As previous reviewers have pointed out Engelsberg doesn't feel all that industrial for an ironwork. Embedded into the typical Swedish landscape with lakes and forests, it has more the feel of a large picturesque agricultural estate. And in a way it was precisely that as the surrounding forests and lakes were key resources used in processing the iron ore. I felt reminded of Ironbridge Gorge. This is what it must have looked like before the English moved from charcoal to coke.

The site was operated well into the 20th century. It's interesting to consider how long these types of production techniques were competitive.

To me the site could well be extended into a cultural landscape. The Fagersta region to this date remains a center of iron production in Sweden. Several relevant sites are grouped into the Ekomuseum Bergslagen. These could provide some more context and background on Engelsberg.

Getting In

As is the case all over Sweden, high season is from mid-June to mid-August. In this period there are regular guided tours and the visitor center is open. Outside this period you can contact the visitor center to arrange a tour for you. My hunch is, though, that it will be mostly closed and you are left to your own devices. Note that near the train station there is also a tourist information with potentially more generous opening hours.

Exploring the site on your own is not much of a problem, though, as you can roam the premises freely on your own. A map of the premises is shown near the parking lot with the recommended trail. Note that some parts of the site are still inhabited and off limits for visitors. Sign posting will indicate as much. The size of the site is rather limited, but exploring the nearby lakes and forests is well worth it.

Getting There and Away

Coming from Stockholm I stayed overnight in Västeras, a pleasant little town on a lake. From Västeras there is a train running to Fagersta that stops in Ängelsberg. It runs at least every two hours, even on the weekend. From the train station it's a less than 30min walk to the site with a nice sculpture park to explore along the way.

If you need to connect to Arlanda airport, there are direct buses to Arlanda airport from Västeras.

While You Are There

If you arrive in Swedish high season or on a weekend you can take a ferry to visit the world's oldest still existing refinery on an island just across the shore from the train station. From Fagersta you are able to connect to Falun via Ludvika.