Bogs, forests and trails in every season
Vast boglands and reliable snow cover throughout many winter months define the KoppĂĄngen Nature Reserve. When there is no snow, you can hike there; in winter, you can ski on several trails. Snow and trail conditions vary with the season. The most accessible entrance is via a large car park off the E45, about 30 kilometres north of Orsa. Check the current parking regulations before setting out.
The landscape also changes across other parts of the municipality: Finnmarken in the north has deep forests and extensive boglands, while agricultural landscapes, open expanses and large lakes characterise the south. Skinnaränget Nature Reserve has its own mix of old-growth forest, open meadows, diverse vegetation and a winding stream. In the Enån Valley, a hiking trail follows the river through terrain that is partly steep and rocky.
When planning a hike, you can also take the different trail lengths into account. The Siljansleden is 340 kilometres long and runs through the municipality of Orsa; check the trail details before setting out. TjĂĄberget has a 6.5-kilometre one-way hiking trail that is not a loop.
Waterfalls, gorges and birdwatching
Near Orsa, a suspension bridge crosses the gorge at Helvetesfallet. A trail just a few hundred metres long leads down to the waterfall; remnants of a historic log-floating structure can also be seen there. At StopĂĄn, a nature trail of about one kilometre takes you to two waterfalls. A four-kilometre loop connects the waterfalls to a shelter. The two trails therefore differ not only in length, but also in whether you walk a loop or hike to a destination.
On the shore of Lake Orsa, the grazed meadows of Lindänget provide a resting place for migratory birds. A platform in the nature reserve offers views across the coastal meadows. A footpath from the centre of Orsa links up with the existing trails at Lindänget. This makes it possible to combine birdwatching with a walk between the town and the lakeshore.
Summer and winter activities
Orsa Grönklitt’s summer activities include mountain biking, gravel cycling, canoeing and mini golf. There is also a high ropes course with several routes of varying difficulty. Seasonal activities may not always be available. In winter, Orsa Grönklitt offers downhill skiing on slopes of varying difficulty, as well as cross-country skiing. When choosing when to travel, you can decide between summer activities and winter sports; current conditions are an important part of planning.
Cyclists also have a range of options in and around Orsa: family-friendly loops, training routes on gravel roads and mountain bike trails through forest terrain. Long gravel and country roads offer space for leisurely rides, while tracks and paths make for more technically challenging cycling. The landscape and surface help determine which route to choose.
Church history and local craftsmanship
Orsa Church has medieval origins; remains of its first stone church survive in the present-day building. The floor also tells a story of local craftsmanship: it is made of sandstone from local millstone quarries, and many of the stones bear a donor’s mark or initials, along with dates. More sandstone artworks in the centre of Orsa recall the region’s long history of millstone quarrying and craftsmanship. The church tower museum displays objects relating to the church’s history; visits are arranged by appointment.
Fryksås is a well-preserved 16th-century fäbod settlement in the municipality of Orsa. Orsa Hembygdsgård contains historic wooden buildings and numerous objects; the buildings were relocated there from various parts of Orsa. Visits are offered in summer, and a traditional Midsummer celebration takes place there on Midsummer’s Day. Check dates and access before visiting. Another cultural highlight is Orsayran, an annual street music festival in Orsa that began in 1984. Check the exact event dates when planning your trip.
Getting there and other destinations
By public transport, you can first take the train to Mora, then continue by bus to Orsa and on to Orsa Grönklitt. Check the current train and bus timetables before departure. Discover more destinations: Orsa, Säter, Dala-Järna, Malung-Sälen, Ludvika, Borlänge, Leksand, Falun.
For the regional travel overview: Dalarna County.
