Plizio Visual Lab

Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°4
Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant (Sweden)

Weather…

The Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant, situated on the coast of Uppland, is one of Sweden's most critical electricity generation facilities. The plant consists of three boiling water reactors (BWRs), which were constructed during the 1970s and commissioned between 1980 and 1985. Forsmark generates approximately 25 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, accounting for roughly 15% of Sweden's total power consumption. The site gained international prominence in April 1986 when its sensors were the first outside the Soviet Union to detect elevated radiation levels following the Chernobyl disaster. Beyond power production, Forsmark serves as the site for Sweden’s final repository for short-lived radioactive waste (SFR). The facility undergoes continuous safety upgrades and power uprates to ensure its longevity and reliability in the national grid. Employing over 1,100 permanent staff, the plant is the primary economic engine of the surrounding region. Its future operations are central to Sweden's climate goals and the ongoing debate regarding the expansion of carbon-free nuclear energy.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-204914171713730
Rain mm463937375365647452706355

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant is one of Sweden's three active nuclear power plants and produces about one-sixth of the country's total electricity. It plays a central role in national energy supply and is a major employer in the Uppland region.
🚪
Visiting
The plant site is not open to the public for security reasons, but there is an information center with exhibitions. From the outside, the distinctive reactor buildings and cooling towers are clearly visible from surrounding roads and the coast.
👀
Where to view it
The best viewpoint over the plant is from the public road along the Baltic coast, especially near the small harbor of Forsmark. From here, there is a clear view of the cooling towers and main building against the coastal backdrop.
🧺
Local products
In the region around Forsmark, there are no direct consumer goods from the plant, but the coastal areas are known for fishing and local seafood. Visitors can buy freshly caught fish and regional specialties such as pickled herring in the surrounding villages.
📆
Active season
The nuclear power plant operates continuously year-round, with regular maintenance outages typically occurring in summer. Peak energy production occurs during winter months due to increased electricity demand in Scandinavia.
Nearby
A visit to the Forsmark information center can be combined with exploring the nearby Florarna nature reserve or the Uppland coastal landscape. The town of Östhammar with its historic wooden houses and harbor is also suitable for a day trip.

Geography

Coordinates
60.40300, 18.16700

Facts

  • Forsmark produces enough electricity to power three cities the size of Stockholm.
  • Reactor Forsmark 3 is the newest and most powerful unit at the power station.
  • The power plant employs approximately 1,100 permanent staff members.
  • The SFR repository is located in rock caverns 50 meters beneath the Baltic Sea floor.
  • Vattenfall is the majority owner, holding a 66% stake in the operating company.
  • Cooling water is sourced from the Baltic Sea and released back via a controlled biotope lake.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant (4)

Kvarnhjulet🏺 historical

A monument representing a traditional water wheel located near the Forsmark industrial area.

Gamla herrgården🏺 historical

The original historic manor house of the Forsmark estate, reflecting local heritage.

Nya herrgården🏺 historical

An elegant 18th-century manor house in Forsmark built in the Gustavian style.

Forsmarks kyrka⛪ religious

A neoclassical church built in the 18th century to serve the Forsmark ironworks community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Forsmark NPP?
Yes, there is a visitor center in summer with exhibitions and tours.
Where is Forsmark located?
On the east coast in the municipality of Östhammar, north of Stockholm.
What can you learn at the visitor center?
Lots about nuclear power, safety, and radioactive waste storage.
Are there nature trails nearby?
Yes, the area has beautiful hiking trails along the Uppland coast.
Is entry to the center free?
Usually yes, but guided tours should be booked in advance.
Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant: where is it located?
Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant is located in Sweden.
Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kvarnhjulet, Gamla herrgården, Nya herrgården.
Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant, situated on the coast of Uppland, is one of Sweden's most critical electricity generation facilities.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Sweden →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks