Säffle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Säffle
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View from south over the floodgate
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 Säffle
Location in Sweden
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| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Värmland |
| County | Värmland County |
| Municipality | Säffle Municipality |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.35 km2 (2.84 sq mi) |
| Population
(31 December 2010)
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| • Total | 8,991 |
| • Density | 1,223/km2 (3,170/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Säffle is a town in Sweden, located in Värmland County. It's the main town of Säffle Municipality. In 2016, about 9,150 people lived here. Säffle became an official city in 1951, being the very last place in Sweden to get this special status. This city status was later changed in 1971. Now, Säffle is the center of a much larger area called Säffle Municipality.
Contents
Säffle's History and Growth
Säffle grew a lot after a special canal was built in 1837. This canal helped boats travel safely past rough waters and rapids in the Byälven river. It made it easier for people and goods to move around.
How the Railway Changed Säffle
In 1879, the railway arrived in Säffle. This new train line connected the town to both the west and east coasts of Sweden. It also linked Säffle to the capital city, Stockholm, and the busy port of Gothenburg. The railway was very important because it helped Säffle transport its wood products. Because of this, the small village quickly became a busy town.
Population Changes Over Time
In 1882, Säffle had about 700 people living there. This shows how much the town grew after the canal and railway were built. By January 1, 2005, the whole Säffle Municipality had 16,077 people.
The Legend of Olof Trätälja
There's an old story that says the famous Viking named Olof Trätälja lived in Säffle. Many places in the town, like streets and churches, are named after him. This legend connects Säffle to its ancient past and Viking heritage.
Things to Do in Säffle
Säffle offers different activities, especially for those interested in sports and history.
Sports Teams in Säffle
If you like sports, Säffle has a few local teams:
- Ice hockey: Säffle Hockey Club
- Football: SK Sifhälla
- Football: Säffle FF
Art and Museums to Explore
For those who enjoy history and culture, there are places to learn about the past:
- Viking Trail Society
- The Viking center of Värmland - This is a museum outside Säffle where you can learn about Vikings.
Säffle's Economy and Businesses
The economy in Säffle mainly relies on industry. The town has continued to grow as the pulpwood industry has become more important in Sweden.
The Pulp Mill's Role
The pulp mill in Säffle has been a very important part of the local economy. It creates many jobs and helps the town's businesses thrive.
Past Industries: Brickworks
In the early 1800s, Säffle also had a brickworks. This factory made bricks that were used to build many of the buildings you can still see in central Säffle today.
Major Companies in Säffle Today
Some of the biggest companies operating in Säffle now include:
- SOMAS
- Nordic Paper Seffle AB
- Säffle Karosseri / Volvo Buses
- BTG
- CCI
- MOELVEN
Famous People from Säffle
Many talented people have come from Säffle:
- Gunnar Andersson, a well-known football player.
- Daniel Carlsson, a professional rally driver.
- Anders Jacobsson, a singer and member of the band Draconian.
- Johan Ericson, a musician who plays many instruments. He is also a member of Draconian, Doom:VS, and Shadowgarden.
- Annichen Kringstad, a skilled orienteer (someone who uses a map and compass to find their way).
- Daniel Arvidsson, a musician and member of the band Draconian.
- Esaias Tegnér, a famous writer and bishop.
- Tina Thörner, a rally co-driver (she helps the rally driver navigate).
- Lars-Erik Torph, another talented rally driver.
Images for kids
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View from south over the floodgate
