Established as spa town 1720, and granted rights in 1759, Loka Brunn is cited as one of the oldest spa towns in Sweden, along with Medevi and Ramlösa.[3] Since the 17th century,[4] Loka Brunn has been attracting prominent individuals from the aristocrat and bourgeoisie social classes as a meeting place, and according to tradition, the water at Loka Brunn is considered to have health benefits.[5]
History
Early history
Established during the Middle Ages, Loka Brunn, served as a resting site for pilgrims according to tradition.[4]
Established as a meeting spot for 18th-century Swedish politicians, the Caps party historically preferred Loka Brunn over Medevi, which instead was favored by the rival Hats.[7]
Additionally, during the 19th century, individuals suffering from rheumatic disorders sought treatment at Loka Brunn. The site had a pharmacy, a practicing physician and a garden for medicinal plants used in treatment of patients. In addition, a church was inaugurated in 1824.[2]
Refugee camp
Loka Brunn has been used as a refugee camp on several occasions. After the displacement of individuals during World War II, Danish and Norwegian groups were relocated and housed at Loka Brunn.[11] Later, during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a group of Hungarians were also relocated to Loka Brunn where a refugee camp was established.[12]
Today
In 2007, the Spendrup family acquired Loka Brunn.[13][14] Its workers mainly come from towns nearby, including Karlskoga and Hällefors.[15] In addition, Loka Brunn also hosts a spa town museum.[2]
The Loka Brunn site consists of 54 houses in total.[4] The site offers various amenities and facilities, such as spas, accommodations, and conference rooms.
Frih, Anna-Karin (2003). ”"Sjuk nästan jemt-": klorotiska flickor och kvinnor vid Loka och Porla brunn ca 1880-1910”. Kvinnor i Örebro län (2003): sid. 111-126 : ill.. Libris 9649863
Mansén, Elisabeth (2001). Ett paradis på jorden: om den svenska kurortskulturen 1680-1880. Stockholm: Atlantis. ISBN91-7486-573-0.
Medlemstidning. Grythyttan: Lokasällskapet.
Bergius, Peter Jonas (1764). Tal, om kalla bad i gemen, och Loka badningar i synnerhet, hållet för kongl. vetenskaps academien, vid præsidii nedläggande, den 2. november 1763, af Peter Jonas Bergius ... På kongl. vetenskaps academiens befallning. Stockholm, tryckt: hos direct. Lars Salvius 1764. Stockholm.
Loka: en brunnssommar. Örebro: Morgonstjärnan. 1984. ISBN91-86204-12-2.
Kungl. gyttjebad- och brunnsanstalten Loka 1928. Loka.
Loka: offerkällan som blev "kungens brunn" och en modern kurort. [Grythyttan]: [Grythyttans gästgivaregårds förl.]
Loka brunn. Grythyttan: Grythyttans antikvariat.
Sommarbrev från Loka. Norrköping: Norrköpings Tidn. 1948.
Bevarandeprogram för Loka brunn, Hällefors kommun, Örebro län. Örebro: Länsmuseet.