SWEDEN A land of extremely rich industrial
archeology that is less commonly explored by Americans than that
of, say, Great Britain. Sweden is best knownboth historically
and presentlyfor its iron and steel. Iron was produced here
as early as the fifth century BC (!) and by the middle
of the 18th century Sweden accounted for one-third of world production.
Today the nation produces industry's finest tool and other specialty
steels. The blast furnaces, mines, rolling mills, bruks
(iron-making villages), and other elements of the earlier industry
survive in astonishing number and degree of preservation. These
will form the tour's core, while visits to several modern steel
plants will provide interesting contrast.
But there will be much more: canals, narrow-gauge railroads, industrial
museums, castles, bridges, several of Sweden's early and spectacular
hydro-electric stations, operating factories, and other fascinating
sites are on the itinerary. In Stockholm we will visit the ill-starred
Vasa, the early-17th-century war ship that sank barely
into her maiden voyage, and in 1961 was raised with her contents
intact. She and these contents now rest in full view in a world-class,
dedicated museum.
The tour has been planned and will be led by Kersti Morger, one
of Sweden's leading industrial archeologists, assisted by local
guides at many of the sites. A number of special events are looked
for on the final itinerary. Conveyance will be by our own luxurious
motor coach, with anticipated supplemental side trips by rail
and lake boat. (The coach will set the number of participants
at about 45 SIA members.) Moreover, Dr. Morger promises that this
tourits content already extraordinarywill be a gustatory
treat, bearing out that oft-heard claim that Sweden is one of
those rare lands where it simply is not possible to have a bad
meal! Join us!
ITINERARY
Kindly note that this itinerary is provisional, identifying most
of the sites to be visited but by no means all; the principal
ones as now determined are shown. It is likely that adjustments
will of necessity be made right up to the time of the Tour, and
possibly even during the Tour itself. One thing is certain, however:
the places to be seen and the things to be experienced will be
of surpassing interest and variety! A fuller itinerary & guide
book, with more detailed site descriptions, plus general information,
will be sent to all participants no later than mid-August.
The Tour will start on the 3rd with arrival and gathering in Gothenburg, moving on to Trollhättan for an evening reception. There the Tour really begins, on the 4th, with visits to (in roughly trip order): The Trollhättan Canalthe western leg of the early-19th-C Gotha Canal which connects the Swedish east coast at Stockholm with the west at Gothenburg; SAAB's engine plant; the Innovatuma science center based on industry; and the 105-ft-head Olidan hydroelectric station of 1906-10the most impressive in Sweden, with 13 Francis-turbine units. Norrköping "The Manchester of Sweden," former major textile center dense with remaining mills, power canals, bridges, and other points of interest, plus two fine industrial museums. Oxelösund Steela large, modern steel works with coke plant, blast furnaces, rolling mill, etc. Tumba Paper Mill near Södertälje with demonstrations of hand paper-making. Västeråsa small industrial village full of interesting buildings and museums and an architecturally significant hydro station of 1891. Engelsberg Iron Worksone of the world's most important remains of the early industrial era (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with blast furnace, operable water-powered blowing engine and forge hammer, and other equipment. Oljeön Oil Refinery of 1875. Ramnäs Brukiron-making village with extensive remains of furnaces, machinery, steam hammer, etc.; the last operating Lancashire forge in the world (1964), producing wrought iron from pig. Grängesberg Railway Museum. Falun Copper Mineoperated from 1288 until 1992, with extensive open-pit and shaft workings, early buildings and machinery (also a World Heritage Site). Korså Bruk19th-C blast furnace and forge with operating water wheels and trip hammers. Karmansbo Ironworks "one of the best preserved industrial environments in Europe." Ludvika Mining Museum first open-air industrial museum in the world (1938). Fagerstasteel-wire production. Fröviforspreserved paper mill with "Yankee" paper machines of 1907 & 1911 and other early water-powered, belt-driven machinery. Norberg Mining Museum with operating stånggång (reciprocating-rod power transmission system). Sala Silver Minepreserved buildings of the 17th - 19th centuries, accessible mine. Uppsalasmall city full of interest: the oldest university in Sweden (1477); Linné's (Linnaeus) botanical garden; 1860s chain-link "cable-stay" bridge. Dannemora Iron Minecomplex of deep open-pit mines. Österby Brukthe only preserved walloon forge in Sweden. Älvkarleby Hydro Station (1915), 18th-c timber arch bridge, and spectacular falls. Gälve Railway Museum. Karlholmsbrukpreserved Lancashire forge and village. Söderfors Erasteel, world's leading supplier of high-speed and other specialty steels (plant tour). Sandviken Steelalso specialty steels plus monster 19th-c steam hammer as monument in town park (photo op supreme). Forsbackabruk19th-c blast furnace and ore-roasting ovens. Skokloster Castlefabulous 17-c pile filled with paintings, arms, library, and the prince's fancy turnery with great-wheel lathe and full equipage of its tooling; also (somewhat later) automobile museum. STOCKHOLMship Vasa, Skansenworld's first open-air museum, Tekniska Museumvast history of technology collections, other museums, churches, etc. Guided or self tours. Hallsta Paper MillSweden's largest newsprint producer.
