Ramnäs is a locality in Surahammar Municipality in Västmanland County in central Sweden. This is a settlement that has developed and grown around the old iron mill and the population is today around 1200 inhabitants. This is a part of Sweden with several ironworks and many of them are still active to keep the industrial heritage alive.
A Short History of Ramnäs
The first parts of the iron mill were built in Ramnäs already in the year 1590. It was Katarina Stenbock, the widow of the former Swedish King Gustav Vasa, who built a trip hammer here. The hammer became known as the King’s Hammer. The mill was modernized and expanded during the 17th century and production has over the centuries included wrought iron and short-link chains.
The production has in more recent years been close to being discontinued. However, it has survived and it is today multiple companies that stand for the production in Ramnäs, short-link chains are still one part of the output.
Things to Do and See
Welcome to Bergslagen, an important mining and industrial region in Sweden. Ramnäs is just one of several places in the area that offer a window into the industrial history of Sweden. The importance of these iron mills cannot be questioned and walking along the former industrial complexes might get your imagination running.
Schenströmska Herrgården
Schenströmska Herrgården is a manor house that was completed in 1762. Its first owner was Magnus Schenström, but has since its completion been closely connected with the ownership of the iron mill. It is today owned by the Dennerstedt Family and is housing a hotel and conference business.
Tersmedenska Herrgården
Tersmedenska Herrgården is a manor house that was built in 1801 by the iron mill owner Per Reinhold Tersmeden. It is built in a Neo-Renaissance style.
Ramnäs Bruksområde
The industrial heritage of Ramnäs is within the old mill area. A walk in the area will take you past several sights connected with this industrial history and the former life in the village. The area is a part of Ekomuseum Bergslagen, a larger organization connecting almost 70 sights of industrial historical importance within an area known as Bergslagen.
Strömsholm Canal
Strömsholm Canal connects the inland along the river Kolbäcksån with Lake Mälaren. It goes as far north as Fagersta, making it one of the longest canals in Sweden. There is a total of 26 locks along the canal and two of these are in Ramnäs. They are both named after Swedish kings. The first king is Gustav II Adolf, “The Lion from the North“, who died in Lützen in 1632. Secondly is Gustav Vasa, the founder of modern Sweden.
Ramnäs Church
Ramnäs Church is a yellow and white stone church that was once at the center of social and religious life in the area. It was inaugurated during the 15th century. It is today one of the churches of Sura-Ramnäs Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
How to Get to Ramnäs
- Flights: Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST) is 37 kilometers to the southeast.
- Car: Ramnäs is along Road 66 roads between Fagersta and Surahammar.
- Bus: Buses from VL connect Ramnäs with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 138 kilometers (1 h 35 min)
- Gothenburg – 379 kilometers (4 h 19 min)
- Malmö – 598 kilometers (6 h 18 min)
- Linköping – 198 kilometers (2 h 28 min)
- Kiruna – 1210 kilometers (15 h 8 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
