Kvarntorpshögen

Birth of a Burning Giant

During World War II, Sweden faced an oil embargo, prompting the government to tap local oil shale reserves in Kvarntorp. In 1940, a committee formed, leading to Svenska Skifferolje Aktiebolaget (SSAB). Production began in 1942, peaking at 100,000 cubic meters of oil annually. The process generated massive slag—hot remnants up to 600°C—piled into what became Kvarntorpshögen, reaching 100 meters high and 157 meters above sea level, the tallest point on the Närke plain.The plant operated until 1966, when it closed. Efforts to extinguish the heap persist, as underground fires still burn, producing steam from underground water vaporizing on hot spots.

Konst på Hög: Art Amid Ashes

In the mid-1990s, gallerist Anders Fasth and artist Olle Medin envisioned transforming the summit into an open-air gallery. 'Konst på Hög' now features large-scale sculptures by Sweden's leading artists, drawing 30,000 visitors yearly. The collection integrates with the rugged terrain, creating a surreal dialogue between industrial waste and contemporary expression.Recognized as Sweden's strangest sight in Fredrik Kullberg's 2010 book, the site merges raw earth with refined art, inviting contemplation of humanity's energy pursuits.

Active Playground on the Heap

Today, Kvarntorpshögen thrives as a recreational hub in Kvarntorps friluftsområde. A renowned downhill bike park attracts cyclists, while Kumla Skidförening maintains two ski slopes for winter. The 427-step wooden staircase draws fitness trainers for its steep ascent, and hiking trails weave through the landscape.A car road climbs the 18% gradient, mimicking alpine drives, with a summer kiosk offering snacks and info. Birdwatchers flock here for ornithological interest.

Hidden Dangers and Living Legacy

Beneath the surface, the heap remains alive. Warning signs mark risky zones where cavities form from combustion, posing collapse hazards. Steam occasionally rises from cracks, a reminder of unresolved subterranean fires despite decades of quenching attempts.This duality—playground atop a smoldering relic—defines the site's allure, blending adventure with caution in a landscape shaped by wartime necessity.