A courthouse that began as a mining office, a trail steeped in mining history and vast nature reserves shape the discoveries awaiting you in Ljusnarsberg. In Kopparberg and Nittälvsdalen, these themes emerge in different ways: in buildings and local history, as well as in the landscape and along the waterways.

Nature Reserves and Hiking Trails

Nittälvsdalen is a large, continuous wilderness area with numerous nature reserves. Marked trails and rest stops offer opportunities for both short and long hikes. The free-flowing Nittälven flows into Lake Ljusnaren beside Kopparberg.

Brattforsen Nature Reserve is a landscape of rapids: the Nittälven flows past steep slopes and cliffs, forming waterfalls at several points. A marked trail runs around the reserve and is about 3 km long. Djupdalshöjden Nature Reserve is one of the highest points in the district. There are about 10 km of marked trails, as well as overnight accommodation in shelters and a well-equipped rest cabin. In winter, you can ski among gnarled old trees and open bogs.

Routes for Different Hiking Plans

The trails mentioned vary considerably in length and layout. Ljusnaren runt is a challenging 26 km hike, making it considerably longer than the loop trail in Brattforsen. The Bergslagsleden is 280 km long in total and divided into 17 stages; three of these stages pass through Ljusnarsberg Municipality. A connecting trail leads from Kopparberg Station to the Bergslagsleden. The cycling routes also start at Kopparberg Station.

Another longer route is the 61 km Postleden between Hällefors and Kopparberg. Its name recalls how mail was once transported by horse or on foot. The different distances—a loop in the reserve, a challenging hike and longer routes between towns—help you plan according to your preferred distance without assuming a specific walking time.

Mining History and Churches in Kopparberg

The Tingshuset in Kopparberg was built in 1641 as a mining office. It served as the mine inspector’s office, a courthouse and a meeting place. Visitors can view the exterior and the surrounding area; the building itself is not open to visitors. The orange-marked Kopparstigen is 2.5 km long, open year-round, and starts and ends at Ljusnarsbergs kyrka. The trail shows how mining has shaped Kopparberg since the 17th century.

Ljusnarsbergs kyrka is a wooden church dating from 1635. Its interior is among the best-preserved examples of its kind from the late 19th century in Sweden. The church and its entire surroundings are part of an area of national interest for cultural heritage conservation. At Finngruvorna, water-filled open-pit remnants appear emerald green and are associated with copper precipitates—a further trace of mining history in the landscape.

Museums, Crafts and Local Culture

Kaveltorps gruvmuseum displays a model of the Kaveltorp mining area, a three-dimensional glass mine map, photographs, tools and various types of ore. Advance reservations by text message are required; check the reservation details before your visit. Sädesmagasinet Högfors is an early 18th-century granary and one of the oldest surviving buildings in the municipality. It houses a museum about working life, a photography exhibition and a flea market.

Other places also tell stories of regional history and culture. Finngården Rikkenstorp is a Finnish settler homestead dating from the early 17th century; its buildings and cultivated land have been carefully restored and opened to visitors. Ställbergs Gruva, an iron ore mine that closed in 1977, is a place for art, thought, work and conversation. At Folkets Trädgård, you can taste vegetables, smell the flowers and help care for the plants and the place together.

Kopparbergs Krukmakeri och Trädgård combines a shop, workshop and garden. It continues the Swedish tradition of earthenware: the clay comes from Gotland, and the glaze is lead-free. The business is within walking distance of central Kopparberg. Check the opening details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Kopparberg, Karlskoga, Laxå, Hällefors, Degerfors, Lindesberg, Hallsberg, Lekeberg.

Back to the main travel overview: Örebro.