The alum mills in Degerhamn

The business mainly included alum production, lime burning and later also iron production and cement production. Two large alum mills are counted among the area's oldest industries, namely Lover's mill from 1723 and Öland's alum mill from 1804. The Öland slate has a high alum content, which made it sought after. Alum was used, among other things, by tanners and dyers, in papermaking and instead of lime in mortar. The first alum plant on Öland was built in Degerhamn at the beginning of the 1700th century. The shale deposits here were good and readily available. There was also a good harbor here. During production, the fuel requirement was large. There was a shortage of wood on Öland and all the wood for the mill's needs was transported here from Småland. As early as the 1700th century, the owners moved the production to Småland due to the lack of firewood. In 1804, the new mill Öland's alum mill was established. This mill also exported large quantities of alum to Europe. During the 1800th century, profitability deteriorated and Lover's mill ceased in 1875, while Öland's alum mill lasted until the 1890s. What remains of the alum mill today is a wind-driven water pumping station, a forge, a stone house and a tall factory ruin. Around the old industrial area there are large piles of red beacons. The workers' housing has been refurbished and is today rented out to tourists. A reconstructed worker's apartment from the turn of the century 1900 can be found in one of the old worker's lanes. The alum mills in Degerhamn are part of the world heritage area.