Strömsholm Canal

The Strömsholm Canal is a 100-kilometer waterway from Smedjebacken to Lake Mälaren, connecting multiple lakes through 26 locks and artificial channels. The system runs across three municipalities through hilly, forested terrain with occasional open shorelines.

Built between 1772 and 1795 under Johan Ullström's direction, the canal enabled transport of iron products from local steelworks to distant markets. This infrastructure proved essential for the growth of iron production in central Sweden.

The waterway is deeply tied to iron production, which shaped its appearance and purpose throughout the region. You can still see old factory buildings and workers' houses along the water that reflect how this industry defined daily life here.

You can reach the canal at multiple points across the three municipalities, with different sections offering varying conditions for boats and vessels. Exploring on foot or by bicycle lets you see the locks and shorelines at your own pace and discover different parts of the system.

The locks still operate using the same mechanical methods from the 1700s and have never been replaced with modern technology. Visitors can experience firsthand how the manual operations of these historical water structures work.

Location: Fagersta Municipality

Location: Surahammar Municipality

Location: Hallstahammar Municipality

Inception: 1795

GPS coordinates: 59.53330,16.25830

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26