Huså: Copper Mining and a Manor House in the Mountains

Copper mining is present in Huså both in the museum and through surviving traces in the village and on the mountain slopes above it. There is also a manor house with a special place in Swedish architectural history, a historic trail and seasonal activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Huså, you can first consider whether the village’s history or seasonal experiences should be the focus of your trip.

Mining history in the museum and landscape

The Huså Mining and Industrial Museum provides information about the period of copper mining in the region. The museum uses old objects, documents, photographs and models to explore this subject. The same building also houses a mineral museum with a large collection of local minerals as well as minerals from distant countries. The building therefore covers two distinct areas: mining and industrial history, and minerals from near and far. Be sure to check the museum’s opening hours separately before your visit.

Traces of mining history also survive outside the museum, in the village of Huså and on the mountain slopes above it. These include mine openings, water-control structures, smelting works ruins, roasting houses and charcoal houses. Waste rock and slag heaps from copper processing date back to 1881. The variety of remains gives the subject a broader context than the history of a single building or collection.

The manor house, Husåspelet and Hyttstigen

Huså Manor was built between 1834 and 1837 as the residence of Gustaf Adolf Montgomery, the copper works’ manager, and his family. It is Sweden’s northernmost manor house and also the only manor house in a mountainous landscape. Husåspelet deals with the era of the copper works in Huså, from 1742 to the end of the 19th century. Its historical scope therefore extends beyond the manor house’s construction period: the two topics shed light on different periods in the local industrial history.

Hyttstigen runs through Huså’s historic centre and passes monuments. It complements the history of buildings and collections with a specific route through the historic heart of the village.

Skiing and seasonal experiences

Gruvbacken, Huså’s ski area, has a surface lift and 13 runs in total. The 13th run starts at the summit of Åreskutan and is a 9-kilometre blue run. Opening depends on snow conditions and operations; check the current situation before travelling.

You can enjoy a different perspective on the mountain landscape on rides with Huså Åreskutan Mountain Riding. The base camp is in Huså Norra, on a small mountain farm. The rides cross the unspoilt northern slopes of Åreskutan and offer views of the mountains and Kallsjön. This activity is seasonal.

On the historic hike to the mine, a guide tells you along the way about the hard life once led up here around the mine. Bookable dates are seasonal; check them before your trip. This guided account focuses on something different from the museum and mining remains: life in the past around the mine.

Getting there by bus

Bus route 553 connects Huså, Järpen and Mattmar. If you are planning to travel on this route, check the current timetable before setting off, as route information can change.

Discover more destinations: Hallen, Mattmar, Åre, Järpen, Duved, Undersåker, Handöl, Storlien

Go to the main travel overview: Åre.