Vällnora is a small settlement and a former ironwork in the historical province of Uppland. This small settlement is today a part of Uppsala Municipality in Uppsala County. Its development has mostly been stagnant since the closure of the ironwork, making it an interesting historical sight stuck in time. There are 13 adult residents here as of 2023.
A Short History of Vällnora
The ironworks in Vällnora was founded in 1684 by Jacob Leijel the Younger. It was built within the settlement of Åsby within Knutby Parish. Due to this, its original name was Åsby Bruk. The production of mainly pig iron here was ongoing until the year 1890. During the last years, the production consisted of cast iron which was transported to the manufacturing units in Rånäs. Only one building in the village has been added after the closure of the ironwork. This was the residence of a worker for the local fish farm that was active here during the mid-20th century.
Things to Do and See
Visiting Vällnora will take you to an industrial landscape of the past. Most of the buildings dates back to the 18th and 19th century while there is still remains of the old ironworks. At its center stands the old blast furnace, still with warnings about arsenic in the surrounding ground. An industrial heritage that makes it important for parents to keep an extra eye on their kids.
Remember that the ironwork of Bennebol is located just a short distance to the east.
Vällnora Masugn
The blast furnace here was established already in 1694 and its white tower is still standing. The closed upper walls were added later to preserve some of the produced heat. This is the centerpiece for any visit to the village.
How to Get to Vällnora
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 51 kilometers to the southwest.
- Car: Vällnora is on countryside roads northeast of Knutby.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 94 kilometers (1 h 18 min)
- Gothenburg – 503 kilometers (6 h 10 min)
- Malmö – 701 kilometers (8 h 5 min)
- Linköping – 290 kilometers (3 h 22 min)
- Kiruna – 1211 kilometers (14 h 3 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
