Lekeberg’s landscape stretches from the wooded slopes of the Kilsbergen hills to the plains around Fjugesta. This varied area brings different discoveries close together: trails through forests and open country, nature reserves with special habitats, and churches whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find both specific destinations and plenty of reason to look more closely.

Forest trails and special habitats

Near Fjugesta lies Bergaskogen, a municipal nature reserve. It aims to ensure access to natural areas close to residential areas, while also preserving and developing biodiversity. Several trails run through the area, which also offers good opportunities for picking berries and mushrooms. Gökhults groddammar has a different focus: this nature reserve protects valuable habitats for frogs, toads and salamanders, and encourages recreation close to residential areas.

At Limstensgruvorna, nature meets traces of earlier work. The reserve protects a species-rich old-growth forest and a nutrient-rich fen. It also includes spectacular mine tunnels and chambers, evidence of historic small-scale limestone mining. There is a marked trail and a very basic rest area, but no car park. Parking conditions may change, so check before your visit. The area is accessible on foot from north of the village of Tryggeboda via stage 13 of the Bergslagsleden.

The landscape of Garphyttan National Park also tells the story of human use: it preserves an older cultural landscape surrounded by coniferous and mixed forest. Hiking through flowering areas, open meadows, and deciduous and coniferous forests lets you experience these contrasts firsthand. Deep ravines and meanders shape the terrain in the Lekeberga-Sälven Nature Reserve; great crested newts live in some of the former river channels. Vretalundsskogen, meanwhile, consists mainly of deciduous forest, with many broadleaf trees and hazel bushes, and several trails lead through the area.

Hiking and cycling at different levels

Three stages of the Bergslagsleden run through Lekeberg Municipality. The stages have rest areas with shelters, fire pits, wood supplies and toilets. If you’re looking for a specific route, the Lekhyttan–Sixtorp section is 20.0 kilometres long, rated red, and passes through the hilly forest landscape of the Kilsbergen hills. For a shorter route, try Hälsans stig in Fjugesta. The approximately four-kilometre trail opened in September 2014; it follows an old railway embankment, runs through the centre and passes through scenic areas. Twelve activity signs invite children and adults to do physical exercises.

There are also various options for cycling. Lekeberg’s cycling routes include Lekhytterundan, Risebergarundan and Matbyttan. The latter combines asphalt, gravel and trails. In Lanna, the recreation area combines a walking trail around the limestone quarry with an MTB technical track. The routes therefore differ not only in how you travel: the Bergslagsleden has a long stage, while Hälsans stig is approximately four kilometres long.

Churches, monastic history and crafts

The vault paintings in Knista Church, featuring several well-known biblical scenes, are among its main attractions. They are dated to 1617. The old church in Hidinge is one of the smallest churches in Närke and has retained much of its medieval character; it was probably built in the 12th or early 13th century. Tångeråsa Church is also noteworthy: it is one of Sweden’s oldest and best-preserved medieval churches and has undergone remarkably few changes in 700 years.

The Riseberga Abbey ruins take you further back in time. The abbey was founded at the end of the 12th century and was used by Cistercian nuns until the middle of the 16th century. In Mullhyttan, Kvarngården reveals another side of local history: the farm is a local heritage museum in a historic setting. At the old village mill, waterwheels turn a pair of millstones; the waterwheel has been in operation since the 18th century. Flour is milled there from organically grown wheat and rye and sold in the small shop.

Lakes and the warmer months

Recreational fishing with a rod is permitted at Lake Leken; no fishing licence is required. Lekens sjöbad is registered as an EU bathing site and can accommodate more than 200 bathers. Sixtorp (Multen) is a bathing lake with a fine sandy bottom and a toilet. If you’re looking for a recreation area rather than a lake, Lanna combines a walking trail and an MTB technical track in one area.

Some other attractions are specifically intended for warm weather. At Hallagården Animal Park, visitors can see animals in warm weather; it also has, among other things, a pig train and a carousel. In warm weather, Sannabadet offers water slides and swimming pools for all age groups. Depending on your interests, you can explore Lekeberg through its forests and trails, historic buildings or activities on the water.

Discover more destinations: Mullhyttan, Fjugesta, Vintrosa, Lindesberg, Örebro, Askersund, Nora, Hallsberg

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