Strömsholm Canal, Historic waterway in Fagersta Municipality, Sweden

The Strömsholm Canal runs 107 kilometres from Smedjebacken on Lake Barken to Borgåsund on Lake Mälaren, with 26 locks and a total fall of 99 metres. Only 12 kilometres are dug channels; the rest follows Kolbäcksån and a chain of lakes. At each lock, grey masonry walls capped with flat stone carry a walkway, and a white post stands beside a dark metal hand crank and gear housing.

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 canal was renovated in the 1840s under Johan Edström and Johan af Kleen, when it was widened and deepened and three locks were built entirely new; it reopened in 1860. The 26 locks are named after people, mostly royalty, and most were named by Gustav III during his 1787 inauguration voyage from Lake Barken to Hallstahammar.