The Tour will end in Stockholm, for either
departure on the 17th, or opportunity to stay later on one's own.
Note that flying into Gothenberg may involve a plane change at
Copenhagen, with possibility of stopover and chance to tour that
wonderful city (the famed Tivoli park will still be open). The
Tour managers will be investigating group-travel possibilities
for reduced fares, and will send information on this to participants
as soon as possible.
TOUR COST:
Total cost for tour is $2800 U.S. (double occupancy). The payment
schdedule is: $800 deposit per person upon application, balance
of $2000 per person due following receipt of invoice, approximately
July 15, 2002. There is a $300 single supplement charge.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST:
Accommodations in hotels based on two persons sharing one room
and bath. Single rooms available with $300 single-supplement charge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day of the tour
Private motorcoach for the entire tour
Admission fees to all sites
Professional guide who is a Swedish IA expert plus assistance
of two SIA representatives
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Travel to/from Gothenberg and Stockholm, which must be arranged
by participants; additional vicinity travel beyond the tours;
personal items such as beverages, ala carte food orders, room
service, laundry service, or other items not specified as included.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS:
After confirmation of a seat on the tour, a nonrefundable fee
of $100 per person will be charged upon written cancellation.
Written cancellation before 30 days of the tour's beginning date
will result in full refund, less the cancellation fee ONLY if
the space can be resold. Otherwise group expenses, such as ground
transportation and staff fees are not refundable. No refunds of
unused portions of the tour can be guaranteed, dependent upon
necessary group costs.
A NOTE ABOUT ITINERARY AND COSTS:
While every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned
and advertised, the itinerary is subject to modification. An updated
itinerary will be sent to participants upon receipt of deposit.
Program costs are based on currency values and prices current
in January 2002, and assume a minimal enrollment of 40 participants.
We expect to maintain the planned prices and schedules, but participants
must realize that adjustments may be necessary, including the
possibility of a surcharge if costs require it, and a refund if
costs fall short of expectations.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, with coverage for sudden
trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergency, travel delay
and loss of baggage.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING:
September weather in Sweden should be mild, but be prepared for
wet and cold, so raincoats and perhaps a sweater are essential.
As always on SIA tours, sturdy shoes are a requirement.
HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS:
To fully appreciate and enjoy this study tour, participants must
be in good mental and physical health. The tour will involve long
days, some strenuous walking and climbing of stairs, so good condition
is necessary. Any physical condition requiring special consideration,
diets, or treatment must be reported in writing with this registration
form. We reserve the right to refuse to enroll or retain any person
whose health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude
jeopardize the operation of the tour or the enjoyment of the other
participants.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER:
The Society for Industrial Archeology and Kersti Morger, whose
participation in this program is limited to educational
sponsorship, shall not be liable for loss, delay, damage, injury,
accident, or death, which may occur due to the fault of any company,
hotel or other person engaged in carrying out any arrangements.
We accept no responsibility for delays, misconnections or mechanical
failures of any nature caused by conditions beyond our control,
nor for any consequential costs. Participants will not hold us
liable for any expense arising from claims based on liabilities
not undertaken under this agreement.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:
This tour is expected to be very popular and to sell out quickly.
To avoid disappointment and the possibility of being put on a
waiting list, it is recommended that you register immediately.
QUESTIONS: Christopher
Marston (202) 343-1018 work; (301) 565-5295 home; chmarston@toad.net
or Robert Vogel (202) 966-1558; toolduller@att.net