Surahammar is a locality in the province of Västmanland. It is a part of the cultural region Bergslagen, a part of Sweden with a long tradition of mining and ironworks. Surahammar itself has grown up around its ironworks and has a history with iron and steel production at its center.
A Short History of Surahammar
According to historical sources, an ironwork existed here already in the 16th century at a time when it was a part of Sura Parish. It is believed that the ironwork was ordered by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa.
The ironwork was joined by a tap hammer in the 1630s. This led to the establishment of the local factory, Surahammars Bruk. The factory became the center of the urban area that has since grown up around it. It was further assisted in its development with the completion of the Strömsholm Canal in 1795.
The factory’s manor house was built in the mid-19th century. The production also changed during the end of the century to support the needs of the railway. Wheels and axles for the trains were soon leaving the factory. The company Surahammars Bruk is still in operation in Surahammar. It is today a part of Tata Steel and one of the largest employers in the locality.
Things to Do and See
A lot of the sights in Surahammar are connected to the Surahammar ironworks. The area with the historical industrial buildings can be really fascinating to walk around in. In addition, the waterways are adding a new dimension to the landscape.
Surahammar Ironworks
The area of the Surahammar ironworks is large. It can be split into two parts, the modern still active factory and the old historical parts. The historical area offers many sights along a few walking paths along the river. Here you can see an old steam hammer, walk past the factory manor, and enjoy the nature around the river.
Stenhuset
Stenhuset is a stone building dating back to 1847. It was once home to six blacksmith families up until the 1960s. It was in the 1980s acquired by the local municipality that started to use it as a gathering place. Today the building houses an art gallery and other exhibitions.
Strömsholm Canal
The 107-kilometer long Strömsholm Canal was completed in 1795. Surahammar is one of several localities that it passes through along its route between Lake Mälaren and Lake Barken. Surahammar is also home to the Landshövding af Ugglas Sluss, one of 26 locks along the canal.
Motorcycle Museum Gyllene Hjulet
The Golden Wheel is one of the largest motorcycle museums in Sweden. It opened its doors in 1985. It has today around 120 motorcycles on display.
How to Get to Surahammar
- Flights: The closest airport is Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST), 30 kilometers away, which has mostly low-cost carriers. In addition, there is Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN), 114 kilometers away with both domestic and international flights.
- Car: Surahammar is along road 66 between Fagersta and Västerås.
- Bus: Local and regional buses from VL connect Surahammar with the surrounding region.
- Train: There are trains connecting Surahammar with Fagersta, Ludvika and Västerås.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 131 kilometers (1h 36min)
- Gothenburg – 392 kilometers (4h 49min)
- Malmö – 596 kilometers (6h 23min)
- Linköping – 191 kilometers (2h 30min)
- Kiruna – 1216 kilometers (14h 25min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
