Two national parks show just how varied the landscapes of Örebro County are: Tiveden is characterised by boulders, caves and lakes, while Garphyttan preserves an old cultural landscape with meadows and wildlife. The Bergslagsleden offers another perspective on the region: the long-distance trail is 280 kilometres long and divided into 17 stages. When planning, therefore, it is not just the total distance that matters, but also how the route is divided.
Rocky landscapes and cultural landscapes
Tiveden National Park is home to glacial boulder fields, with boulders up to ten metres high. There are also caves and several lakes with a wild appearance. More than 34 kilometres of marked trails run through the park; circular walks range from 0.9 to 9.5 kilometres. This lets you compare possible trail lengths without using the entire long-distance trail as a benchmark. Trail conditions can vary depending on the season; check the route before setting out.
Garphyttan offers a different focus. Founded in 1909, the national park is one of Sweden’s oldest and protects an old cultural landscape with meadow plants and wildlife. In the surrounding coniferous forest, the woodland is developing into a natural forest. A section of the Bergslagsleden can also be combined with this landscape: Stage 11, between Suttarboda and Leken, runs through the north-western part of the park. If you plan to take this route, check its course before setting off.
Practical guidance for hiking
Each stage of the Bergslagsleden has a rest area with a shelter, fire pit, supply of firewood and toilet. Some facilities may be temporarily unavailable. Orange markings on trees or posts show the way; there is also a digital map online, and the entire long-distance trail is included in the Naturkartan app. The stages, trail markings and map offer different points of reference when planning your hike.
Some nature reserves and national parks have paved paths, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, guide strips for white canes, audio guides and clearly marked circular trails. Which of these facilities are available depends on the location. For specific requirements, it is therefore worth checking the information for your destination.
Mining history, parks and architectural heritage
The protected cultural reserve of Pershyttan tells the story of 700 years of mining. A six-kilometre nature and culture trail provides information about the village’s history and combines an experience of nature with a specific historical theme. Krokbornsparken, near Hällefors, is considered Sweden’s oldest public park and was established in the late 18th century. Check dates and programme details before your visit.
Tångeråsa Church is one of Sweden’s oldest and best-preserved medieval wooden churches. In summer, the local heritage association organises history evenings, summer exhibitions and village evenings. The local heritage museum and handicraft shop are additional places to visit. At the Yxhult Stoneworking Museum, the exhibition explores the region’s past heyday and Swedish architectural heritage. A marble floor in the museum building is made from 34 different types of marble from ten countries.
Örebro Castle offers another focus on cultural heritage, with exhibitions, historical tours and a castle café. Opening hours may change, so check visitor information in advance. The region’s historical themes are diverse, ranging from mining and the history of public parks to medieval wooden architecture and the history of building.
Trails by the water and nature watching
The Åstråket walking trail follows the Svartån from the cultural and historical surroundings of Karlslund to the Oset and Rynningeviken nature reserve. The reserve includes wetlands and grazing land; birdwatching and rest areas on Lake Hjälmaren are among the activities described there. At the end of Åstråket, Naturens hus serves regional specialities, coffee and homemade pastries. The route and any diversions may change; it is also worth checking the café’s opening hours and offering before your visit.
The Hjälmare Canal connects Lake Hjälmaren with Lake Mälaren and is considered a historic excursion destination that you can experience with or without a boat; boat services may vary. Vinön is the largest island in Lake Hjälmaren and is known for nature experiences and island life. Both destinations offer different perspectives on Lake Hjälmaren: one through its historic waterway, the other through an island in the lake.
Discover more destinations: Degerfors, Karlskoga, Lindesberg, Nora, Ljusnarsberg, Askersund, Hallsberg, Örebro, Vintrosa, Degerfors, Hällefors, Laxå, Kumla, Lekeberg, Loka.
See the overview of destinations: Sweden.
