A historical carriage, a exhibition stand and a screen with a black and white film showing is standing in an exhibition hall. — Photo: Daniel Bernstål/Järnvägsmuseet CC-BY

Construction

This exhibition tells the story of railway construction – of the contractors who made sure the railway network spread across the country and of the navvies who laid the rails. Here, adults and children alike can try their hand at lifting rails.

A man is holdning a baby and standing in front of a exhibition display, they are both looking at the displayed objects. — Photo: Lovisa Brämming/Järnvägsmuseet CC-BY

The railway opens up new possibilities

Efficient freight transports are a prerequisite for the industrial revolution. England is an early adopter of transporting goods in wagons on rails that are pulled by locomotives. Other countries in Europe soon follow England’s example.

In the second half of the 19th century, the railway network is expanded in Sweden. The state builds the main lines, i.e. the railways that form the main routes across the country. Private companies build railways that branch out from the main lines.

Once industrialisation is underway in Sweden, things move quickly – much thanks to the railway. Many people throughout railway history have contributed to the railway network we have today.