Norberg is a locality in the historical province of Västmanland. This is an old mining community with roots in the Middle Ages that today is the seat of its own municipality. It has later become known for its ironwork, which was closed down in the 1980s. With a population of around 5.200 inhabitants, this is a small town with the river Norbergsån running through its center. Several old mining pits are still visible around the town.
We also have a bit of not-so-relevant information for you. Norberg held a Guinness World Record for about two years. In 2004 this was the location where 581 people with the last name Norberg gathered to set the record. They kept the record up until 1244 people with the last name Jones met in 2006 in Cardiff, Wales.
A Short History of Norberg
The mining of iron ore in and around Norberg has a long history, but large-scale mining began first in the 1870s. The local ironwork was founded at the end of the 19th century and did for decades mainly produce pig iron. This changed in 1974 when the old blast furnace was replaced by one of the most modern in Europe. It meant that the iron was transported in liquid form to the manufacturing plants in Surahammar. The production in Norberg was, however, not considered to be economically sustainable by the owner ASEA. The plant was closed down in 1891.
Iron production is just one part of Norberg’s history. Norberg was for a long time the center of the local parish with the parish church being located here. The site acted as a marketplace and received the status of a market town in 1952.
Things to Do and See
Norberg has a compact center with a historical atmosphere. There are many old buildings still standing, some of which are quite impressive. It in itself might very well be the main attraction that the locality has to offer.
Norberg Church
The white stone church was inaugurated in the 14th century. It does today stand in the center of the locality with its high tower watching out over the nearby inhabitants. The tower was built in 1697 and is today around 60 meters high. The church is today a part of the Norberg-Karbenning Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Bergslagens Medeltidsmuseum & Nya Lapphyttan
The mining and iron production here dates back to at least the Middle Ages and the local museum tries to tell that story. In order to do so, there is Nya Lapphyttan, a reconstruction of a medieval blast furnace that was located in the nearby area of Olsbenning. Walking around here can really add a perspective on the large-scale production of modern ironworks.
ENJ Railway
The railway line to the area opened in 1853 and is today the local railway museum. During the summer there are railway buses going along the line from Kärrgruvan to Ängelsberg, with stops in Norberg and Högfors.
Abrahamsgården
Abrahamsgården is a building from the 18th century that today houses a gallery as well as shops for local crafts.
How to Get to Norberg
- Flights: Borlänge Airport (BLE), or Dala Airport, is 63 kilometers to the north, and Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST) 85 kilometers to the southeast.
- Car: Norberg is on Road 69 between Avesta and Fagersta.
- Bus: Buses from VL connects Norberg with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 164 kilometers (2 h 3 min)
- Gothenburg – 400 kilometers (5 h 2 min)
- Malmö – 620 kilometers (6 h 47 min)
- Linköping – 233 kilometers (3 h 6 min)
- Kiruna – 1179 kilometers (13 h 31 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
