Smedjebacken between Canal, Art and Nature

Smedjebacken combines hiking, a waterside landscape and culture within a compact thematic area: the 10.5-kilometre Milslingan trail leads through and around the town, the Strömsholm Canal opens up a journey along the waterway, and MEKEN and the Johan Ahlbäck Studio add distinctive cultural destinations. Anyone looking for holiday accommodation in Smedjebacken can therefore choose between nature experiences, a canal route and art as the focus of their trip.

On foot through Smedjebacken and Söppenmyren

Milslingan is a 10.5-kilometre circular walking trail in and around Smedjebacken. You can start anywhere in Smedjebacken, so you do not have to base your plans on a single starting point. Large sections of the route have been adapted for people with disabilities; the illuminated running track is the exception. This precise distinction is useful if you want to adapt your daily plans to the particular section of the loop.

Another focal point is the Söppenmyren Nature Reserve, a wetland in the heart of Smedjebacken. A developed 10.5-kilometre walking path runs through the reserve and the town centre along the Kolbäcksån. The path continues towards Morgårdshammar and passes Väderbacken, Eriksberg and Hökarängen. Söppenmyren offers a specific highlight for nature observation: among other species, you can see long-tailed tits, hawfinches, grey wagtails, dippers and kingfishers there.

The Strömsholm Canal as a travel route

If you would rather spend your days cycling or by the water, the cycle path along the Strömsholm Canal offers another way to discover Smedjebacken. It follows the Kolbäcksån waterway system from Smedjebacken to Strömsholm. The most convenient starting point is at Smedjebacken harbour; alternatively, the route can be started in Strömsholm. This allows you to align your choice of starting point directly with the desired direction of your travel plans.

The canal is also significant for pleasure boats: the Strömsholm Canal begins in Smedjebacken and allows travel towards Lake Mälaren. In the harbour area, steamships and the locomotive shed belong to the Ekomuseum Bergslagen. The water route and industrial heritage meet here without losing sight of the character of the town.

Art and culture as a contrast to nature

MEKEN is an art gallery and cultural centre in Smedjebacken. It hosts exhibitions, concerts and workshops. Contemporary art, design and handicrafts by Swedish and international artists are displayed there. MEKEN therefore serves as a distinct cultural focus for a trip that is not intended to take place exclusively outdoors.

Another cultural destination is the Johan Ahlbäck Studio at Vasagatan 18 E in Smedjebacken, which has been set up as a museum. Together with the harbour area and Ekomuseum Bergslagen, it provides a selection in which art, local industrial history and the waterside landscape offer different ways of experiencing the town. This allows you to alternate between active days, nature observation and culture when planning your trip.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Smedjebacken, it is worth deciding on your preferred focus for the trip first. Milslingan and Söppenmyren focus on walking and observation, while the canal cycle path forms a longer connection between Smedjebacken and Strömsholm. The harbour is the most convenient starting point for the cycle path, while MEKEN and the studio are separate cultural destinations.

If you want to combine several interests, plan your days around the respective starting points and then choose your accommodation to suit your personal itinerary. This makes it easier for families and other travel groups to decide whether to begin with nature, water, art or a balanced mix. You can also include Söderbärke as another destination in your travel plans.

For the overarching travel overview: Smedjebacken.