Discover Smedjebacken: art, nature and waterways

Smedjebacken can be explored through a range of highlights: art and culture, walking trails, nature, and cycling and leisure boating along the Strömsholms Canal. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between two routes that are similar in length but described differently: Milslingan and a walking trail along the Kolbäcksån are both 10.5 kilometres long. They are not the same in shape or route.

Art and culture

MEKEN is an art gallery and cultural centre in Smedjebacken. It hosts exhibitions, concerts and workshops. MEKEN showcases contemporary art, design and crafts by Swedish and international artists. Its cultural programme therefore includes a range of formats and is not limited to exhibitions.

Another cultural stop is Johan Ahlbäck’s studio at Vasagatan 18 E. It is a museum. Smedjebacken therefore offers a range of cultural venues: MEKEN, an art gallery and cultural centre with exhibitions and events, and the museum in Johan Ahlbäck’s studio.

Smedjebacken’s harbour area is also part of the Ekomuseum Bergslagen. Features of the harbour area include steamboats and an engine shed. This offers a different focus from MEKEN’s contemporary art and cultural programme and the museum in the studio.

Walking trails

Milslingan is a 10.5-kilometre hiking loop in and around Smedjebacken. You can join the route anywhere in town. Much of the loop has been adapted for people with disabilities; the illuminated running track is the exception. When finding your way, both the length of the full loop and the option to join at different points in town are worth bearing in mind.

Another marked walking trail is also 10.5 kilometres long. It follows the Kolbäcksån and passes through Söppenmyren Nature Reserve and the centre of Smedjebacken. From there, the description continues towards Morgårdshammar and names Väderbacken, Eriksberg and Hökarängen as places the trail passes. Whereas Milslingan is described as a loop, this walking trail is defined by the river and the named points along the way. The same stated length does not mean that these are the same route.

Nature in the centre

Söppenmyren Nature Reserve is a wetland in the heart of Smedjebacken. Birdwatchers can spot, among other species, long-tailed tits, hawfinches, grey wagtails, dippers and kingfishers. The walking trail along the Kolbäcksån passes through the reserve and the centre, so the wetland and town centre are on the same described route. When planning around your interests, you can consider wildlife watching separately from the question of which route you prefer.

Cycling route and leisure boating on the Strömsholms Canal

The cycling route along the Strömsholms Canal follows the Kolbäcksån water system from Smedjebacken to Strömsholm. Smedjebacken harbour is considered the best starting point; alternatively, you can begin the route in Strömsholm. These two suggested starting points provide practical guidance for planning, without specifying a route length or travel time.

The Strömsholms Canal starts in Smedjebacken and allows leisure boats to travel towards Lake Mälaren. The canal offers another way to experience the town’s waterways: the cycling route follows the water system over land, while leisure boats can use the canal to head towards the lake. Together with the walking loops, the trail through Söppenmyren and the cultural venues, these offer a range of ways to choose the focus of your stay in Smedjebacken.

Discover more destinations: Söderbärke.

Go to the main travel overview: Smedjebacken.