Courses in Gränsfors 2022

Courses in forging, log-building and timber framing.

To register for a course

Registration for all courses is made on Gränsfors Bruk’s website Gränsfors Bruk under courses. There you will find all the information on how to register for a course, payment solutions and what applies in the event of cancellations.
After sending a registration form you will receive an email confirmation. For questions please contact us at: courses@gransfors.com

Courses in Gränsfors 2022

Gränsfors

There are certain places where history and tradition are melded with the pulse of modern life in a completely natural way. One such place is Gränsfors. Established along a meandering river,
Gränsfors is situated in the north of Hälsingland between Hudiksvall and Sundsvall and about 10km west of Gnarp/E4.

Gränsfors Bruk

The Gränsfors Bruk axe forge has been in production for over a hundred years. Today about 40 employees work with production and sales. Products consist of 15 different axe models, and more than 90% of production is exported to over 20 countries. More information about Gränsfors Bruk can be found at Gränsfors Bruk

Forging courses

Over the years, many have gained their first glimpse into the fascinating world of blacksmithing in the Gränsfors Bruk course smithy. The well-equipped smithy lies directly connected to Gränsfors’ axe production. The forging courses are led by the North Hälsingland Blacksmith Guild with Fredrik Thelin, Sam Ritter and Hannes Thelin experienced and qualified smiths, as head instructors. Courses are available in different degrees of difficulty and vary in length. Custom courses can be arranged. Minimum age is 16 years. Instruction is offered in Swedish and English. Pictures from previous courses can be viewed at Gränsfors Bruk

Accommodation in its own room, bedded and ready, as well as food is included in all courses at Gränsfors Bruk. All forging courses include the book Swedish Blacksmithing by KG Norén & Lars Enander

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk.

Forging course – Basic

5 days 11 990 SEK

Instruction in Swedish and English. No previous experience required. The basic course in forging is for those who wish to learn some of the fundamental skills of blacksmithing. With the guidance of an experienced smith’s step-by-step examples and instruction, you will gain a glimpse into the fascinating world of forging hot steel. During the course’s five days you will gain an understanding of the smithy and its tools, lighting the forge and the art of working the hot steel with the help of a hammer and anvil. Also addressed is a basic understanding of steels and finishing methods. During the course you will forge hooks, a grill skewer/fork, nails, a hasp and staples, a door handle, hinges and a candleholder. There is even room for your own ideas.

During the course, you will receive practical instruction in forging for five days, all materials, and take home what you have forged. You will receive breakfast, lunch, coffee twice a day and dinner each day of the course. Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening before the course to the last day of instruction. Total price for the course is 11 990 SEK. If two people can share a room, 300 SEK per person will be deducted.

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk.

Forging course – Continuation

5 days 11 990 kr

Instruction in Swedish and English. Experience equivalent to the basic forging course is recommended.

This course is a continuation of the 5-day Basic course, building on the basics of forging. You will learn several new techniques as well as a deepened knowledge of blacksmithing. Focus is on forging items consisting of several assembled parts or with moving pieces, such as a double-armed chandelier, wall sconce and blacksmithing tongs. There is always room for your own ideas.

During the course, you will receive practical instruction in forging for five days, all materials, and take home what you have forged. You will get breakfast, lunch, coffee twice a day and dinner each day of the course. Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening
before the course to the last day of instruction. Total price for the course is 11 990 SEK. If two people can share a room, 300 SEK per person will be deducted.

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk.

Forging course – Forge your own Axe

2 days 6 590 kr

Instruction in Swedish and English. No previous experience required. With the guidance of an experienced smith’s step-by-step examples and instruction, you will gain a glimpse into the world of forging hot steel. You will learn some basic knowledge such as how to light the forge and about the tools and materials involved – a perfect introduction to blacksmithing and axe making. Forging an axe is in many ways one of the most demanding projects in the forge, and this course focuses on
introducing the basics of the different steps involved. Besides gaining an understanding of the forge and its tools, during the course you will learn the step-by-step process of making an axe. Participants begin with forging the axe head, followed by the finishing steps of heat treating, grinding, and hafting. The axe model forged in this course is a smaller hatchet, similar to the Gränsfors Outdoor Axe. Each participant can take home their very own hand-forged axe.

During the two days, you will get breakfast, lunch, coffee twice a day and dinner. Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening before the course to the last day of instruction. Total price for the course is 6 590 SEK. If two people can share a room, 300 SEK per person will be deducted.

