Alleima supports local viking project

Forging and iron production have historically been very significant for Gästrikland since the early Iron Age. "Iron production is part of a 2,000-year-old chain that still exists today, among others through Alleima," says Konstantin Missfeldt, active in the Viking association Fafner.

The association Fafner in Årsunda in Sandviken municipality has worked since the 90s to inform the public about and develop Viking Age-related activities. For 25 years, the association has run a Viking farm and an archaeological open-air museum in Årsunda, where it receives visitors and runs educational school activities.

a pile of nails on a wood surface Nails made the old Viking way

Preserving the history of iron production in Gästrikland

Over the past year, Alleima has stepped in to support an "iron project" that will improve the historical experience, quality, and the knowledge visitors gain about iron production and forging. "Forging and iron production are one of our big attractions at the Viking farm. Therefore, it is important for us to show the techniques of the Viking age accurately," says Konstantin Missfeldt. a person in a robe by a fire Johan Säfström, member of the viking association Fafner, holds the tongs. It is also he who, according to old forging technique, has manufactured the new bellows.

When we built the current forge in the 90s, our knowledge was different from what it is today. The goal of the iron project has been to adapt the forge to the Viking Age, replace modern tools with more period-appropriate ones, and improve safety during forging for children and adults. "Thanks to Alleima, we have been able to carry out the project and give our visitors an improved, safer, and more genuine experience on the theme of iron and forging," says Konstantin Missfeldt.

"The Viking association Fafner works to promote knowledge and inform about the Viking Age. For us at Alleima, supporting local association life is important. And the collaboration with the association Fafner is extra fun because the iron production during the Viking Age laid the foundation for the special steel company that Alleima is today," says Glenn Johansson, site manager for Alleima in Sandviken and chairman of the company's local sponsorship group. a pair of wooden poles with metal hinges The collaboration with Alleima has contributed to the association being able to replace modern tools with more period-appropriate correct ones according to the viking age. Here are newly manufactured bellows.