Culture

Marieholm Mill is a historic industrial site located in the village of Marieholm, with roots reaching back to the 19th century when the ironworks was first established. For many years, the mill played an important role in the development of the Gnosjö region. Production evolved over time, from iron goods and agricultural tools to later manufacturing boats, including the well-known IF sailing boat. Today, the former industrial buildings have been transformed into a vibrant cultural venue. Visitors can experience exhibitions, handicraft displays, seasonal markets such as the popular Christmas market, and a cosy waffle café during the summer months. By preserving and reusing the historic environment, Marieholm Mill has become a place where history and creativity meet. It offers a unique glimpse into the region’s industrial past while serving as a lively gathering place for culture and community. In recent years, new initiatives have continued to develop the site, including a permanent exhibition that opened to the public in 2023. In the beginning of july there's usually a vintage car meeting here too. For more information, you can contact:Marieholms Bruk: +46 370 51 59 59Chair of the association Kulturarv Marieholm: +46 70 541 23 58

J.E. Hyltén’s metalworks factory once stood locked and abandoned for many years. When the doors were finally reopened, it truly felt like stepping back in time. Today, the factory has been transformed into an industrial museum and is one of the region’s main attractions, especially during the summer when you can see the machines in action. Hyltén played a key role in shaping what is now known as the modern Gnosjö spirit and contributed to the development of several companies that still operate in the region today. Just across the road, you will find Gåröström Industrial Museum, where a collection of machines connected to the Gnosjö region is on display. Many of them are still fully functional, thanks to the dedication of local enthusiasts. Some production continues on a small scale, including items such as candle sharpeners and clocks. Once a year, the entire production line is brought back to life during a special event called Gjutarnatta (The Foundry Night). During this unique evening, visitors can experience the foundry in full operation, illuminated by glowing furnaces against the dark autumn sky. The museum is open year-round, and guided tours can be booked for both private groups and companies. If you are visiting as a business, we recommend combining your visit with a tour of one of the region’s modern, active companies. Contact & Opening HoursPhone: +46 370 917 00Email: hyltens@gnosjo.seOpening hours:Weekdays: 13:00 – 16:00 Other visits and group visits are available by booking.For updated opening hours during public holidays, we recommend checking Hylténs Facebook page.

Follow the winding forest road through dense spruce woodland until you reach Valefallet, a peaceful spot where nature and history come together. Here, you can see the 40-metre-long reconstructed timber flume, once used to transport logs along the Valån river. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s logging history, with remains of old mills and sawmills still visible in the surroundings. Information boards tell the story of the timber-floating era, helping you understand how important waterways once were for the local industry. It is also a lovely place to take a break. Sit down, enjoy a picnic, listen to the sound of the rushing water and take in the calm atmosphere of the Småland forest. You can easily reach the area by car, with the simplest route going via Ulvestorp.

A very popular museum in the region is Töllstorp Industrial Museum. Our heritage is something we take great pride in, and it is clearly reflected in our visitor sites. Töllstorp is a living museum where the water wheels still turn, just as they did in the past. On site, you can watch traditional wire-drawing and the production of everyday items such as pot handles, whisks, mousetraps, harness parts, hairpins and safety pins, all made using wire from Gnosjö. During the summer, the museum is open daily and offers light refreshments and fika. During the rest of the year, visits can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance. A Living Industrial HeritageToday, the site includes two remaining mills, a blacksmith’s workshop and Gnosjö’s first automatic machine, built in 1881. In the early days, the wire was pulled using horse power, but around 1750 production shifted to water power, a smart solution that shaped the industry for generations. In true Gnosjö spirit, cooperation with neighbouring mill owners ensured a stable water supply for production further downstream. Guided tours follow a loop that is mostly along a gravel path. If walking the route is not possible, you can instead watch a filmed version of the guided tour in the main residential building on site. And yes, some rather unusual products have been made here too, including “chicken glasses”. Contact:Phone: +46 70 551 04 88Email: tollstorp@telia.com

Step into the heart of the Gnosjö region’s industrial heritage. Here, you are taken back to a time when innovation and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for what is now known as the Gnosjö spirit. At the museum, you can experience how production once looked, with working machines, nail making and authentic environments that show how small-scale industry developed during the 20th century. A genuine experience for allThe museum is ideal for anyone interested in understanding how technical innovation shaped an entire region. It is family-friendly, accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, and offers an authentic and engaging experience for both individuals and groups. For an even richer visit, you can combine your trip with Hylténs Industrial Museum, located just across the road. Together, they offer a unique insight into the region’s history of craftsmanship and industry. Practical InformationAddress: Gåröström 4, GnosjöOpening hours: Weekdays 13:00 – 16:00(other times for groups can be arranged by phone)Phone: +46 370 917 00

Åsenhöga Heritage Park is a charming cultural oasis in the heart of the countryside. Here, you can explore a collection of historic buildings and environments that reflect everyday life in and around Åsenhöga over the past century. The park features a variety of traditional buildings, including an old schoolhouse, a blacksmith’s workshop, a timber storage house, and a root cellar. You can also visit a recreated village shop and exhibitions that bring the history of the Gnosjö region to life. Surrounding the buildings are green open spaces perfect for a walk or a relaxed picnic. You can even take a short stroll to the nearby abandoned cemetery, which adds another layer to the area’s history and atmosphere. Events & ExperiencesThroughout the year, the park hosts a range of activities and events, including: - Traditional Midsummer celebrations- A cosy waffle café during the summer season- Cultural evenings with music and talks Åsenhöga Heritage Park is a place for both relaxation and discovery. It’s well worth a visit if you want to experience something truly authentic and a little off the beaten track. Here you can also stay overnight with your RV.