Olshammar: Culture, Trails and Archipelago Nature

Olshammar combines historic sites with hiking trails and experiences on the water. If you’re looking for hotels in Olshammar, your travel interests can help you decide where to start: perhaps you’re drawn to Birgittakyrkan and local history, a hike, or the nature of northern Lake Vättern. The local offerings are not interchangeable; each trail and access point has its own conditions.

Birgittakyrkan and Local History

Birgittakyrkan was completed in 1620. Among other things, its pulpit is notable for its position. Immediately south of the church stands Birgittastugan, an 18th-century wooden cottage. It houses a small local history museum and also displays boat models from Harry Karlsson’s former boat museum collection. The display may vary.

Twelve lime trees, known as “De tolv apostlarna” (“The Twelve Apostles”), stand between Olshammarsgården and the churchyard. Olshammarsgården is the birthplace of the poet Verner von Heidenstam. It also has a small memorial exhibition about Båt-Harry Karlsson; its seasonal display may vary. Guided tours of Birgittakyrkan can be booked through nearby Olshammarsgården. As booking arrangements may change, it’s best to check the options in advance.

For a glimpse of industrial history, Igelbäckens masugn lies about nine kilometres south of Olshammar. The site is one of the few preserved blast furnace complexes in Örebro County; its history dates back to 1696. Its approximate distance and long history give it a different focus from the historical landmarks around the church and birthplace.

Hiking Trails of Different Lengths

After about one kilometre, the Aspavandring passes Rosendal bathing area. This is an approximate route distance; local trail conditions may change. Munkastigen is on a different scale: this 96-kilometre pilgrimage route runs between the Riseberga Abbey ruins outside Fjugesta and Birgittakyrkan in Olshammar.

The Norra Vätternleden starts at Olshammarsgården. From Olshammar, cyclists can follow the trail to Tiveden National Park. If you’re planning a route, check the trail and current conditions before setting out. The trails described differ in length and in how they relate to Olshammar: an approximate distance is given for Aspavandring, the total length for Munkastigen, and the starting point for Norra Vätternleden.

Waterways and Archipelago Nature

The Norra Vättern canoe trail is about 15 kilometres long and runs from Askersund to Olshammar. Water conditions may be a factor when paddling. The Hjortholmarna tour starts at Olshammar guest harbour and is a kayaking activity. Here too, it’s advisable to check conditions before setting out. The tours therefore differ both in their approximate length and in their described format and starting point.

The Norra Vättern archipelago nature reserve encompasses around fifty islands and is accessible only by boat. Check the latest access information before visiting. Its rich birdlife includes breeding goosanders, common terns, ospreys and black-throated divers, as well as other waterbird species. Wildlife observations are seasonal, so birdwatching offers a different connection with nature from the hiking and paddling routes described here.

A Local Place to Eat

The restaurant at Olshammarsgården serves food prepared in-house, mostly using local ingredients. As the menu may change, check it before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Åsbro, Åmmeberg, Motala, Askersund, Mariedamm, Zinkgruvan, Hammar, Aspabruk.

Go to the main travel overview: Askersund.