Bråfors is an old mining settlement just north of Fagersta in the historical province of Västmanland. It is a part of Norberg Municipality and its mining heritage is a part of the e region-wide Ecomuseum Bergslagen which includes several sights of interest related to the mining and iron processing in this part of Sweden.
A Short History of Bråfors
Iron has been processed in Bråfors at least since the 13th century. A foundry is mentioned in old documents dating back to 1539 and the ironwork was expanded during the 17th century and modernized during the 19th century. The ironworks closed in 1902 and the settlement refocused its efforts on forestry and farming.
Things to Do and See
Welcome to the Swedish countryside where fields and forests surround this small settlement. However, it is the traditional buildings and the historical atmosphere that is the main attraction. The cultural reserve around Brategården is able to get almost anyone to dream back to a story from a children’s book.
Bråfors Bergsmansby
Bråfors Bergsmansby is the cultural reserve consisting of the old mining village with the homestead Bråtegården at its center. This is a well-preserved historical environment and the buildings are protected. It is privately owned and the owners are today focusing on sheep instead of iron processing.
How to Get to Bråfors
- Flights: Borlänge Airport (BLE), or Dala Airport, is 77 kilometers to the north, and Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST) is 80 kilometers to the southeast.
- Car: Bråfors lies along countryside roads north of Fagersta.
- Bus: The closest bus stop is Årnebo a short distance to the south.
- Train: The nearest train station is in nearby Fagesta.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 180 kilometers (2 h 1 min)
- Gothenburg – 394 kilometers (5 h)
- Malmö – 614 kilometers (6 h 46 min)
- Linköping – 228 kilometers (3 h 3 min)
- Kiruna – 1193 kilometers (13 h 46 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
