A public art biennial, a historic town centre and wetlands rich in birdlife: Örebro offers a range of discoveries, without any one of them having to define the whole trip. OpenArt presents contemporary art from around the world across the city for three summer months, including along the Svartån. The recurring biennial can be enjoyed without a ticket; most artworks are outdoors and accessible around the clock. Check the current edition before your trip, as programme details may change.

Art and history in the city

Art and movement also come together on the approximately four-kilometre Lilla Å promenade. The walking and cycling path runs along the Lillån and includes ten sculptures and an art house focusing on people and nature. Between Åkulleparken and Ulla Billquists park, evening lighting that has received the Svenska Ljuspriset award adds to the route. This makes it possible to combine an art walk with a look at a range of works and their themes, rather than heading for just one exhibition.

With its wooden houses and courtyards, Wadköping showcases Örebro’s older buildings and urban surroundings. On-site offerings include museums, exhibitions, cafés, a restaurant, craft workshops and shops. Markets, concerts, theatre, lectures, art exhibitions, music evenings and dance events are also held throughout the year. Markets featuring food and drink, local flavours and handicrafts take place in August and December. Alongside its buildings, Wadköping therefore has a tradition of events spanning different formats and seasons.

Örebro Castle offers a glimpse into another era: its origins date back to the 14th century. The castle is in the city centre, surrounded by the waters of the Svartån. Its historic halls house exhibitions, and guided history tours explore the castle’s past. In Slottsparken, Örebro’s oldest park, features dating from the 1770s shape the historic setting. Fishing is permitted there free of charge; the designated stretch of the Svartån extends as far as Karlslund.

Nature reserves and trails

Oset and Rynningeviken form a municipal nature reserve with diverse natural surroundings and a rich variety of bird and plant life. Habitats described in the area include pastures, riverside woods, riverside meadows and shallow reed bays in Rynningeviken; Oset comprises wetlands rich in birdlife. The trails give visitors access to these varied landscapes on foot or by bike. Rest shelters, barbecue areas and excursion spots are also part of the visitor facilities. The walking trails in the nature reserve have been adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Visitors looking to choose a trail based on its surroundings will find several different options in Örebro. The Lilla Å promenade combines its approximately four kilometres with sculptures and an art house; the nature reserve focuses on wetlands and riverside landscapes. The Åstråket, meanwhile, follows the Svartån from the cultural and historic surroundings of Karlslund to the Oset and Rynningeviken nature reserve. Karlslund also has walking and cycling trails. Its power station dates from 1897; museums and visitor facilities include Anckarsvärds magasin.

Museums, views and leisure

Örebro County Museum presents collections of photographs, art and cultural-historical objects in exhibitions and in the Digitalt Museum. Mobila museet is a museum on four wheels that can be booked by private individuals; check booking and accessibility details before your trip. Those interested in the connection between art and cultural history will find a different perspective here than in the historic castle rooms or on an outdoor art trail.

The Svampen water tower was inaugurated in May 1958. Occasional live music and other events are held there at a height of 58 metres. Visitor offerings also include a café, lunch and ice cream, as well as 360-degree views over Örebro. For families, Stadsparken and Stora Holmen offer other specific places to visit: Stadsparken has three play areas adapted for different age groups, including a spray park with water play. At Stora Holmen, you’ll find a petting zoo, a pedal-car track, toy shops, a miniature railway and the Bäverkullen playground.

Discover more destinations: Hampetorp, Vintrosa, Örebro, Odensbacken, Kilsmo, Stora Mellösa, Garphyttan, Ervalla, Glanshammar, Gunnarsökna, Blacksta.

Back to the main travel overview: Örebro.