Although this site already received a number of reviews, we will add another since it seems that none of the reviewers managed to get a look at the inside of the buildings.

In high season there are regular guided tours during which the buildings can be visited. In principle the tours are in Swedish, but the (very knowledgeable) guide also made the translation in English for us. The tours are in very small groups but since we visited the site in 2020 / covid times, we don’t know if this is always the case.

First an explanation of the history of the site (and the Swedish ironworks in general) is provided: the iron industry is what fueled Sweden’s development and power as from the 17th century. As mentioned by other reviewers, Engelsberg is located in the beautiful Västmanland province but the guide explained that during this period of iron production the place must have looked like hell (pollution, stench, clouds of smoke, …).

Afterwards, the smelting house – the building appearing on most pictures of Engelsberg – is visited. This structure actually consists of two parts: the roasting furnace (cf. picture) and the blast furnace. This last room also houses an ore crusher powered by a (still functioning) water wheel and a number of panels explaining the iron production. The second building which can be visited is the forge, located at the back of the site next to a lake and also powered by water wheels.

In summary, Engelsberg is in any case worth a visit taking into account the nice setting and perfectly maintained buildings (assuming an interest in industrial heritage). But participating in a guided tour will add a lot of value since also the interior of the structures can be visited and also valuable background information is provided.