Fingården Skifsen


 
In the Grangärde wilderness, there are several fascinating locations that together form the Ecomuseum Bergslagen. The first so-called forest Finns arrived here as early as the 1570s. They fled from land scarcity and famine in eastern Finland. Suddenly, the vast, desolate Bergslagen forests came to life.

 
During the 1600s in Finland, the weather was so cold that the period is now referred to as the Little Ice Age. Many people starved to death, and countless others were forced to leave their homes and farms to escape famine. At the time, Finland was part of Sweden, and one of the places they were welcomed was the forested area now called the Finnforest in Grangärde.
  

The forest Finns were promised six years of tax exemption if they settled there, built homes, and cultivated the land. They had excellent knowledge of fishing and hunting but, above all, knew how to practice slash-and-burn agriculture, allowing them to farm in the ashes. They were also skilled at building homes, although their houses differed from those of the Swedes. The forest Finns’ homes had neither chimneys nor window openings; instead, they let the smoke escape through a hatch in the roof.
 
Skifsen is a Finnish homestead located about 10 kilometers south of Fredriksberg. It became one of the first six settlements in the Grangärde wilderness. In the 1600s, the Puuroinen Bure family moved here. Even today, their descendants are still remembered. Zachris Matsson Puuroinen Bure was one of them. He didn’t just engage in slash-and-burn farming and forestry but also began trading in bog iron. He became so successful that, by the end of the 17th century, he was appointed as a district judge and managed the economy of this part of the wilderness. His son, commonly known as “Rich-Mats,” became so influential that even Swedish industrialists had to consider his power.
 
Forest Finns lived in Skifsen for over 400 years until the 1940s when the last two original farms were demolished, leaving only their foundations.
 
 
Today, a unique, voluntary, and long-term project is underway here. The association Skifsens Vänner (Friends of Skifsen) is working to reconstruct historically accurate Finnish-style buildings typical of a Finnish homestead from the mid-18th century. Several buildings have already been constructed, including a cabin available for overnight stays during the summer months. It’s open to hikers passing through.
 
The association’s goal is to ensure the building techniques are historically accurate and that the materials are sourced locally. Indeed, Skifsen is an exciting place to visit, full of fascinating discoveries.
 
 
Facts
A Finnish homestead dating back to the 1570s, where the association Skifsens Vänner is working on a long-term project to rebuild the structures in the same style as Finnish homesteads from the 1750s. The site is signposted and can be visited independently. A cabin is available for overnight stays.
A hiking trail starts at Säfsnäs Heritage Center in Fredriksberg. The new Skifsen Trail is 22.5 km long. Skifsen Day is organized during Säfsen Week.

 

Friends of Skifsen >
 

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