Water takes many different forms in Hallstahammar: as a free-flowing rapid, as a former source of power for mills, and as part of a historic canal. The area also has a history of castles and horses, as well as trails through nature reserves. If you’re looking for a destination that combines culture and nature, you can explore a range of themes here without having to fit them all into a single itinerary.
Rapids and water engineering
In the Sörkvarnsforsen Nature Reserve, the water flows freely. The stretch of rapids is about 700 metres long, with a total elevation difference of 18 metres. In the past, two mills and a forge harnessed the power of the water. Remains include the former miller’s house, a mill building, the millrace, bridge abutments and house foundations. Nature and traces of past work stand side by side here.
A 2.8-kilometre trail circles the nature reserve. There are benches and a fire pit along the way. The Strömsholm Canal tells a different story of water: completed in 1795, it is part of a historic cultural landscape in Bergslagen. Its 26 locks raise or lower boats by a total of 100 metres. At Åsby Skantzen, there are walking trails around Skantzsjön, which was dug by hand. The Tool Museum displays tools used to build the canal; in the old canal office, a working lock model shows how the process works.
Castles, horses and industrial history
Strömsholm Palace is linked to horse breeding, which dates back to Gustav Vasa: he already had a stud farm at this site. Large horse competitions are traditionally held every year in the palace park and its surroundings. The palace is open for guided tours. Visiting arrangements are seasonal and may change; check the current dates before your visit. Hästmuseum Strömsholm has nine GPS-guided audio tours. The commentary starts as you walk around the site; check that the app is working before you set out.
The towns of Hallstahammar and Kolbäck also have different traces of history. S:t Lars Church in Hallstahammar was inaugurated by Bishop Cullberg in March 1955. Remains of a Romanesque stone church are preserved in the western part of Kolbäck Church. It is thought to have been built in the 12th century or early 13th century. The former Trångfors power station is now a working museum where visitors can learn how hydropower works.
Nature trails and birdwatching
Valstasjön Nature Reserve is accessible on foot, by bike, bus or car. Marked trails lead into the reserve from the car park on Hästhovsvägen. Various bird species, as well as toads, frogs and crested newts, live by the lake. In Strömsholm, Lagårdssjön has a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform where you can watch birds in the extensive waterside meadows.
For those who want to explore nature and the landscape along a marked trail, Billingen has a 4.8-kilometre nature trail with information boards about local history and nature. The first 300 metres lead to a viewing platform accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. Djurgårdsskogen has marked walking trails of 1, 2, 4 and 5 kilometres. Another comparison can help you choose a trail length: Konstpromenaden starts at Skantzen and follows a circular route of about 5 kilometres through Hallstahammar. The entire route is accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs; the trail around Sörkvarnsforsen is shorter at 2.8 kilometres.
Events and getting around
The events calendar also offers a range of different highlights. Musik på Skantzen is a long-standing tradition, with live music on Wednesday evenings in July at Carmenladan. Kolbäcks Kolifej brings together crafts, pony rides, food and coffee, as well as music, singing and dancing, on one Saturday each year. Held annually over Easter weekend, Konst & Kulturrundan offers a chance to visit local artists in their open studios and see their work. Dates and programmes may vary; check the details for your planned visit date.
Bus route 120 runs between Hallstahammar and Borgåsund. Bus travel within Hallstahammar Municipality is free. Check the current timetable and applicable fare rules before travelling. When choosing a hotel in Hallstahammar, let your interests guide your search: the area’s castle and horse history, canal and industrial history, or nature trails and birdwatching each offer a different reason to visit.
Discover more destinations: Hallstahammar, Kolbäck, Kungsör, Surahammar, Strömsholm, Fagersta, Köping, Skinnskatteberg.
Back to the main travel overview: Västmanland.
