Karmansbo hammersmedja dates back to the 16th century and was one of the larger bar iron mills once upon a time.

The smithy is said to be the only one of its kind, with a working water wheel and a mumbling hammer that weighs 7.5 tonnes.

- We know that it is the only forge that can run with machines that are up to date.

So we can produce iron bars today as we did 250 years ago, says Tommy Berglund.

Up to 20 people work voluntarily in the area.

- We are all self-taught.

We are technically interested and have seen that there are opportunities and have managed to get everything started, says Tommy Berglund.

The prize consists of SEK 25,000 and an enamel sign and is awarded by the Museum of Work in collaboration with several other actors during the month of November at the forge.

To preserve the smithy for the future, the association has made sure to spread the knowledge to younger abilities in the village.

The commitment to carry on the tradition is part of the motivation for the award.  

In the clip, a moved Tommy Berglund tells how they managed to rejuvenate in order for the knowledge to live on.