Nobel blast pits
Alfred Nobel bought the Vinterviken farm in 1865 to build a factory for the production of nitroglycerine. This is how Vinterviken was described in the application: "situated in a narrow valley, surrounded by high forested mountains so that not even any other built-up area is visible, and although the location is on the shore of Lake Mälaren, the sailing route is very distant - as is the case with a public highway".
In the first year, the factory produced 16 000 kg of nitroglycerine, known as blasting oil. Most of this was used to build the tunnel through Mount Katarina. Nobel's epoch-making invention of the dynamite in 1866 transferred the explosive into a solid form and made it easier to handle.
Severe blasting accidents occurred in 1868 and 1874, claiming many lives and causing great devastation in the area. When the factory was rebuilt, each stage of the dangerous nitroglycerine production process was given its own building. These were partially blasted into the rock and surrounded by protective walls.
Nobel's blast pits became a legally protected ancient monument in 1995 and are located on the southern cape of Vinterviken.
Historical Escapes creates unique escape rooms with themes from Stockholm History. Read more here about how you can experience Nobel's dynamite factory in the form of an Escape Room.