Hallstahammar: Nature, Culture and Canal History

In Hallstahammar, experiences range from free-flowing rapids to locks, equestrian culture and historic churches. The varied themes are ideal for individual outings or a trip that brings nature and culture together.

Trails and Natural Areas

At Sörkvarnsforsen Nature Reserve, a free-flowing stretch of rapids drops a total of 18 metres; the rapids are about 700 metres long. A 2.8-kilometre trail loops around the area. Benches and a fire pit add to the route. At Lake Valsta, the nature reserve can be reached on foot, by bicycle, bus or car. Marked trails lead into the area from a car park on Hästhovsvägen. Various bird species, as well as toads, frogs and the great crested newt, live there.

Those wishing to watch birds will find a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform at Lake Lagårds. On Billingen, a 4.8-kilometre nature trail with information boards passes through the area. The first 300 metres are accessible and lead to a viewing platform that can be reached with a wheelchair or pushchair. Djurgårdsskogen also has marked hiking trails of varying lengths. This means there are both specific route distances and trails of different lengths to choose from when planning a trip.

Another circular route is the approximately five-kilometre Konstpromenaden. It leads through Hallstahammar and starts at Skantzen. The entire route is accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs. It offers a clearly defined way to combine a walk around the town with an art theme.

Equestrian Culture and Canal History

At the site of Strömsholm Palace, the history of horse breeding goes back to Gustav Vasa. By tradition, major horse competitions are held every year in the palace park and surrounding area. Strömsholm Palace is open for guided tours; visiting arrangements are seasonal and may change. Check the latest dates before your visit. Hästmuseum Strömsholm offers nine GPS-guided audio tours, which are activated as you walk the routes on site. Check that the app is working before you set off.

Strömsholm Canal was completed in 1795 and is part of the historic cultural landscape of Bergslagen. Its 26 locks raise or lower boats by a total of 100 metres. In the old canal office at Åsby Skantzen, a working lock model demonstrates how a lock operates. Walking paths run around Skantzsjön, which was dug by hand; there is also a tool museum. The combination of water engineering, technology and trails offers different perspectives on the canal’s history.

The churches, too, tell stories of different eras. S:t Lars Church in Hallstahammar was consecrated by Bishop Cullberg in March 1955. The western part of Kolbäck Church preserves the remains of a Romanesque stone church. It is estimated to have been built in the 12th century or the early 13th century.

Museums and Recurring Events

The former Trångfors power station is now an operational museum where visitors can see how hydropower works. The visitor presentation may vary. A restored Lancashire forge displays a mumbling hammer and four ironmaking hearths. Both locations bring technical history to life, but focus on different aspects.

Events throughout the year offer further reasons to visit. The long-running Musik på Skantzen brings live music to Carmenladan on Wednesday evenings in July; check the dates for the relevant year in advance. Kolbäcks Kolifej takes place on one Saturday each year. The programme includes crafts, pony rides, food and coffee, as well as music, singing and dancing. Dates and programme should be checked each year. Over Easter weekend, local artists open their studios and exhibit their art as part of Konst & Kulturrundan. The exhibition area covers Hallstahammar Municipality; specific dates and participating artists may vary from year to year.

Travel Planning Information

Bus route 120 runs between Hallstahammar and Borgåsund. Bus travel within Hallstahammar Municipality is free; check timetables and fare arrangements again before your trip. After a canoe trip, visitors can take the bus back to Hallstahammar from Strömsholm or Borgåsund. It is also a good idea to check the current timetable in advance.

Which stops you plan depends on whether nature trails, equestrian culture, canal history or an event date is your main focus. If you want to combine your stay with a guided tour or an annual festival, take the relevant dates into account when planning. This lets you tailor your trip to the specific experiences on offer in Hallstahammar.

Discover more destinations: Hallstahammar, Kolbäck, Fagersta, Skinnskatteberg, Arboga, Köping, Surahammar, Kungsör.

Back to the main travel overview: Västmanland.