We take a lap through the Husqvarna Museum in Husqvarna
Story and Photography by Adam Booth
Husqvarna is the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, starting production way back in 1903. So on our trip to Sweden to ride the 2017 Husky enduro bikes, we made a stop in the town of Husqvarna to visit the Husqvarna Museum. Yes, there is a real town named Husqvarna.
You can read the original magazine story by clicking HERE.
In 1669 the Swedish army converted an old church into a mill to manufacture rifles and muskets. The location next to waterfalls was key, as the immense power of the water coming down was used to drive the mills. With plenty of guns and gun parts to produce, a town developed around the mill. The town was named Husqvarna, which translates into house by the mill.
Husqvarna has been manufacturing products of all sorts for more than 300 years and the museum is home to an immense variety of their products, many that were manufactured right there at the museum location next to the waterfalls.
After the Danish-Prussian War of 1864 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71, military orders tapered off, so to survive Husqvarna began making hunting rifles in 1877. Because of their advanced tooling and casting abilities, Husqvarna branched into the private sector and began manufacturing sewing machines, then bicycles. Motorcycles manufacturing began in the early 1900s. Husqvarna is also known for chainsaws, lawn mowers, and kitchen appliances.
An hour wasn’t nearly enough time inside the Husqvarna museum, which carefully walks you through their rich 300-year history. We were greeted by the Swedish army of 300 years ago—at least that’s how it looked—and watched firsthand the power of the water cascading down the falls. If you are ever in Sweden and love a little history lesson, both of motorcycles and manufacturing, it’s well worth a side trip
You can read the original magazine story by clicking HERE.
