Örebro's Winter Wonderland: Ånnaboda

In Ånnaboda, snow falls both earlier and more often than you might think. 250 meters above sea level may not sound very impressive, but the plain below is actually at almost the same level as sea level. This means the difference is significant enough for a typical winter rain shower in Örebro to turn into beautiful snowflakes in Kilsbergen.

Cross-country skiing in Ånnaboda

There are plenty of ski trails, with around 40 kilometers of groomed trails. Everything from short loops for the youngest to the 27-kilometer-long Kilsberg Trail that leads all the way to Nora. If, despite everything, the snow isn’t shining white but is instead conspicuous by its absence, there’s still comfort for those eager to ski. An artificial snow trail up to three kilometers long satisfies even the most avid skiers for most of the season.

Winter at South Ånnabosjön

For those of you who are new to cross-country skiing, are visiting with children, or are just looking for a moderate outing in the fresh air, Södra Ånnabosjön is the perfect spot. Here you’ll find cross-country trails both around the lake and on the ice, as well as great opportunities for ice skating. When it’s time for grilled sausages or hot chocolate, just settle in at the picnic area or in the glass-enclosed pavilion next to the lake.

Cold bath in Ånnaboda

Next to the glass house by the Södra Ånnabosjön swimming area, there is an ice hole when the weather is right in winter. There is also a pickaxe there so you can break through the ice yourself if needed.

Winter hiking along the Bergslagsleden Trail

The Bergslagsleden is a 280-kilometer hiking trail that winds its way through the entire Bergslagen region. Stages 9 and 10 meet in Ånnaboda, and together they offer a 16-kilometer hike through the beautiful Kilsberg countryside. Ånnaboda is also home to a 13-kilometer loop trail that passes by the majestic Falkaberget.

Hotels, cabins, and restaurants in Ånnaboda

The hub of all activities is First Camp Ånnaboda, where you can choose to stay at the campground, in a hotel, or in a cottage village. There’s also a restaurant here with crackling fires, delicious food, and beautiful views of the ski resort. If you’d like to stay even closer to nature, there are several cottages scattered throughout the Kilsbergen area. They are operated by the City of Örebro and come with varying levels of comfort: with or without running water, and with a toilet or an outhouse.

The sledding hill in Ånnaboda

Right below the Ånnaboda restaurant, you’ll find by far the best sledding hill in Örebro. Don’t forget your helmet—it’s a real thrill going down this hill. That didn’t seem to bother Charlotte Kalla and the rest of Sweden’s elite skiers, though, when the Swedish Ski Championships were held here in 2015. They skied up the hill almost as fast as you do going down.

More tips around Ånnaboda

1. Go skiing or hiking to Tomasboda in the Kilsbergen mountains. Pack your backpack with snacks, hot chocolate, and an orange. Could it get any more outdoor-y than that?
2. Go ice skating on Lake Tysslinge and enjoy the beautiful bird-watching spot in winter. Park at Svalnässtugan and warm up inside the cabin when it’s open.
3. Hike up to Ullavi Cliff from Klockhammar and enjoy the view. Can you spot the tracks of the giant Killevigge? Legend has it that he lived here and also built the tower at Närkes Kil Church.