Hagby fornborg

It may be a little difficult to see the traces of the defense castle on the hill overlooking Lake Rånen, but this is where the ancient local population took shelter during times of turmoil. The castle was probably built as early as the Iron Age, during the period known as the Migration Period, around 1500 years ago.

Ancient castles are usually quite difficult to date as those that have been investigated have been relatively poor in finds. They also vary in size. Of the municipality's only two registered, Hagby is the largest and is about 100x60 meters. The other is located at Breviken in Åsvikelandets nature reserve and measures only 50x20 meters.

The function of the forts is a bit controversial. As they are located along important roads and waterways, they were probably guard or defense facilities. When they were built more isolated, as is the case with Hagby, they were probably intended more as a refuge from external threats. Some also appear to have been built for permanent habitation.

When Hagby fortress was built, Lake Rånen was an archipelago fjord. It got its name from a nearby farm. However, the farm was added in the 1800s, long after the defense facility on the mountain had stopped being used.

Source: Valdemarsvik municipality 2023