are made of iron symbolize the tree of life with leaves that are playing in the wind. One of the men behind the crosses was blacksmith and clockmaker Johan Tinglöf (1751-1812) who was said to have paranormal skills that gave him power over both humans and animals.

In the trails of pilgrims

The stave shurch in Ekshärad or Saint Annas chapel was built in memory of the medieval pilgrimage route that ran along the Klarälven valley via Ekshärad to St Olafs grave in Nidaros, now Trondheim, Norway. Many places names are still reminiscent of the pilgrim´s journey through the valley. Up here you can find an old-fashioned her garden and the chapel is used as an ecumenical church.

Iron carrier country

Iron industry came to the neighborhood in the 17th century and since then the iron industry has been the primary industry. In the middle of the 19th century, there were about a dozen smelting-works and hammers that were run by Uddeholmsbolaget. For those who are curious about industry culture, there are rich opportunities for excursions in the area. Place names ending in -fors or -hyttan remind us of hydropower and iron processing, and they can lead you to the remains of old works and smelteries. In Gustavsfors there are the ruins of the work that was in operation until 1908. At the homestead right next door there is documentation about the old work and there are knowledgeable people who can tell you more. In Sunnemo is the homestead Gubbkroken, originally a resting place for the ore drivers who transported ore from Nordmark to Sunnemo smeling-work. The remains of the smeltery can be seen today and below the ruin begins Hyttdalen, a beautiful ravine formation that frames the old cultural landscape.

Stjärnsfors was the place that survived the smelting-works demise the longest. Here, among other things, a mill, a coal furnace and a pulp factory and the work lived on until the middle of the 20th century. A mill museum and a works museum are what visitors are offered in Stjärnsfors today. After the death of the works in the 1880s, iron processing was concentrated to Hagfors Järnverk, which today is a world leader in tool steel, under the name Uddeholm. But in Hagfors there is also history in the old Bessemer works from 1880. It has stood untouched since 1959 and is one of the few Bessemer works left in the world.

Blinkenbergsparken

Blinkenbergsparken is found in central Hagfors. The children can discover an exiting contemporary playground. Enjoy music and entertainment from the stage in summertime. Stroll along the paths of the beautiful park with flowers and plants of all kinds. End your visit in the park by challenging your friends or family to a game of disc golf on the 9-hole course.

Uddeholmsladan

Uddeholmsladan is a magnificent building that offers a unique experience as soon as you set foot into the old hayloft. In the past, the farm was one of Värmland´s premier dairy producers, today it is a venue for concerts, shows, music, fairs, weddings and conferences. May to September, visitors will experience first-class entertainment by both Swedish and international artists in a magical environment.