Idkerberget: Mining history and trails in nearby Gyllbergen
Accommodation in Idkerberget
Idkerberget combines a long mining history with traces of the period around 1900. Nearby, the high-altitude, roadless wilderness area of Gyllbergen complements the local history with marked summer and winter trails. When planning your stay, these offer two distinct perspectives: Idkerberget’s historical development and the trails in the surrounding area.
Mining and technical remains
Mining was already taking place in Idkerberget in the 18th century. Around the turn of the 20th century, the new mine opened, with a cableway to Ulfshyttan. Mineral extraction also intensified during this period: the existing passenger and ore headframes were built in this context, as was the office beside them. The ore headframe is one of the few surviving structures from the area’s former mining activity. The terms passenger and ore headframe distinguish two types of conveyance: people and ore were transported. With Ulfshyttan as the cableway’s destination, transport emerges alongside extraction as a distinct part of the mining history.
Chapel and railway
Idkerberget’s chapel was built in 1904 by Idkerbergets Gruv AB as a Folkets hus (people’s house). The railway is also part of the area’s history: in 1912, the Rämshyttan–Idkerberget railway line had its own station. Idkerberget’s former station building still stands on the property Idkerberget 8:16. An old railway warehouse stands on the property Idkerberget 1:4; the year 1913 is inscribed on its gable. The dates mark different things: 1912 refers to the station on the line, while 1913 is inscribed on the warehouse gable. The building’s current designation as a chapel and its original function as a Folkets hus give it two distinct historical roles.
Gyllbergen nearby
The high-altitude, roadless wilderness area of Gyllbergen is nearby. It has marked summer and winter trails, as well as shelters and cabins. The nearby Gyllbergen Nature Reserve also has a rest area, a walking trail, ski trails, a dry toilet, and a warming hut. The trail options cover both seasons, with the ski trails offering a specific winter option. When choosing the focus of your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between the two locations: Idkerberget is known for its mining and railway history, while nearby Gyllbergen offers trails and places to rest.
Directions to trails and access roads
To reach Gyllbergen, follow the old road towards Idkerberget until you reach the “Gyllberget 5” sign, just north of the village. To get to Spånsfäbodarna, turn west at Idkerberget. The signposted trailhead is 3 km away and has parking, a toilet, and a rest cabin. The place names help distinguish between the two directions: the “Gyllberget 5” sign points the way to Gyllbergen, while the turn-off to the west leads to Spånsfäbodarna.
The SpĂĄnsanleden trail runs from Ă„ventyrsgruvan to the southern entrance of the GyllbergsomrĂĄdet. Check current trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Backgården, Borlänge.
Return to the main travel overview: Borlänge.
