Gysinge, Gästrikland – Exploring Sweden

Gysinge is a small village and former iron mill in the historical province of Gästrikland. This was once home to the largest iron mill in Gästrikland and one of the most important producers of iron in Sweden. Today it is a lot quieter here with a population of less than 200. The population is actually split between the southern and northern parts of Gysinge, with Statistics Sweden separating it into two rural settlements due to the uninhabited land between the built-up areas. Both these areas are today a part of Sandviken Municipality in Gävleborg County.

A Short History of Gysinge

The name Gysinge has its origins in the rapids of the Dalälven River. Peder Swensson Printz. established a mill next to the rapids in 1668. He had received the rights to establish a blast furnace and a water-powered hammer here. The iron mill grew and was by the end of the 19th century the largest in the province of Gästrikland. The iron was transported to Gävle and Stockholm.

During these years one of the more notable events happened during the winter of 1820 and 1821. This was when a wolf, that became known as the Gysinge Wolf, attacked people in the provinces of Dalarna and Gästrikland. A total of 31 people were attacked, out of which 12 were killed and 15 wounded. The wolf attacked almost solely children.

In 1900. Gysinge became the first location in the world where the production of steel was done in an electric induction furnace. This did, however, not save the mill. It closed down in the early 20th century and the population in the area plummeted.

Things to Do and See

With the Färnebofjärden National Park just next door nature is never far away. As with Färnebofjärden, it is the Dalälven River that is one of the main attractions also in Gysinge. The river’s rapids were once the reason for the establishment of the mill and still today they are an attraction. The former iron mill is adding to that. The whole village has become something that can only be described as an open-air museum. The old economic and residential buildings are still standing and the small businesses here keep the area alive.

Naturum Färnebofjärden

Färnebofjärden National Park is just next door and Naturum is one of the locations where you can find information about the park. This is a center for teaching visitors about the park and its fauna and flora as well as to inspire visitors in the almost endless possibilities for activities within the park. There are exhibitions for both kids and adults and employees are here to guide you.

Gysinge Herrgård

Gysinge Herrgård is a castle-like manor that once was the center of the mill. It was built in the 1830s and did also include several other supporting buildings. The building is today a hotel, but it is possible to enjoy its historical feeling within the village when exploring on foot.

Brandbilsmuseet

A local group has collected old fire engines and other rescue vehicles such as ambulances. They are now numbering more than 30 and are part of the local fire engine museum. The vehicles date back to between the 1930s and 1990s.

Gysinge Rapids

Gysingeforsarna, the local rapids, is a beautiful part of the Dalälven River and is possible to enjoy both from the shores of the river as well as from the bridge to the island Mattön. Fishing is popular along the rapids with stock including grayling as well as trout, pike, zander, and perch. A fishing permit is required for fishing and is available for purchase locally.

Gysinge Nature Reserve

Gysinge Nature Reserve is to the south of Gysinge. It was established in 1975 and covers an area of 455 hectares. Parts of the reserve have already become a part of the neighboring Färnebofjärden National Park.

How to Get to Gysinge

• Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 126 kilometers to the southeast.
• Car: Gysinge can be found along Road 56 between Gävle and Heby.
• Bus: Buses from X-Trafic connect Gysinge with the surrounding region.

The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:

• Stockholm – 158 kilometers (1 h 50 min)
• Gothenburg – 472 kilometers (5 h 27 min)
• Malmö – 690 kilometers (7 h 10 min)
• Linköping – 288 kilometers (3 h 28 min)
• Kiruna – 1115 kilometers (12 h 37 min)

Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden