Ljusnarsberg: Discover Mining History and Nature

Ljusnarsberg can be explored through two defining themes: the history of mining and a landscape of waterways, nature reserves and hiking trails. In Kopparberg, the orange-marked Kopparstigen brings the two together. It is 2.5 kilometres long and starts and ends at Ljusnarsbergs kyrka. Along the trail, you can learn how mining has shaped Kopparberg since the 17th century. When looking for a hotel, you can decide what you want to focus on during your trip: would you mainly like to explore historic sites and museums, or spend time on hiking trails?

Nature Reserves and Waterways

The large, continuous wilderness area of Nittälvsdalen encompasses numerous nature reserves. Marked trails and rest areas offer opportunities for short and long hikes. Rapids shape the landscape in the Brattforsen Nature Reserve: the Nittälven flows between steep slopes and cliffs, forming waterfalls in several places. A marked trail runs for about three kilometres around the reserve.

Djupdalshöjden Nature Reserve is one of the highest points in the district. It has about ten kilometres of marked trails, as well as overnight accommodation in shelters and a well-equipped rest cabin. In winter, you can ski among old, gnarled trees and across open bogland. The waterways also reveal different sides: the Rällsälven flows between the lakes Ljusnaren and Rällen, with both rapids and calmer stretches. Rällsälven and Bredsjöbäcken Nature Reserve protects valuable waterways, surrounding forests and wetlands. These provide a refuge for species including freshwater pearl mussels, trout and kingfishers.

At Finngruvorna, water-filled open-pit mine remnants appear emerald green due to copper precipitates. Near the town of Kopparberg, the municipal Finnkullberget Nature Reserve protects old coniferous forest; the area is intended for outdoor recreation and for kindergartens, schools and the general public. These places add distinctive features to the landscape beyond the hiking trails: water, forest and the legacy of mining can each be experienced in a different way here.

Hikes of Different Lengths

Three of the 17 stages of the 280-kilometre Bergslagsleden pass through Ljusnarsberg Municipality. A connecting trail leads from Kopparberg Station to the long-distance trail. The Postleden is 61 kilometres long and connects Hällefors with Kopparberg. Its name recalls the days when letters were transported on horseback or on foot.

Another option is Ljusnaren runt, a challenging 26-kilometre hike. The different figures help put the routes into perspective: the total length of the Bergslagsleden is given, while three of its stages pass through the municipality; for the Postleden, the length of the route is given. Ljusnaren runt is described as challenging. Alongside longer routes, the region therefore offers marked circular trails and shorter hiking options.

Mining History, Churches and Museums

Tingshuset in Kopparberg was built in 1641 as a mine office. It served as the mine supervisor’s office, a courthouse and a meeting place. Inside, a restored courtroom and hall with stencilled ornaments, lettering bands and 19th-century furniture have been preserved. The building cannot be entered; visitors can see its exterior and surroundings. This access restriction is important to bear in mind, even though the historic furnishings reveal much about its later use.

Ljusnarsbergs kyrka in Kopparberg is a wooden church dating from 1635. Its interior is among the best-preserved of its kind from the late 19th century in Sweden. The church and its entire surroundings are designated an area of national interest for cultural heritage conservation. Hörkens kyrka is also notable for its architecture: it is considered a rare, well-preserved example of National Romantic church architecture. Its features include tarred wooden walls and visible red log corners. Inside are a collection box from 1759, a bridal crown decorated with gold, silver and rock crystals, and window paintings by artists Nils-Aron Berge and Folke Heybroek.

Kaveltorps gruvmuseum features a model of the Kaveltorp mining area, a three-dimensional glass mine map, photographs, tools and various types of ore. Advance reservations by SMS are required for visits; check the reservation details in advance. The museums in Kopparberg cover topics including rural folk culture, photography, shoemaking, goldsmithing and postal history. A guided tour of the museums takes about an hour. The Postal Museum focuses on local postal history, including the fact that the Tre Skilling Banco stamp was postmarked in Kopparberg in 1857.

Places, Crafts and Everyday History

Sädesmagasinet Högfors is an early 18th-century granary and one of the municipality’s oldest surviving buildings. It houses a museum about working life, a photography exhibition and a flea market. Finngården Rikkenstorp dates back to a Finnish settler homestead from the early 17th century; the buildings and cultivated land have been carefully restored and opened to visitors. In Kopparberg, you can also experience the atmosphere of a 19th-century shoemaker’s workshop. Its furnishings come from Sigurd E. Möller’s shoe shop in Ställdalen.

At Kopparbergs Krukmakeri och Trädgård, the shop, workshop and garden are all part of the experience; the place is within walking distance of central Kopparberg. The pottery maintains the Swedish tradition of earthenware, uses clay from Gotland and applies a lead-free glaze. Opening information may change, so it is a good idea to check before your visit. At Folkets Trädgård, you can sample vegetables, smell the flowers and help care for the plants and the place together with others. Ställbergs Gruva, meanwhile, is a place for art, ideas, work and conversation in an iron ore mine that has been closed since 1977.

Discover more destinations: Kopparberg, Kumla, Hällefors, Nora, Örebro, Degerfors, Karlskoga, Askersund.

Return to the main travel overview: Örebro.