Askersund lies at the northern tip of Lake Vättern. Rooms at the castle dating from the Bernadotte era and churches with distinctive details tell the story of the area; kayaking routes wind between islands and skerries. Paddling also offers different options: short trips and longer routes, independent routes and guided activities.
Kayaking between islands and skerries
The “Skärgårdskänsla vid Hjortholmarna” route starts at the guest harbour in Olshammar and takes about two hours through sheltered waters, past islands and skerries in the archipelago of northern Lake Vättern. “Stora Aspön runt” requires a different time commitment: the tour starts at the guest harbour in Olshammar on the western side of Lake Vättern, goes around Stora Aspön and takes about five to six hours. It is suitable for experienced paddlers. Both routes start at the same guest harbour, but differ significantly in duration and route.
Another option, taking about two hours, is “Bland kobbar och skär – paddla i skärgård”. It starts in Bastedalen on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern and is best suited to experienced paddlers. The Norra Vätterns skärgård nature reserve can only be reached by boat. Naturvägledare Norra Vättern offers kayaking courses and guided tours among islands, cliffs and calm waters. These include winter paddling, coffee trips, family-friendly tours and full-day excursions with a picnic in nature; seasonal availability may vary. Before paddling, check whether your chosen route is suitable and what conditions to expect.
Castle history and church art
South of Askersund, Stjernsunds slott stands on a peninsula in the strait connecting Lake Alsen with Lake Vättern. Particularly noteworthy are the exceptionally well-preserved interiors dating from the 1850s, when the castle belonged to the Bernadotte royal family. The castle and its park have been listed since 1965. Exhibitions are held in the castle, including one about the history of the park in the orangery building. The café serves homemade coffee bread, pastries, savoury open sandwiches and light meals; the selection may vary.
The churches of Askersund also offer distinct historical highlights. Askersunds landskyrka was built between 1664 and 1670 and is one of the county’s best examples of the ornate architecture of Sweden’s Great Power era. Birgittakyrkan was built in 1620. Its very well-preserved stained-glass windows include coats of arms made in Riga. Concerts organised by the Church of Sweden are held in the church. You can book a guided tour of Birgittakyrkan through the adjacent Olshammarsgården, the birthplace of Verner von Heidenstam.
Exhibitions, markets and routes
Askersunds konsthall presents a varied programme of exhibitions throughout the year. It is located on the ground floor of the Sjöängen cultural centre. Spring and autumn markets have been held in central Askersund since the time of Gustav Vasa. Traders, craftspeople, confectionery vendors, associations and organisations take part; dates and participants vary. At the Knalla gruva Mining Museum, QR-code-based orientation provides another way to access visitor information. Seasonal access may vary.
Those wishing to explore Askersund by bike will find short and long routes through varied terrain. Many routes pass cultural and historical sights and places close to nature. One cycling loop follows the ore route along the railway embankment from Zinkgruvan to the shipping harbour in Åmmeberg, and can continue as far as the Lake Vättern archipelago. Buses and the on-demand Närtrafik service operate from the Askersunds busstation stop. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Askersund, Åmmeberg, Åsbro, Aspabruk, Mariedamm, Olshammar, Hammar, Zinkgruvan, Motala.
For the main travel overview: Örebro.
