| Pushpin Map: | Sweden Örebro#Sweden |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | Sweden |
| Subdivision Type3: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name3: | Hällefors Municipality |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Örebro County |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Timezone: | CET |
| Utc Offset: | +1 |
| Timezone Dst: | CEST |
| Utc Offset Dst: | +2 |
| Coordinates: | 59.6067°N 14.4806°W |
| Settlement Type: | Kurort |
Loka Brunn is a spa town located in Hällefors Municipality in Örebro County, Sweden, south of Grythyttan, and north of Karlskoga, at an isthmus-strip between the southern shore of Lake Norra Loken and the northern shore of Lake Södra Loken.[1] [2]
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, 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.[4]
Established during the Middle Ages, Loka Brunn, served as a resting site for pilgrims according to tradition.[5]
Granted mineral rights in 1720, by Conrad Ribbing, governor of Örebro County, in the historical province Västmanland, near the border of Värmland, surrounded by conifer forests,[6] and described by Carl Linnaeus in 1746.
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]
Loka Brunn has been a site for recovery and treatments since its inception. Notable individuals such as Gustav III,[8] [9] Carl Linnaeus, and Bridget of Sweden have all stayed there.[10]
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.
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]
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.
The Loka Brunn site consists of 54 houses in total. The site offers various amenities and facilities, such as spas, accommodations, and conference rooms.