Nature & Adventure

14 hidden gems that offer that little something extra

Published August 20, 2020 / Updated May 21, 2026
Örebro’s natural landscape is full of hidden gems for those looking for more than just a picnic in the park. Here you’ll find cliffs to climb, rivers to paddle on, breathtaking views, and trails that lead far beyond the everyday.

The Caves of Amboberget

Go on an adventure in Amboberget’s enchanted forest and discover its mysterious caves. Frihetsportalen is one of the largest, with a crevice you can even walk through. A 9-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. 

Serpentine paddling on the Nittälven River 

The Nittälven is a narrow, winding river that cuts through the dense forests of Bergslagen. Paddling here is both peaceful and adventurous (depending on the water level)—and a truly memorable paddling adventure for those who want to experience the true beauty of Bergslagen’s nature. 

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.
The limestone quarries.

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.
Art at Kvarntorpshögen.

Ancient Fortress Safari Around Örebro

The area around Örebro is home to an unusually large number of ancient hillforts—archaeological sites 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 those who enjoy exploring history 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 are worlds apart and both 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 echoing the sounds of spring. Skärmarbodabergen is a natural area where Ronia the Robber’s Daughter would feel right at home. It’s a destination perfect for families with children and curious adults. 

Boating on Lake Hjälmaren

Lake Hjälmaren is just a stone’s throw from downtown Örebro and offers plenty of summer fun 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.  

There are also charter trips on the high-speed boats M/S Gustaf Lagerbjelke and M/F Sirena to many of the islands—featuring shrimp cruises, live music, and guided tours. Be sure to stop by Katrinelund’s inn and seaside restaurant to sample Hjälmargös at the restaurant, which is open during the summer.

A lake dotted with many small islands, photographed from above.
The island life of Hjälmaren is a hidden gem just outside Örebro.

Take a tour of the Dovra Lakes and shop for local products at the Karintorp farm shop

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 nearby is the Karintorp store, where you can fill your basket with locally grown tomatoes and other goodies. 

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.

Have lunch at Smultrongården and bike the Dyltaslingan trail

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 famous 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

Ice cream at Ebba’s Garden, wood-fired pizza, bargain hunting at Lilla Grodan’s flea market, swimming at Katrinelund, and maybe dinner and a stay at the inn? Yes, please. 

Ebba's cozy garden.

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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A little boy is riding a red-and-black pedal car on a paved road.

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

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