Holiday apartment in Orsa – Nature, Culture and Activities

Orsa features a wide variety of landscapes: the northern parts of the municipality consist of Finnmarken, with deep forests and extensive moorlands, while the southern parts offer agricultural landscapes, open expanses, and large lakes. In Orsa, different landscapes, nature reserves, historic sites, and activities come together.

Nature

The Koppången Nature Reserve is known for its extensive, valuable moorlands and reliable snow cover throughout many winter months. During the snow-free season, you can hike there, while in winter you can ski on several trails. The easiest way to reach Koppången is via a large car park on the E45, located about 30 kilometres north of Orsa.

The Skinnaränget Nature Reserve also combines various landscape features: it includes old-growth forest, open meadows, rich vegetation, and a winding stream. The Lindänget Nature Reserve has a birdwatching platform overlooking the shore meadows. The grazed shore meadows of Lindänget on Lake Orsasjön serve as a resting place for migratory birds, and a footpath from the centre of Orsa connects with the existing trails in the nature reserve.

Further trails pass through very different types of terrain. The hiking trail in the Enån Valley follows the river and partly runs through steep, rocky terrain. In the vicinity of Orsa, a nature trail of about 1 kilometre leads to two waterfalls on the Stopån River. A suspension bridge crosses the gorge at Helvetesfallet near Orsa, and a path a few hundred metres long leads down to the waterfall. Remains of a historic wooden structure used for timber floating can still be seen there.

Hiking, Cycling and Winter

The 340-kilometre Siljansleden trail runs through the municipality of Orsa. At Tjåberget, there is a 6.5-kilometre one-way hiking trail. For cycling, the municipality offers long gravel and country roads for relaxed rides, as well as routes and trails for more technically demanding cycling. In and around Orsa, there are also family-friendly loops, training opportunities on gravel roads, and mountain bike trails through forest terrain.

Orsa Grönklitt offers a wide range of summer activities, including mountain biking and gravel cycling, a high ropes course, canoeing, and mini golf. The Orsa Grönklitt high ropes course has several courses with different levels of difficulty. In winter, the offerings include alpine skiing on slopes of varying difficulty as well as cross-country skiing.

Local guides in Orsa organise fishing courses and guided tours. Alongside marked trails and self-guided cycling routes, organised activities are therefore also available in the town.

Culture and History

Fryksås is a well-preserved fäbod settlement from the 16th century in the municipality of Orsa. The origins of Orsa Church date back to the Middle Ages; remains of the first stone church have been preserved in the present building. The tower museum of Orsa Church displays objects relating to the church’s history, and visits are arranged by appointment.

In the centre of Orsa, several sandstone artworks tell the story of the region’s long history of grindstone mining and craftsmanship. Frelins gränd is also home to Walk of Orsa, a local walk of fame. It honours people and phenomena whose achievements and contributions have made Orsa known far beyond Dalarna.

A recurring cultural event is Orsayran, an annual street music festival in Orsa that began in 1984.

Getting There and Other Places

Those travelling by public transport can take the train to Mora and then continue by bus to Orsa and on to Orsa Grönklitt. Orsa’s municipal tourist information lists InfoPoints at Skattunge Handel, Fryksås Hotell & Gestgifveri, and STF Vandrarhem på Berget. The Upplev Orsa map includes bathing areas, cycling and hiking trails, fitness trails, and public art.

As a separate starting point for exploring the town, Orsa is available. To compare other destinations, you can also visit Falun, Borlänge, Leksand, Hedemora, Mora, Avesta, and Vansbro.

For the broader travel overview: Dalarna County.