Örebro: National Parks, Hiking Trails and Culture

Örebro County combines two national parks with long hiking trails, historic sites and experiences by the water. Tiveden and Garphyttan represent contrasting landscapes: one park is shaped by rocks, caves and wild lakes; the other preserves an old cultural landscape with meadow plants and wildlife. Other destinations include Pershyttan, with its mining history, and Vinön Island in Lake Hjälmaren. You can shape your trip around nature, culture or a mix of both.

Hiking in Tiveden and on the Bergslagsleden

Tiveden National Park has glacial boulder fields with rocks up to ten metres high. Caves and several wild-looking lakes also define the park. There are more than 34 kilometres of marked trails for walks and hikes, with circular routes ranging from 0.9 to 9.5 kilometres. The trail lengths provide a practical guide for planning your day, while conditions may vary by season.

For a longer trek, take the Bergslagsleden: this long-distance trail runs 280 kilometres through Örebro County and is divided into 17 stages. Each stage has a rest area with a shelter, fire pit, supply of firewood and toilet; some facilities may occasionally be unavailable. The trail is marked in orange on trees or posts. A digital map is available on the website, and the entire trail is included in the Naturkartan app. As route information may change due to maintenance work, check the route before setting out.

You can also combine hiking with a visit to Garphyttan National Park. Its old cultural landscape, with meadow plants and wildlife, lies alongside a coniferous forest that is developing into a natural forest. The eleventh stage of the Bergslagsleden, between Suttarboda and Leken, passes through the north-western part of the park. The entrances to the recreational areas in Kilsbergen are about a 25-minute drive from central Örebro by car or bus; check the specific connection in advance.

Discover cultural history

Pershyttan is a protected cultural reserve with a 700-year mining history. A six-kilometre nature and culture trail leads through the village and introduces its history. In Hällefors, Krokbornsparken is considered Sweden’s oldest public park; it was created in the late 18th century. Food and drink, activities and events are available there year-round, and guided tours can be booked. Programmes and dates may change, so check the latest information before your trip.

Smaller historic places also offer special insights. Tångeråsa Church is one of Sweden’s oldest and best-preserved medieval wooden churches. In summer, the local heritage association holds history evenings, summer exhibitions and village evenings. The local heritage museum and handicraft shop are other places to visit; check seasonal programme details in advance. The Yxhult Stonework Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s former heyday and Swedish architectural heritage. A striking feature of the museum building is its marble floor, made from 34 types of marble from ten countries.

In Örebro itself, Örebro Castle combines exhibitions and historical guided tours with a castle café. Opening arrangements may change. If you’d like to include some activity alongside culture, Brevens bruk has historic ironworks buildings, as well as mountain biking trails, swimming spots and a café. A well-known Midsummer celebration is held there every year; check the dates and programme.

Waterside landscapes and trip planning

The Hjälmare Canal connects Lake Hjälmaren with Lake Mälaren and is a historic destination that can be enjoyed with or without a boat. Vinön, the largest island in Lake Hjälmaren, is also recommended for nature experiences and island life. Oset and Rynningeviken add wetlands and pastureland, birdwatching opportunities and lakeside rest areas to the waterside landscape.

For a walk, the Åstråket follows the Svartån river, from the historic surroundings of Karlslund to the Oset and Rynningeviken nature reserve. The route and any diversions may change; check the route before setting out. The different highlights make it easy to shape your trip around your interests: if you’re planning a hiking trip, plan your stages and route lengths; for a cultural stay, check seasonal events and opening arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Laxå, Kumla, Lekeberg, Loka, Degerfors, Karlskoga, Lindesberg, Nora, Ljusnarsberg, Askersund, Hallsberg, Örebro, Vintrosa, Degerfors, Hällefors.

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