Ockelbo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ockelbo
|
|
|---|---|
Ockelbo Train Station in February 2006
|
|
 Ockelbo
Location in Sweden Gävleborg
Ockelbo
Location in Sweden
|
|
| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Gästrikland |
| County | Gävleborg County |
| Municipality | Ockelbo Municipality |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.17 km2 (1.61 sq mi) |
| Population
(31 December 2010)
|
|
| • Total | 2,724 |
| • Density | 654/km2 (1,690/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Ockelbo is a small town in Sweden. It is located in Gävleborg County and is the main town of Ockelbo Municipality. In 2010, about 2,724 people lived there. Ockelbo is known for its interesting history and beautiful nature.
Contents
What Does Ockelbo Mean?
The name Ockelbo has a long history. In 1314, it was spelled De oklabo. The first part, *Ukle, refers to a nearby lake called Bysjön. This part comes from an old Swedish word, ukla, which means 'to swell' or 'to gain'. This might describe how the lake's water level changes quickly. The second part of the name, -bo, means 'district' or 'region'.
Ancient History of Ockelbo
People have lived in the Ockelbo area for a very long time. More than 150 ancient sites have been found here. Some of these are settlements from the Stone Age. Most of the ancient sites are grave mounds from the Iron Age. These graves are found in seven different areas. For example, at a place called Wij, there is a grave-field with 43 graves. People in Ockelbo also made iron a long time ago. Many old pieces of iron slag (waste from iron production) have been found. This shows that making iron was an important activity here for centuries.
Churches Through the Ages
Ockelbo has had several churches over the years.
First Churches
A Romanesque church was built in Ockelbo during the 13th century. This old church was later taken down in 1795. A new church was built between 1791 and 1793. However, this church was completely destroyed by a fire in 1904.
Modern Church Building
After the fire, a new church was built from 1906 to 1908. It was designed by an architect named Gustaf Améen. This church has a special style called Neo-Baroque. The inside of the church was updated in 1956 and 1957. There is a beautiful mosaic on the wall behind the altar. It was made by Gun Setterdahl and has very bright colors. A special chapel inside the church is named after Saint Martin of Tours.
The Ockelbo Runestone
When the old medieval church was taken down in 1795, a runestone was found. It was built into the church's foundation. This runestone is known as Gs 19. Sadly, the stone was destroyed when the church burned down in 1904. But in 1932, a copy was made using old drawings from the 1880s. The Ockelbo runestone showed pictures from the famous Sigurd Fafnesbane story. It was one of the most detailed runestones in mainland Sweden.
Wij Iron Forge and Estate
The Wij Iron Forge and its country estate were built in the 1600s. This important place was once owned by Sven Bröms and later by his daughter, Catharina Bröms. It was part of a larger group of ironworks called Ockeboverke. Other iron forges in this group were at Åbron, Brattfors, and Jädraås. In 1793, a person named Mårten Bunge owned the estate. Today, the buildings at Wij are very well preserved.
Ockelbo Today
Ockelbo is known for a few things today. It has a popular basketball team. The town also hosts annual summer and winter markets, which are big events. The beautiful rose gardens at Wij Trädgårdar are another famous attraction. Ockelbo is also known for Ockelbo-Lundgren, a person who built special cars and snowmobiles.
Famous People from Ockelbo
Several well-known people grew up in Ockelbo. One is Prince Daniel of Sweden. He is married to Crown Princess Victoria, who is next in line to the Swedish throne. Another famous person from Ockelbo is Svante Stockselius. He was in charge of the Eurovision Song Contest for many years.
