A 15-metre waterwheel is one of the most impressive surviving traces of Norberg’s mining history. Polhemshjulet was built in 1876 and drove the pumps in the mines via a linkage. The preserved and restored canal by the waterwheel makes for a pleasant walking route. Here, technical history meets a path through the landscape.

From a medieval ironworks to mining villages

Nya Lapphyttan brings a complete medieval iron-smelting site to life at full scale. The site was discovered at Olsbenning in Norberg Municipality. On the reconstructed grounds, you can stroll among grey log buildings; Sweden’s only reconstructed medieval blast furnace is also located there. Rather than viewing just one building, you encounter the site as a whole.

Bråfors Bergsmansby offers another perspective on ironworking. This protected village is one of Sweden’s oldest mining villages, and iron production there began as early as the 13th century. Remains of the ironworks have been preserved, along with a canal built to harness water power. The history is thus visible both in reconstructed sites and in surviving traces of earlier operations.

Karlbergs hembygdsgård includes historic rural buildings: a bakehouse, a poorhouse, a trading room, a carriage shed, and a miner’s farmstead. These varied buildings bring an everyday dimension to history alongside the blast furnaces, mines, and technical sites. The traditions surrounding Digerkällan also offer a glimpse into older beliefs: the spring is associated with pagan-influenced customs at sacred springs that continued into more recent times.

Mines, viewpoints, and trails

The protected Klackberg mining area reveals its landscape through winding paths and steps. Visible traces include mine shafts, viewpoints, and a tunnel through the rock. Blå Grottan is not a cave, but the opening of a partially collapsed mining tunnel; its intensely blue water is especially striking. Access restrictions may change, so check access information before visiting.

At Svinryggen, a roughly 500-metre trail follows a ridge with views of open pits and mines. A digital audio guide tells the story of the area along the way. The old mine pits also tell of work in the past: some were created using fire-setting, a method in which the rock was heated to fracture it for ore extraction. Another mining landscape can be seen along the signposted walking trail through the abandoned Mossgruveparken iron ore field, passing deep, water-filled open pits.

Norbergsleden is a marked circular route, signposted in both directions. The terrain is mostly flat, with hilly sections mainly at Klackberg, Svinryggen, and Mossgruvan. The walking experience varies accordingly: flatter terrain shapes one section, while the named areas offer greater changes in elevation.

Moorland and activities in different seasons

Komossen is a small bog with old pines and various moss species. The nature reserve offers good chances of seeing and hearing a variety of birds. A short path leads from the information board by the road to the stream that runs along the area’s eastern boundary. The bog, pines, and stream create a different landscape from the mining fields and technical remnants.

Winter sports are also among the activities on offer: Norberg has both downhill runs and cross-country ski trails. Klackbergsbacken has two downhill runs and a lift; the facility also includes a warming hut and a barbecue area. Operations are seasonal, and use of the facilities may also depend on seasonal conditions.

For travel by public transport, bus 500 connects Norberg bus station with the nearby Avesta Krylbo and Fagersta C railway stations. As timetables may change, it is worth checking current connections. The Engelberg-Norberg Railway Historical Association operates tourist railbus services between Ängelsberg and Kärrgruvan. This service is seasonal, so check the timetable before travelling.

Another local highlight is Elsa Andersons Konditori, where baked goods have been at the heart of things since 1916. Check opening details before visiting. Exploring Norberg lets you choose between different experiences, from mining history and walking trails to moorland and local traditions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Norberg, Surahammar, Fagersta, Strömsholm, Kungsör, Skinnskatteberg, Sala, Västerås.

Go to the main travel overview: Västmanland.