Lovstabruk

Lovstabruk made bar iron for export from the seventeenth century and was among the largest of the Walloon works in Uppland, run by the De Geer family. Russian raiders burned it in 1719 and the rebuilding that followed is what stands: a manor at the head of an avenue, a church, an office, and two long rows of workers' cottages facing each other down the main street, all in the same red with white trim. The church organ, built by Johan Niclas Cahman in 1728, survives unaltered and is one of the most important baroque organs in northern Europe, used for recordings and recitals. The forge itself is gone but the layout is complete; fewer than a hundred people live here now, against some 1,300 at the height of the works.

Highlights

• Two rows of workers' cottages - facing down the main street.
• The manor and its avenue - at the head of the village.
• Cahman's organ of 1728 - unaltered, in the church.
• A village rebuilt after 1719 - the whole plan intact.

When to go

June to August for the manor, museum and recitals. Two to three hours.

Things to know

Opening is short and strictly seasonal. The ironworks itself no longer exists - this is the village around it. There is little food or accommodation. A car is essential.

Nearby

Osthammar is east; Gysinge and the Dalalven are west.

Key facts