Dannemora is one of several mining villages in the northern part of Uppland. It has today a population of around 240 inhabitants, but it is the mining history of this area that makes Dannemora special and has put it on the map in Sweden.
A Short History of Dannemora
Mining in Dannemora began before written records. Early texts from the 15th-century mention the mining of copper, led, and silver. The first known mining of iron ore at Dannemora began in the 16th century and involved the Swedish king Gustav Vasa. The German influence of the production was noticeable with managers of German descent.
At the end of the 16th century and early 17th century, several more factories had opened in this part of Uppland. Such factories were for example, Forsmark, Gimo, Lövsta, and Västland.
The mining at Dannemora continued and the railway was completed in 1878. The troubles began in the 20th century, with both strikes and other economic problems for mining. The state-owned SSAB would eventually take over the mining in the 1970s and the mine closed down in 1992.
Dannemora Mineral AB was established in 2007 and did soon restart the mining. However, this company only survived until 2015.
Things to Do and See in Dannemora
Walking along the edges of the many mining pits and trying to grasp their size and depth is a special experience. The large tower of Dannemora Mines is always visible, making the small clock tower look both smaller and more beautiful.
Jungfrugruvan
Jungfrugruvan, the maiden mine, was established in 1675 and is 175 meters deep. It was in use until 1878 and it is today possible to view down in the abyss.
Storrymningen
Storrymningen is the largest open-pit in Europe that has been created with the method of fire-setting. Its oldest parts date back to the 1490s and mining has more recently continued below the visible floor of the pit. The pit itself is about 270 meters at its widest point and 140 meters deep. There is a pavilion from where it is possible to view the pit, it was constructed in the 1870s.
Dammsgruvan
Dammsgruvan is a mining pit that is connected with Storrymningen. It was opened in 1674 and is about 140 meters deep.
Örner Shaft
The Örner Shaft is for any visitors on the ground just a concrete foundation. Below the concrete, there is a shaft dating back to the 1740s that is 300 meters deep.
Gruvkammare
Gruvkammare is a Swedish word for a small cabin for the workers where they dried their clothes and warmed up. Close to the edge of the large pit Storrymningen, there is a Gruvkammare dating back to the early 19th century.
How to Get to Dannemora
- Flights: The closest airport is Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, 75 kilometers away with both domestic and international flights.
- Car: Dannemora is along road 292, right next to Österbybruk and between Tierp and Gimo.
- Bus: Local and regional buses from UL connect Dannemora with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 112 kilometers (1h 41min)
- Gothenburg – 576 kilometers (5h 51min)
- Malmö – 725 kilometers (7h 13min)
- Linköping – 307 kilometers (3h 18min)
- Kiruna – 1139 kilometers (12h 44min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
