Hults Bruk Axes

The Hults Bruk factory is located just north of the Swedish city of Norrkoping. The location was selected in the late 1600s because of its advantageous spot at the end of a valley and at the edge of a forest while being next to an active stream.

That stream provided power through a water wheel. The facility is dominated by a white mansion that was built at the start of the 20th century and that now serves as the administrative offices. Around a hundred yards from that building is the ironworks. There is a road down to the lake which is lined by small red cottages with black trim. Those small buildings are where blacksmithing took place in the past. Also on site are four apartment blocks that were built for workers in the 1800s. The buildings have the curious names of “Zion,” “Bethlehem,” “Langholmen,” and “Rome.” The apartments have been modernized over time and are still in use today.