Gene Fornby, Domsjö, Sweden

Gene Fornby is a reconstructed Iron Age settlement. The earliest traces of human activity found in the area date back to the Nordic Bronze Age, but the settlement itself dated back to the Roman Iron Age, from around the years 400-600 AD. The settlement was located just by the waterline of that time, but due to the post-glacial rebound in the area, the waterline is now about 500 meters away from the settlement.

Historically it was known that there were burial mounds on top of Genesmon, but it was not until the 1960s that they were investigated for the first time by the archaeologist Evert Baudou. Graves believed to be those of chieftains from the years 100-600 AD have been found. Gene Fornby was laid bare during archaeological excavations conducted by the University of Umeå from 1977 and 1988. The excavation revealed various buildings including a forge, believed to have been one of the largest forge in prehistoric Scandinavia. Traces of iron production and processing were uncovered as well as bronze casting and a textile works.

In 1991, work began on reconstructing the farm on Genesmon. A principal feature is the reconstructed longhouse. The facility opened in 1991 and became a popular tourist attraction during the summer months. All the houses are open to the public. The facility is operated by the Örnsköldsvik Museum & Art Gallery.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Genesmon 110, Domsjö, Sweden

See all sites in Domsjö

Details

Founded: 400-600 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Sweden
Historical period: Migration Period (Sweden)

More Information

www.destinationhogakusten.com
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Örnsköldsvik Museum (4,7 km)

Ulvö Chapel (25,4 km)
Grundsunda Church (28,3 km)
Vibyggerå Old Church (29,3 km)

User Reviews

Silvia P (2 years ago)
It is a shame that you can't visit it close by. It is behind a constuction fence.

Natali Morhun (3 years ago)
Very interesting and nice place to visit.

Paweł Stasik (3 years ago)
Jahooo the best

Emil Sandström (4 years ago)
We rented the party room to celebrate a friend who turned 30. It was a good room for about 20 people. Fun medieval style on the premises which is right next to a good area for activities and swimming.

Elisabeth Nordenberg (4 years ago)
What an amazing place we came across in the woods! So interesting to see and how they have created these houses! Well worth a visit!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright mixteri

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Bengtskär Lighthouse

Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.

German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.

After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.

Gene Fornby