Hedemora – Discover nature and local history

Hedemora combines a historic townscape with wetlands, lakes and trails for a range of interests. In the town centre, well-preserved wooden houses and a cobbled square tell the story of the town; beyond them, trails lead through open lakeside meadows and wetlands. You can include cultural walks, nature watching and outdoor activities in your travel plans.

Nature and trails around Hedemora

The Hovran area is a wetland landscape that includes the Dalälven, nearby lakes and Lake Hovran. It is designated as both a biosphere reserve and a Ramsar site. You can reach parts of the area on foot from Hedemora town centre and enjoy them for recreation and exercise. The Naturkartan information for Hedemora lists swimming spots, hiking trails, easily accessible walking paths, viewpoints and interesting cultural heritage sites.

In the Stadssjön Nature Reserve, a signposted 3.3-kilometre circular trail leads through wetlands, broadleaf swamp forest and open lakeside meadows. The trail includes boardwalks and wide gravel paths; from three observation towers, you can look out over the landscape. The route is easy and can be used by pedestrians, wheelchair users, people with prams and users of walking frames. To drive to the starting point, follow Långshyttevägen, Provincial Road 270, towards Hamre ÅVC.

There is also a birdwatching tower at the southern end of Flinesjön, with good views of the lakeside meadows. The Husby-Hedemora fishing area includes Flinesjön, Hovran, Hedemora’s town lakes and several other lakes. If you plan to fish, check the local rules: fishing permit requirements may change.

Local history and cultural walks

Hedemora is the oldest town in Dalarna and received its town charter in 1446. The town centre features well-preserved wooden houses, and a cobbled square is also part of its historic townscape. The Cultural Promenade route passes through the oldest parts of town and visits buildings and places of cultural and historical significance. It is about five kilometres long and divided into three stages. Parking for the route is available at Stora Torget. This gives you two different options: a walk that combines local history and buildings, or the shorter circular trail by Stadssjön, with wetlands and lakeside meadows.

Teaterladan has been a listed building since 1964 and has hosted exhibitions, performances and refreshments since the 1820s. Hedemora Gammelgård is one of Sweden’s oldest open-air museums. Its collection includes around 4,500 antique objects, mainly scythes. There is a café there in summer; check the latest opening information before your visit.

Every autumn, Hedemora hosts Kulturnatt, a cultural festival with activities for children. The programme changes from year to year. If the festival fits your travel plans, it is therefore a good idea to check the specific event dates.

Swimming, paddling and other excursions

Hedemora kallbadhus is on the eastern shore of Lake Hönsan in the centre of Hedemora. The bathing facility has a fixed and a floating bathing jetty, as well as a diving tower. The Hedemora Pilgrim Trail is a circular route that starts and ends in Hedemora. The Dalälven also has a paddling route of about 50 kilometres, from Fäggeby via Hedemora to Avesta. The different routes let you choose between a circular trail starting in Hedemora and a longer journey along the river.

The surrounding area also includes Husbyringen, Sweden’s first ecomuseum. This 60-kilometre nature and culture route links industrial and cultural heritage sites and features 25 signposted attractions and destinations. It is suitable for cycling trips with the whole family. At Norns bruk, you can walk through an authentic industrial setting or book a guided tour; check availability before your visit. Norns bruk is a well-preserved ironworks with origins in the 17th century.

Near Kloster, a gravel circular trail runs through the Klosterån gorge and the restored English-style park. There is also a small museum about the area’s long industrial history at Kloster Manor. These stops complement the town walks with industrial history and countryside further afield.

Breaks and local offerings

Café Wahlman is on Stora Torget in Hedemora’s beautiful old quarter, which dates from the 18th century. Almost everything is baked from scratch, preferably using local and Swedish ingredients. Hedemora Gammelgård also has a café in summer, so you can combine a visit to the open-air museum with a seasonal break.

Oppigårds Bryggeri offers brewery tours for groups by prior booking. A beer-tasting package is available as an option; booking and age restrictions apply. If you plan to include a tour or tasting, confirm availability and conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Hedemora, Garpenberg, Stjärnsund, Vikmanshyttan, Ludvika, Säter, Boda Kyrkby, Dala-Husby.

For the overview of the wider region: Dalarna County.