Säter: Wooden Town, Mining History and Nature

Key features of Säter include its historic wooden town, mining history and a landscape of ravines and trails. Säter is one of Sweden’s best-preserved wooden towns. The town has been designated a cultural environment of national cultural-historical interest.

Wooden Town and Landscape

A special detail in the town’s history can be seen on the 1642 town map, which shows three Vattugränder. These were open paths between built-up plots leading down to the Ljusterån. The name therefore describes a specific route through the historic settlement.

Säterdalen is a five-kilometre-long system of ravines between the town of Säter and the Dalälven. It has high biological value and great species diversity. Those interested in landscapes and nature can find other varied sights around Säter: Solvarboravinen is a side ravine of the better-known Säterdalsravinen, with lovely walking trails.

Bispbergs Klack is also close to Säter. The hill rises 315 metres above sea level, and a short forest path leads to its viewpoint. Marked hiking trails start at the entrance to Bispbergs Klack. Conditions on site may vary.

Mining History and Cultural Sites

The Silverringen cultural trail runs through the mining areas of Silvberg and Säter. Along the route, you can see how centuries of mining, with its mines, smelting works and hammer mills, shaped historically concentrated settlements in a natural setting. Today, a reconstruction of a waterwheel and part of the Konstgången can be seen in Sördalen. Using a waterwheel, the Gruvkonsten transmitted power to the Bispberg mine. In the 18th century, it was considered one of the seven wonders of Dalarna.

The Mentalvårdsmuseet is located by Säter Hospital. It tells the story of a time when much of psychiatric care took place in large psychiatric hospitals. It focuses on the living conditions of patients and staff at Säter Hospital, from 1912 through the 1980s and 1990s.

The Åsgårdarna open-air museum comprises 23 buildings arranged like a village. The oldest date from the 17th century. Permanent exhibitions include “Krukmakeriverkstaden” and “Smedjan”. Another historic sight near Säter is the Hyttbäcksbron bridge near Solvarbo: this stone arch bridge was built between 1868 and 1870.

Cycling Routes and Practical Information

The Ljusternrundan starts and ends at Gruvplan in Säter. This family-friendly cycling route is suitable for children aged six and over and goes around Lake Ljustern, passing several bathing spots and barbecue areas. Route conditions and facilities may vary seasonally; check the information before your ride. Another option is Söta Säter XC: this short, easy-to-ride route starts at Säter’s recreation centre and is suitable for younger and older cyclists. Located close to town, Säter MTB-arena is a recreation area with several miles of natural and purpose-built trails in the surrounding area. Trail conditions there may vary depending on the season and maintenance.

A walking-tour guide in Swedish, English and German is available for exploring the wooden town independently. Check whether the guide is available before your trip. At Gruvplan, by the main entrance to Säterdalen, there is a large free visitor car park, with a toilet next to it. Check the latest information about these facilities before your visit.

Near Säter, in Stora Skedvi, Skedvi Bröd brings together a market hall, a restaurant and a crispbread bakery under one roof. Opening information may change; check before visiting.

For the broader travel overview: Säter.