Discover Voxnabruk: History, Trails and Water
Accommodation in Voxnabruk
Voxnabruk can be understood in terms of practical travel-planning differences: between architectural and industrial history, hiking trails of varying lengths, and activities on the water. When choosing accommodation, your preferred focus can help—for example, mining history, nature trails or the Voxnan. Comparisons based on trail length and terrain, as well as between stretches of the river, are particularly useful.
Industrial history and buildings
Voxna smedja was declared a listed building in 1989. Construction of Voxna herrgård began in 1791 for the owner of the works at the time, Commercial Councillor J. C. Müller. The manor house is built of slag stone and timber framing, an unusual building technique in this context. The start of construction and the listed status mark two different historical points of reference: 1791 is the year construction began, while 1989 is the year the smithy was designated.
Slag heaps, ore deposits, the mine shaft and the mine yard with its cultivated plots have been preserved on Gymåsberget. The path between the mine and the ironworks has also been preserved. Voxna bruk also has a settlement layout typical of the 18th century. Individual technical traces and the settlement pattern thus offer different perspectives on the history of the place.
The wooden church of Voxna kyrka, with its tower, was inaugurated in 1759. It houses a Setterqvist organ dating from 1888, whose case from an older organ has been preserved. The dates relate to different parts of the church’s history: 1759 marks the inauguration of the building, and 1888 the organ. The preserved older organ case adds another architectural detail to the instrument’s history.
Comparing hiking trails
The Naturstigen in Voxnabruk is about 3 km long, runs through easy terrain and is suitable for the whole family. In places, it follows the scenic ridge of Galtryggen. Several signs along the trail provide information about animals and nature in the surrounding area. Its length, terrain and nature themes give the trail a different profile from a hike to the mining remains.
The Gruvleden is 9.5 km long and follows old roads and corduroy paths from the blast furnace ruins in Voxnabruk to the old mining area on Gymåsberget. The two trails can therefore be distinguished by their length and described character: the Naturstigen is the shorter route through easy terrain, while the Gruvleden follows old roads to the mining area. No specific walking time is given for either route.
The Voxnan, paddling and fishing
A 2023 field report by the Swedish Canoe Association mentions canoe rental providers in Voxnabruk, between the upper stretch of the Voxnan, characterised by rapids, and the lower stretches near Loån and Gryckån, which are easier to paddle. The providers also offer transport assistance. The difference is a practical consideration when choosing a stretch of river: rapids characterise the water upstream, while the lower stretches are easier to paddle.
Fly fishing for trout and grayling is possible in the flowing stretches of the Voxnan around Voxnabruk. Voxna Södra Fiskevårdsförening manages fishing waters in the western and southern parts of Voxnadalen, with a focus on the area around Voxnabruk. The landscape of Voxnadalen is characterised by Hälsingland farmhouses, deep forest lakes, flowing waters and the meandering river Voxnan.
Swimming area and accommodation
The Barnstigen starts beside the Övre Hammaren bathing beach, near Voxnabruks hembygdsgård, at Övre hammarvägen 52 in Voxnabruk. For the Övre Hammaren bathing area, a municipal notice dated 8 September 2026 shows the results of bacterial tests and checks for algal blooms. Check the notices before swimming.
Voxna herrgård offers overnight accommodation in rooms on the second floor for special occasions. Check availability before travelling.
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