Alum works 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 Lovers Bruk from 1723 and Öland's alum works from 1804. The Öland slate has a high alum content, which made it sought after. Alum was used by tanners and dyers, in paper production and instead of lime in mortar. The first alum works on Öland was established in Degerhamn in the early 1700s. The slate deposits here were good and easily accessible. There was also a good harbour here. During production, the need for fuel was great. There was a shortage of wood on Öland and all wood for the mill's needs was transported here from Småland. As early as the 1700s, the owners moved production to Småland due to the lack of firewood. In 1804, the new mill Öland's alum mill was formed. This mill also exported large quantities of alum to Europe. During the 1800s, profitability deteriorated and Lovers Bruk ceased in 1875, while Öland's alum mill lasted until the 1890s. What remains of the alum mills today is a wind-driven water pumping plant, a smithy, a stone house and a high factory ruin. Around the old industrial area there are large piles of red lighthouses. The workers' housing has been renovated and is today rented out to tourists. A reconstructed workers' apartment from the turn of the century 1900 is located in one of the old workers' rows. The alum mills in Degerhamn are part of the World Heritage Area.