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk.

Forging course – Forging a Knife

2 days 6 590 kr

Instruction in Swedish and English. No previous experience required. With the guidance of an experienced smith’s step-by-step examples and instruction, you will gain a glimpse into the world of forging hot steel. You will learn basic knowledge such as how to light the forge and about the tools and materials involved – a perfect ‘try-out’ introduction to blacksmithing. The main focus in this course is to give a basic knowledge and practical experience of the processes involved in knife
forging. Besides gaining a basic understanding of the forge and its tools, you will be able to try forging several different styles of knife blades, including a traditional woman’s knife, a hidden tang blade, and a full steel knife. The process is introduced step by step, from the lighting of the forge and working of the hot steel, to grinding and heat-treating. There is even the possibility to try forge-welding a laminated blade.

During the two days, you will get breakfast, lunch, coffee twice a day and dinner. Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening before the course to the last day of instruction. Total price for the course is 6 590 SEK. If two people can share a room, 300 SEK per person will be deducted.

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk

Forging course – Damascus

5 days, Oktober 10 – 14

11 990 kr

Instruction in Swedish and English. Experience equivalent to Forging course – Basic and Forging Course – Advansed.

With the guidance of an experienced smith’s step-by-step examples and instruction, you will gain a glimpse into the world of forging Damascus, otherwise known as pattern-welded, steel. This course focuses on the making of this material through forge welding layers of different steels together, and manipulating the result to create patterns in the finished billet. Pattern welding is not only used to create beautiful patterns, but is also a means for a smith to combine the properties of different steels to serve a distinct purpose. The emphasis of the course is creating the Damascus steel itself and learning and practicing the techniques required. During the course there will also be time to further explore forging one’s own Damascus into such items as knives or jewellery. Finishing processes such as hardening, polishing, and etching are also introduced. Participants’ own ideas are welcomed. During the course, you will receive practical instruction in forging for five days, all materials, and take home what you have forged.

During the five days, you will get breakfast, lunch, coffee twice a day and dinner. Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening before the course to the last day of instruction. Total price for the course is 11 990 SEK. If two people can share a room, 300 SEK per person will be deducted.

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk.

Log-building And Timber farming courses

Log-building course

5 days 11 990 kr

No previous experience is required. Minimum age is 16 years. Instruction in Swedish, English and German if required. The course is led by experienced carpenter Andreas Hipf.

As a course participant you will be part of a building project, which may include anything from an “Attefallshus” to a simple outbuilding. Together we discuss project planning, ground and foundation, timber selection, truss solutions, window and door openings, roof construction and more, as well as study the construction of completed log houses. The course’s focus is on joining timbers and the fitting of wedge-shaped logs. We use logs that are cut and milled with an onsite sawmill to ensure plenty of time for practicing good quality joints. The course is a combination of theory and practical application but the focus is on building up the practical skills.

You will work with hand tools and axes produced by Gränsfors Bruk. The course takes place outdoors under a roof. Bring a folding rule and pencil, heavy duty work clothing and rain gear. Work boots with steel toes and reinforced soles recommended but not required.

During the five days, you will get breakfast, lunch, coffee twice a day and dinner. Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening before the course to the last day of instruction. Total price for the course is 11 990 SEK. If two people can share a room, 300 SEK per person will be deducted.

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk.

Timber-framing course

6 days 13 990 kr

Timber framing is an alternative to the traditional log-building technique for constructing large or small houses. Timber frame construction has long existed in practically every country. Over many years it has been refined in places such as Great Britain, Germany, and Japan, and has become a carpentry technique which, through the efforts of skilled craftspeople, has resulted in architectural masterpieces, both functional and aesthetic.

In this course, led by experienced carpenter Andreas Hipf, you will learn how to build a timber frame house. We will build using the Square Rule method, in which we use a square and layout lines to find and cut out the perfect timber from each log. No previous experience is required. Minimum age is 16 years. Instruction in English, Swedish, and German depending on the participants. The course takes place outdoors under a roof. Bring heavy duty work clothing and rain gear. Work boots with steel toes and reinforced soles recommended but not required.

During the six days, you will get breakfast, lunch, coffee twice a day and dinner. Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening before the course to the last day of instruction. Total price for the course is 13 990 SEK. If two people can share a room, 300 SEK per person will be deducted.

Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room. All courses begin with breakfast at 8:30 am at Café Augustas neighbouring Gränsfors Bruk.

General information about the courses

Accommodation

Lodging is included, complete with bedding and towels, in a single room from the evening before the course to the last day of instruction. Bathrooms and showers are always shared between several
participants. The rooms are generally not cleaned during the courses. If you are willing to share a room with another person the course price is reduced. Participants arrive the evening before the course. Upon arrival, call +46 (0)708 444 200 for directions to your room.

Food & Beverage

All meals – breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner – are included in the course fee and are served at Café Augustas, owned and operated by Hasse. +46 (0)70 557 19 61. During the summer the restaurant is also open to the public. Requests for extra meals and special diets must be notified when booking, along with non-participants who will be eating. Extra meals and non-participants can pay directly to Hasse. Café Augustas is located in the village of Gränsfors, approx. 100m from the Gränsfors Bruk axe forge and Gränsfors Axe Museum. Café Augustas has a full food and liquor license.

All courses begin with gathering and breakfast in Restaurant Augustas at 8:30.

Getting to Gränsfors by car

Gränsfors is located in northern Hälsingland about 20 km from the Gulf of Bothnia, 350 km north of Stockholm, between Hudiksvall and Sundsvall and approximately 10 km from the E4 motorway.

From the south/north: turn west off of the A4 motorway in Gnarp. By the OKQ8 fuel station is a sign for Gränsfors 10km. Gränsfors is located between Gnarp and Bergsjö along road 758.

More information about Gränsfors Bruk can be found at Gränsfors Bruk, and the surrounding area at Destination Nordanstig

Getting to Gränsfors with train and bus

From the south: Take the train to Hudiksvall and then the bus to Bergsjö. There is then another bus from Bergsjö to Gränsfors, journey time around 15 min. From the bus stop in Gränsfors, it is a 5-10 min walk to Gränsfors Bruk. From the north: Take the train from Sundsvall to Gnarp train station. From Gnarp, take the bus to Gränsfors, journey time around 15 min. From the bus stop in Gränsfors, it is a 5-10 min walk to Gränsfors Bruk.

Timetables for train and busses can be found at SJ and X-trafic

It is easy to ask questions and register for a course

Registration for courses is made on Gränsfors Bruk’s website Gränsfors Bruk under courses. For questions please contact us at courses@gransfors.com

The courses are arranged in collaboration between Gränsfors Bruk AB and Gårdar i Nordanstig AB, which also runs Sagaliden – A small place. Rental, camping, conference & courses in Bergsjö. Visitsagaliden

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND GRÄNSFORS

Lakes, beaches, forests and mountains

Upstream of Gränsfors lies a sizeable lake, Grännsjön that is perfect for fishing and swimming. There are two excellent sandy beaches to enjoy: Krusbaden and Jägarviken.

Around the lake stretch endless forests with peaks at 200-300 meters above sea level. On a clear day, from nearby mountain Klövberget you can see the Gulf of Bothnia to the east and the blue mountains of Hassela in the west.

There is both a hiking trail and canoe route from Hassela to the sea. Both are a little hidden but worth exploring.

Bergsjö

10 km west of Gränsfors is the municipality’s centre Bergsjö. Here you can find a supermarket, ATM, apothecary, Systembolaget (liquor store), two restaurants, car repair shop and petrol station. In Bergsjö is also located the bus station where buses run daily to Hassela, Gnarp, Hudiksvall and Sundsvall.

Sagaliden – A small place

3 km south of Bergsjö in Högen, about 15 minutes by car from Gränsfors, is Sagaliden situated with house/cottages rental, camping & conferences/courses – beautifully located by Storsjön. In the summer there are good swimming opportunities and in the winter, if the snow allows, nice ski trails. Sagaliden is owned and managed by Gårdar i Nordanstig AB, which also runs course activities in Gränsfors in collaboration with Gränsfors Bruk. Visitsagaliden

The Gulf of Bothnia

Twenty kilometres to the east lies the Gulf of Bothnia with wonderful, often wholly unspoiled, beaches. You will also find a string of beautiful small coastal communities, including Sörfjärden with its beach, restaurant En Liten Sjökrog, camping, and golf course, and Mellanfjärden, which has a hotel, the Sjömärket restaurant and camping. Running along the coast is Kuststigen, a walking trail
from village to village, stretching 60 km in total.