Discover Örebro County’s own seven wonders

Why not take a trip and visit all seven wonders? It’s a fun way to discover Örebro County’s unique cultural heritage. Just follow the list and check them off, one by one.

1. Örebro Castle – Imposing for 700 Years

Right in the heart of Örebro, Örebro Castle stands majestically on its island in the Svartån River. This imposing Vasa-era castle dates back to the 14th century and has served over the years as everything from a fortress and prison to a royal residence. The castle has also been the site of many historically significant events. For example, Gustav Vasa proclaimed the hereditary monarchy from here on New Year’s Day 1540.

Today, Örebro Castle is a vibrant and accessible cultural heritage site offering activities for visitors of all ages. Here, you can explore the castle grounds, visit exhibitions, join a historical tour, enjoy a coffee break at the castle, and much more. Visit the castle’s website to learn about everything happening here.

2. The Mushroom – a water tower with groundbreaking architecture

One of Örebro’s most famous landmarks is Svampen. The building was originally built as a water tower, simply to meet the rapidly growing city’s increased need for drinking water. The distinctive mushroom shape was not only a smart design, but also innovative from an aesthetic standpoint. First, the “hat” was built at ground level, and then, as the “stem” was completed, it was hoisted higher and higher into the sky. 

One particularly fascinating aspect is the number symbolism behind Svampen. It was inaugurated in 1958, stands 58 meters tall, and was raised 58 centimeters per day during construction. Today, Svampen is no longer a water tower, but it is a popular tourist destination. Step inside and take the elevator up to the Skybar Svampen restaurant. Here you can enjoy coffee and pastries, lunch, and ice cream. From time to time, you can also enjoy live music and other events. As a bonus, you get a magnificent view of Örebro.

3. Brevens Bruk – the county’s best-preserved industrial site

Brevens Bruk is a well-preserved industrial village with beautiful yellow-plastered buildings, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Iron production and foundry operations have been carried out here for over 300 years. Today, the site continues to thrive as a forestry and agricultural enterprise.

Brevens Bruk has a well-organized and cohesive settlement structure, which is unique compared to many other ironworks in Örebro County. In addition to the ironworks buildings, there is much more to discover in the area. These include a mill manor, a museum, and a church, as well as mountain bike trails, swimming spots, and a café. A well-known Midsummer celebration is also held here every year. You can find more information on the Brevens Bruk website.

4. The Unique Mining Village of Gamla Pershyttan

Just outside Nora lies Gamla Pershyttan. A unique monument to the heyday of the Bergslagen region and one of Sweden’s best-preserved mining villages. People have been mining ore and producing iron here since the 14th century and right up to modern times. In this authentic setting, it’s easy to imagine all the miners who worked so hard here.

Pershyttan is a cultural reserve designated to preserve the historic village setting and the surrounding landscape. When you visit, you’ll see what life was like when the smelter and mines were in operation. You can also hike a six-kilometer nature and culture trail and learn more about the village’s fascinating history along the way. Read more about Pershyttan at visitnora.se.

5. Krokbornsparken – Sweden’s oldest public park

Sweden’s oldest amusement park is located near Hällefors. It was the owner of the ironworks who built Krokbornsparken in the late 1700s. Why? Well, so that the workers at the Hällefors ironworks could relax and have fun. The park featured, for example, dance halls, carousels, and an amphitheater. The mill owner and his family were often there among the workers, which was unusual at the time.

These days, the Krokborns Vänner association organizes food service, activities, and events in the park year-round. You can book a guided tour or rent the park for a party, a children’s birthday party, or any other fun occasion. If you just want to take a leisurely stroll, you can walk along the paths that circle the park and follow the natural landscape.

6. Tångeråsa Church – a well-preserved medieval wooden church

Just a stone’s throw from Fjugesta, in the transitional landscape between the plains and forests of western Närke, there are traces of the Middle Ages. Here, in the form of Tångeråsa Church —one of Sweden’s oldest and best-preserved medieval wooden churches. Samples from the church’s wooden frame show that the chancel was built in the late 1290s. Today, over 700 years later, the church’s exterior remains almost entirely unchanged. 

In addition to the church’s history, there’s plenty more to do in the area. During the summer, the Tångeråsa Community Association organizes a variety of activities, such as history nights, summer exhibitions, and community gatherings. Be sure to visit the local museum and the craft shop as well.

7. Yxhult’s spectacular headquarters

Around the turn of the last century, Yxhult in Hällabrottet was Sweden’s leading stone masonry workshop and the country’s largest producer of marble. In the early 1900s, the company shifted its focus to manufacturing lightweight concrete and Mexisten. Today, you can visit the Yxhult Stonework Museum and experience both its bygone heyday and a journey through Swedish building culture.

Yxhult’s operations included the Main Office, the Stone Planing Mill, and the Trilobite buildings—and it is the Main Office that has been designated one of the seven wonders of Örebro County. The building is fascinating in many ways, such as in the entrance hall, where you are greeted by a unique marble floor featuring a motif depicting the primeval ocean. The floor is crafted from 34 different types of marble sourced from ten different countries.

Learn more about the county’s seven wonders

Learn more about the Seven Wonders of Örebro County and the process of selecting them at P4 Örebro or the Örebro County Administrative Board.