Nature & Adventure

14 hidden gems that offer that little something extra

Published August 20, 2020 / Updated May 29, 2026
Örebro’s natural surroundings are full of hidden gems for those looking for more than just a picnic in the park. Here you’ll find cliffs to climb, breathtaking views, and trails that take you far away from the daily grind.

The Caves of Amboberget

Go exploring in Amboberget’s enchanted forest and discover its mysterious caves. The Freedom Portal is one of the largest, with a crevice you can actually walk through. A nine-kilometer hiking trail winds its way up and down the mountain. Amboberget is located between Örebro and Nora.  

A wooden sign with the text "BLOCKGROTTA 500 M" in black letters. It is surrounded by forest and moss.
A detour to the rock caves at Amboberget.

The view from Rusakula

From the summit of Kilsbergen, Rusakulan, you can see miles of forest, the entire city of Örebro, and Lake Hjälmaren in the distance. They say you can even spot as many as 21 church steeples on a clear day. Pack a picnic and make your way up the blue-tinged hills, which offer one of Närke’s best views. 

Stone and wooden benches at the very top of Rusakulan.

The Bergslagsleden – a 280-kilometer hiking trail 

Like a lifeline, the Bergslagsleden trail winds its way through the entire Örebro County and beyond. Hike or run a single section or the entire route—the Bergslagsleden is one of Sweden’s most diverse trails. Serene swimming lakes, historic mining trails, and magnificent natural scenery accompany you along the way. 

Hike along the winding Nittälven River

The Nittälven Nature Reserve connects several other nature reserves into one large, contiguous wilderness area stretching along the entire length of the Nittälven River. Here you’ll find rapids, waterfalls, and calm waters—and the lower section of the river, which winds its way through the landscape in a truly spectacular fashion. You can also explore species-rich old-growth forests, fascinating geological landforms, beautiful hiking trails, and several new rest areas.

The Mystery of the Moss in the Limestone Mines 

Soft moss, emerald-green cliffs, and century-old carvings in the stone walls. The limestone mines are a must-see on your summer bucket list. In Tryggeboda, 45 minutes south of Örebro, lie the old mines where miners extracted limestone in the 19th century. Today, only the vaults remain, and nature is slowly but surely reclaiming the site. On the smooth walls, however, you can still read the names and dates that the workers carved into the rock—traces of the harsh life in the mines.   

A moss-green stone wall in a former limestone quarry.
In the Limsten mines, you can see traces of the 19th-century miners.

Art on the Hill in Kumla

Sweden’s most unusual attraction is located in Kumla, 20 minutes from Örebro. It’s definitely a hidden gem for art lovers—and everyone else. Konst på hög is a unique sculpture park in Kumla, where the exhibition space is an old slag heap. Climb the 427 steps or drive up. 

Four brown statues can be seen in the distance among the blades of grass.
The sculpture park at Kvarntorpshögen is a fascinating hidden gem.

Ancient Fortress Safari in Örebro

Throughout Örebro County, you’ll find an unusually large number of ancient hillforts dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Even today, traces remain that suggest these hillforts may have been used for shelter, to demonstrate power, and to worship the gods. Check off all 34 of the county’s ancient hillforts—perfect for history buffs who enjoy exploring on foot. 

Double the number of national parks

Just outside Örebro, there are two national parks with very different characters. In Tiveden National Park, you’ll encounter massive boulders, enchanting forests, and dark ponds. In Garphyttan National Park, flowers and meadows stretch out alongside old cottages and scenic overlooks. They’re worlds apart, but both are well worth a visit.

The Ronia the Robber's Daughter Cliffs in the Skärmarboda Mountains

Huge boulders, deep valleys, and cliffs that seem made for the occasional springtime shout. Skärmarbodabergen is a nature area where the fairy-tale character Ronia the Robber’s Daughter would surely feel right at home. It’s a perfect destination for families with children as well as curious adults. 

Boating on Lake Hjälmaren

Lake Hjälmaren is just a stone’s throw from downtown Örebro and offers a variety of activities on the water for both boat owners and visitors. If you have your own boat, you can go island-hopping and get a real taste of the archipelago among Grundholmarna, Vinön, Ässön, Fåran, Björkön, and other little gems in Lake Hjälmaren.  

If you don’t own a boat but still want to experience life on the water, you can, for example, book a spot on the M/S Gustaf Lagerbjelke for a guided lunch cruise or a shrimp cruise with a troubadour.

A lake dotted with many small islands, photographed from above.
There are many islands to explore in Lake Hjälmaren. Don’t have a boat? Take the ferry to Vinön, the largest island in Lake Hjälmaren.

Take a tour of the Dovra Lakes and shop at Karintorps

One, two, or three lakes—how many would you like to hike around? There are lovely loop trails around the mirror-like lakes in southern Närke. And right nearby, the Karintorp store awaits. There, you can fill your basket with locally grown tomatoes and other delicacies. 

A man in a blue T-shirt is standing in a greenhouse, holding a green plant.
At the Karintorp store, you can find many locally grown treats.

Ride the Dyltaslingan trail and have lunch at Smultrongården

Cycle the entire lush Dyltaslingan trail and finish off with a tasty treat at Smultrongården. Their shrimp sandwich is an Örebro classic that tastes especially good after a few miles in the saddle. A classic combination for a summery half-day outing.

A shrimp sandwich on a blue plate, viewed from above.
Smultrongården's popular shrimp sandwich.

Get some ice cream at Lyckliga hönan and take a stroll along the Lekeberga-Sälven

Berga Gård features a shop selling local produce, an egg stand, and a café serving Lyckliga hönans ice cream. It’s a must-visit spot for a coffee break in the summer, and it’s especially perfect after a hike in the Lekeberga-Sälven Nature Reserve, where the small stream winds its way through pastures dotted with cows and goats.  

The Great Mellösa Loop

Head out to Stora Mellösa and discover the hidden gems of the countryside. Enjoy ice cream and wood-fired pizza at Ebba’s Garden, hunt for bargains at Lilla Grodan’s flea market, go for a swim at Katrinelund, and perhaps have dinner and spend the night at the inn?  

At Ebba's Garden, you'll find everything from homemade ice cream to pub and pizza nights.

Hidden gems are meant to be experienced—preferably many times over. Some require a map and a good pair of shoes, while others just call for curiosity and a desire to discover something new. What will you choose this summer?  

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Two canoeists in a silver-colored canoe. Green leaves are visible in the foreground.

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A woman in a knitted sweater is picking mushrooms. She is crouching down, and there is a basket in the moss.

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A person is walking on a footbridge in an autumn-colored forest.

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Sunset over a lake. To the left, a terrace is visible with people sitting at tables.

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