Karlslund is a scenic area with a long history. At the heart of the area lies the beautiful Karlslund Manor, with its well-preserved buildings and inspiring gardens. But Karlslund has more to offer. Here you’ll find shops and exhibitions, fun places for children, annual markets, and surroundings that are perfect for both leisurely strolls and jogs.
Karlslund Manor and its garden
The grand white manor house, dating from the early 1800s, stands majestically atop a hill. Here you can book reservations for our spring and winter highlights: the Easter buffet and the Christmas dinner. And many people choose this venue for wedding receptions or other celebrations.
In the summer, the Manor Café is open for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal or drink—while taking the opportunity to savor the beautiful surroundings, indoors or out in the garden.
The manor’s large garden offers plenty of inspiration for gardening enthusiasts. Here you’ll find the English park, the fruit and vegetable garden, the terrace garden, and period-appropriate plantings from the garden’s heyday.
Lovely walking paths – and places to swim
One tip is to put on your walking shoes, explore the area, and discover your own favorite spots. Just outside the manor’s landscaped garden, you’ll find well-maintained parklands, community gardens, wooded groves, and tree-lined avenues. You’ll pass well-preserved historic buildings and large pastures with grazing horses. Right nearby, the Svartån River winds its way through bridges, rapids, and waterfalls. And just a stone’s throw away lies Karlslundsskogen.
Along the paths, there are several spots with benches and tables where you can set out your picnic basket. If you’d rather barbecue, you’ll also find a number of nice barbecue areas.
At Snavlunda Karlslund, the refreshing waters of the Svartån await, along with a swimming pier with a ladder and restrooms. Other swimming spots along the river include Tegelbadet and Hästhagen’s pier.
Shops selling crafts, art, and restorationsupplies
Several artisans have set up their workshops—and often shops—around the manor. Here you’ll find glassblowers, a blacksmith, and various artists. In the manor’s north wing, you’ll find Stellarum, which sells vintage lamps from the 20th century. And in the old pottery workshop is Butik JoLin, offering items such as linen and leather goods—as well as a small café.
In the imposing brick warehouse is Ovolin Färg & Byggnadsvård. Here you can buy building preservation products and carefully selected interior design details. And paint. Ovolin has its own paint factory where they produce linseed oil paint and make their own egg tempera paint.
Lindbacka Mill has been given a new lease on life
A short distance upstream along the Svartån River lies Lindbacka Bruk. Here, historic industrial charm blends with new creative ventures. In the old factory, you’ll find Lindbacka Kollektivet, featuring vintage items, ceramics, and gardening. The mill’s buildings also house the Cozo Coffee roastery, Bageri Sonja, Spanish Food with select Spanish delicacies, and Fru Fi Keramik and its summer café. (Note: Be sure to double-check the opening hours; several of the shops are only open during certain periods or seasons.)
Markets and other events
The authentic manor house setting and beautiful surroundings of Karlslund are perfect for markets and events. In addition to Midsummer celebrations, guided tours, Local Heritage Day, and a whole host of other activities, the estate hosts annual spring and fall markets, historic preservation days, a bonfire festival around All Saints’ Day, and a Christmas market.
Fun for the kids in Karlslund
Karlslund offers endless opportunities for play, with large grassy areas and cozy wooded spots. But there are also two big favorites among children: Tekniska kvarnen and Barnens trädgård.
Tekniska kvarnen is located in Karlslund’s old mill building and is an exciting technical museum suitable for all ages, though it’s certainly most fun for children. Here you’ll find technical puzzles, experiments, and several hands-on exhibits that truly show that learning is fun. After all, how do water and waste actually work? What’s the deal with electricity? And what does a soap bubble look like from the inside? You can discover that and much more here. Don’t miss the giant model railroad, the little shop, and the café, which serves ice cream, among other things.
Adjacent to the manor’s old greenhouse is the Children’s Garden. Here, children can play among flowers, bushes, plants, and the occasional work of art. The garden is divided into different sections: The dragon lives in the Wizard’s Garden, and there are hidden dragon eggs to find here. In the Giant’s Garden, there are giant kitchen cabinets that children can climb and scramble on as much as they like. The Princess’s Garden features a pavilion and a beautiful floor. And right next door are long tunnels, secret passages, and huts made of woven willow—plus a tricky hedge maze. Perfect for burning off energy and exciting play.
Have a coffee break or an ice cream
In addition to the tried-and-true option—packing a picnic basket and settling down to enjoy one of the many cozy spots scattered throughout the area—summer in particular offers some wonderful opportunities for a coffee break. Here are a few tips: Karlslund Manor Café, Tekniska Kvarnen, the arts and crafts shop Rojanprodukter, Cozo Coffee, Sonja’s Coffee Workshop, Fru Fi Ceramics and Summer Café, and the ice cream stand in Hästhagen.
Hästhagen Recreation Area
A short distance downstream from Karlslund Manor lies the Hästhagen recreational area. Here you’ll find picnic areas, large grassy fields, and a lovely walking trail. You can play mini-golf and disc golf, use the beach volleyball court, or rent a canoe for a trip on the Svartån River. The ice cream café offers ice cream and other treats, coffee, and cold drinks.
During summer vacation, Hästhagen offers free activities for children and teens. These may include an outdoor movie theater, various water activities, rock climbing, and much more.
A history marked by innovation
Karlslund in general, and Karlslund Manor in particular, has a long and innovative history. The name Karlslund dates back to the late 16th century. At that time, Duke Karl had a royal farm built to supply Örebro Castle with food and firewood. Sweden’s first light bulb was lit here in 1886—and a couple of decades later, Karlslund became the first farm in Sweden to have electric lighting.
Museums and exhibitions
If you’re interested in Karlslund’s history, there are several museums and exhibitions to visit. For example, the Karlslund Power Station, which is one of the oldest in Sweden, and the Anckarsvärd Storehouse. At the Ovolin building conservation shop, you can check out the “Närke in Traditional Colors” exhibition on paint and building conservation.
Exercise and Sports
In Karlslundsskogen, you can explore several kilometers of trails (some of which are lit) or work out at the outdoor gym set amidst the woods. There is also a fitness center with changing rooms and showers.
Right next to the manor house is the Örebro Fältrittklubb, which runs one of Sweden’s largest riding schools. And not far away lies Rosta Gärde, home to the Karlslunds IF soccer club.
Directions to Karlslund
Address: Diedens allé 1, 703 45 Örebro
By car
Karlslund is located about 5 kilometers west of downtown Örebro. If you’re coming by car from the highway, take exit 112 toward Garphyttan. Follow Karlslundsgatan toward Karlslund/Garphyttan. Go straight through the roundabout and continue about 850 meters on Karlslundsgatan. Turn left toward Karlslund.
From downtown Örebro, follow the signs toward Garphyttan and then toward Karlslund.
By bus
Three bus routes run from downtown to Karlslund. For schedules, see Länstrafiken Örebro.
By bike
Are you coming by bike? Follow the Å-leden bike path from Örebro Castle, along the Svartån River, and out to Karlslund.
Other manors in the Örebro region
"The White Castle" - Stjernsund Castle outside Askersund
