Säter combines a historic timber town with mining history and a varied landscape. The five-kilometre-long Säterdalen ravine system lies between the town and the Dalälven. If you want to focus your trip on culture and nature, you’ll find a range of things to explore around Säter—from historic traces in the town to marked hiking and cycling trails.
Ravine valley and trails in nature
Säterdalen has high biological value and a wide diversity of species. At the main entrance by Gruvplan, there is a large free visitor car park; a toilet is located beside it. As practical facilities may change, it is a good idea to check their current status before your visit.
There are also nature destinations with their own character in the area around Säter. Bispbergs Klack rises 315 metres above sea level; a short forest trail leads to its viewpoint. Marked hiking trails start at the entrance to Klack. Solvarboravinen is a side branch of the better-known Säterdalsravinen and offers hiking trails. Both places add other landscapes to the view of Säterdalen, without suggesting that the trails there are the same as a route through the town.
Timber town and historic traces
Trästaden Säter is one of Sweden’s best-preserved timber towns and is designated a cultural environment of national cultural-historical interest. A self-guided tour guide is available in Swedish, English and German. Check whether the guide is available before your trip. A town map from 1642 also shows three Vattugränder: open paths between built-up plots leading down to the Ljusterån. It illustrates a historic route through the town.
The Åsgårdarna local heritage museum comprises 23 buildings arranged like a village; the oldest date from the 17th century. Permanent exhibitions include Krukmakeriverkstaden and Smedjan. The collection of buildings and the two exhibitions offer different ways to explore local history: one through the historic layout, the other through the workshops’ themes.
Mining culture in Säter and Silvberg
Silverringen is a cultural trail through the mining areas of Silvberg and Säter. Along the route, you can see how centuries of mining, with its mines, smelters and forges, shaped historically concentrated settlements in a natural setting. Gruvkonsten is one example of the technology: a waterwheel transferred power to the Bispberg mine. In the 18th century, the installation was considered one of the seven wonders of Dalarna.
Today, Sördalen features a reconstruction of Gruvkonsten’s waterwheel and part of the water-powered rod system, the Konstgången. The Mentalvårdsmuseet is located by the hospital in Säter. It tells the story of a time when a large part of psychiatric care took place in large psychiatric hospitals, and documents the living conditions of patients and staff at the hospital from 1912 through the 1980s and 1990s.
Another historic destination in the area around Säter is the Hyttbäcksbron near Solvarbo. The stone arch bridge was built between 1868 and 1870. In Stora Skedvi, Skedvi Bröd brings together a market hall, a restaurant and a crispbread bakery under one roof. As operational details may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.
Cycling routes with different focuses
The Ljusternrundan starts and ends at Gruvplan in Säter and runs around Lake Ljustern, passing several swimming spots and barbecue areas. The family-friendly route is suitable for children aged six and over. Route conditions and facilities may change seasonally. Söta Säter XC offers a different scale: this short, easy-to-ride route starts at Säter’s leisure centre and, according to its description, is suitable for younger and older cyclists.
If you’re looking for a larger trail network, the Säter MTB-arena near the town offers several miles of natural and purpose-built trails in the surrounding area. Trail conditions can vary depending on the season and maintenance. This gives you a choice between clearly named routes and a network with different types of trails when planning your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Säter.
