Laddar...
The Loading Place at Kutviken Belonging to the Högberg Mines
An early loading place was established at Kutviken for the shipment of ore from the Högberg mines. The wharf was well sheltered from winds and waves, making the site suitable for loading.
The Road to the Ore Wharf
The transport from the mines down to the wharves was a major problem during summer due to the poor state of the roads. It was not until the early 18th century that decisions were made to carry out improvements.
- In 1748 it was decided that the road from the Yngshyttan and Torskbäck mines down to the loading place by the lake should be improved. At that time the road was in such poor condition that it was difficult during summer to make one’s way along it with the ore carts.
- In 1771 a levy of 1 daler copper coins per lödja was introduced for the maintenance of the ore road.
One lödja corresponded to 30 barrels of ore, approximately 12 tonnes – that is, the carrying capacity of a boat.
The Ore Rowing across Lake Yngen
The rowing of ore across Lake Yngen was carried out by people from the surrounding area.
- In 1757 the mine boys were prohibited from conducting ore rowing across the lake.
- In 1758 the mining court revised its decision and permitted night-time ore rowing, but prohibited all loading between sunset and sunrise.
Traces in the Landscape Today
The road to the wharf is still easy to follow and is today a well-trodden path. One can walk the path down from Vargkullen, where it joins the ore road from the Torskbäck and Yngshyttan mines. Closer to those mines, however, the road is covered over by waste rock heaps.
An ore wharf was usually a simple embankment extending from the shore until a sufficient water depth was reached for the cargo boats. Around Lake Yngen one can still see several such wharves that serve as reminders of the lively ore traffic that once characterised the area.
