Hedemora is the oldest town in Dalarna and was granted town privileges in 1446. Well-preserved wooden houses and a cobbled square shape the town centre. Nature is also part of the experience here: parts of the Hovran area are within walking distance of the centre and offer space to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
City history and cultural trails
The cultural promenade route passes through the oldest parts of town and by historically significant buildings and places. The walking tour is about five kilometres long and divided into three stages. Parking for the route is available at Stora Torget. If you’d like to learn more about Hedemora’s history, Hedemora Gammelgård open-air museum houses a collection of about 4,500 old objects, primarily scythes. It is one of Sweden’s oldest open-air museums. There is a café on site in summer; check the latest opening information before your visit.
Teaterladan is also steeped in cultural history: since the 1820s, it has hosted exhibitions, performances and refreshments; it has been a listed building since 1964. Every autumn, Hedemora’s Kulturnatt is held as a cultural festival with activities for children. The programme varies from year to year.
Wetlands and paths by the water
The Hovran area is a wetland landscape formed by the Dalälven, adjoining lakes and Lake Hovran. It is designated both a biosphere reserve and a Ramsar site. Near the Hovran area, a birdwatching tower stands at the southern end of Flinesjön, offering good views of the shore meadows. The wider landscape brings together water, wetlands and open shorelines.
A signposted 3.3-kilometre circular trail runs through Stadssjön Nature Reserve, with an easy route, boardwalks and wide gravel paths. It passes through wetlands, deciduous swamp forest and open shore meadows. Three viewing towers offer views across the landscape. The trail can be used by pedestrians, wheelchair users, people with prams and users of walking frames. The starting point can be reached via Långshyttevägen, Provincial Road 270, towards Hamre ÅVC. For further guidance, the Naturkartan information for Hedemora includes, among other things, swimming spots, hiking trails, accessible walking paths, viewpoints and cultural heritage sites.
Waterways and other excursions
Hedemora kallbadhus is located on the eastern shore of Lake Hönsan, in the centre of Hedemora. The facility includes a fixed and a floating bathing jetty, as well as a diving tower. The Husby-Hedemora fishing area covers Flinesjön, Hovran, Hedemora’s town lakes and several other lakes. Fishing permit requirements may change; check the local rules before fishing. A paddling route along the Dalälven runs from Fäggeby via Hedemora to Avesta, about 50 kilometres. Alternatively, the Hedemora Pilgrim Trail is a circular route that starts and ends in Hedemora.
Nearby, Husbyringen is Sweden’s first ecomuseum. The six-mile cultural and nature route includes 25 signposted sights and excursion destinations, as well as unique sites of industrial and cultural history. It is ideal for cycling trips with the whole family. At Norns bruk, you can walk through an authentic industrial setting; the well-preserved ironworks date back to the 17th century. A guided tour can be booked. Check whether it is available before travelling. Near Kloster, the restored English park has a gravel circular path through the Klosterån ravine. The manor house has a small museum about the area’s long industrial history.
Local food and drink experiences
Oppigårds Bryggeri offers brewery tours for groups by advance booking. A beer-tasting package is available as an option; booking terms and age restrictions apply. Café Wahlman is located at Stora Torget in Hedemora’s charming old quarter, which dates back to the 18th century. Almost everything there is baked from scratch, preferably using local and Swedish ingredients.
Discover more destinations: Hedemora, Vikmanshyttan, Garpenberg, Stjärnsund, Dala-Husby, Smedjebacken, Älvdalen, Mora.
See the main travel overview: Dalarna County.
