Get to know Smedjebacken through three specific interests: walking trails, the Strömsholms Canal and cultural venues in town. For planning, it helps to keep these themes separate. Two routes are the same length but described differently: a hiking loop and a laid-out walking path that follows the river and passes named places. The canal, in turn, is a reference point for a cycling route and a waterway for recreational boats.

On foot: hiking loop or path along the Kolbäcksån

Milslingan is a 10.5-kilometre hiking loop in and around Smedjebacken. You can start anywhere in town. Large sections of the loop—except for the illuminated running track—have been adapted for people with disabilities. When planning, it is therefore worth considering not only the total distance but also which sections you would like to use.

There is also a laid-out walking path, likewise 10.5 kilometres long, that passes through the Söppenmyren Nature Reserve and the town centre. It follows the Kolbäcksån towards Morgårdshammar and passes Väderbacken, Eriksberg and Hökarängen. Milslingan is specifically a loop; on the walking path, the course of the river and the named places provide orientation. The same length therefore does not mean the two routes are laid out in the same way.

Söppenmyren: wetland in the heart of town

Söppenmyren Nature Reserve is a wetland in the heart of Smedjebacken, along the walking path that passes through the reserve and town centre. Birdwatchers may spot long-tailed tits, hawfinches, grey wagtails, dippers and kingfishers in the reserve. Söppenmyren therefore offers a specific nature-focused option when planning a visit: the wetland and the bird species mentioned can be considered as interests in their own right, alongside the walking routes and cultural venues.

Strömsholms Canal: cycling route and recreational boats

The cycling route along the Strömsholms Canal follows the Kolbäcksån water system from Smedjebacken to Strömsholm. Smedjebacken harbour is the most suitable starting point; alternatively, you can start the route in Strömsholm. This makes choosing between the two starting points a concrete planning decision for your cycling trip.

The canal begins in Smedjebacken and allows recreational boats to travel towards Lake Mälaren. This offers a different perspective on the canal from the cycling route: here, the focus is on travelling on the water, while the cycling route follows the water system. The harbour area, with its steamships and locomotive shed, is also part of Ekomuseum Bergslagen. The harbour thus brings together the area’s connection to the water and its industrial heritage, while the cycling route follows the canal system all the way to Strömsholm.

Art and culture in Smedjebacken

MEKEN is an art gallery and cultural centre in Smedjebacken, hosting exhibitions, concerts and workshops. Its programme ranges from contemporary art and design to arts and crafts; it showcases works by Swedish and international artists. If cultural offerings are a particular priority when choosing what to visit, MEKEN is a clearly identified destination with several types of events.

Another cultural venue is Johan Ahlbäck’s studio at Vasagatan 18 E, which is a museum. Together with MEKEN, it adds a museum visit to the choice of exhibitions, concerts and workshops. You can explore Smedjebacken according to your interests through its walking routes, canal area or cultural venues, without combining the different routes and activities into a single tour.

Discover more destinations: Söderbärke.

Go to the main travel overview: Smedjebacken.