Bergslagen trail

Understand

The trail is a part of the E1 Long Distance Path. It is one of Sweden’s most popular trails, known for its well-maintained path and varied landscapes through Örebro County. Though the trail is well-maintaned and serviced, it is, at times, quite remote. Passing through areas with no clear entry or exit points.

Prepare

The trail is divided into 17 stages of 14 to 23 km each, taking around 2 to 3 weeks to complete, but shorter hikes are possible. Each stage takes 3 to 8 hours. Most sections are easy to moderate, with some steeper terrain in Kilsbergen and Tiveden. The trail is well-marked, but a map, compass, or offline GPS is recommended.

Eat Food can be hard to come by due to the remote nature of the trail. When hiking in autumn, mushrooms are plentiful. As always, be careful with picking mushrooms, make sure to properly identify the mushrooms picked.

Drink Water is available from streams and lakes but should be purified.

Sleep A major appeal of the Bergslagen trail is its excellent infrastructure. The trail is clearly marked with orange paint on trees and posts, and junctions feature signposts with the Bergslagen trail symbol, an old mining emblem. Each stage includes at least one rest area with a wooden wind shelter (lean-to), a fire pit with firewood, and an outhouse toilet. These free shelters allow hikers to stay overnight without needing formal campsites. If camping, pack your own tent or hammock in case shelters are full, along with a sleeping bag, mat, and lightweight stove.

Climate The best hiking season is May to early October. Spring is cooler with fewer insects, summer is warm with long days and bugs, and early autumn offers fall colors and fewer pests. Winter hiking is difficult due to snow, ice, and closed water sources. The weather can change quickly. Bring rain protection and warm clothing. In autumn, hunters may be active in the forest. Wear bright clothing and stay on the trail during daylight hours.

Get in

Örebro is the main regional hub and offers local buses to several central trail sections. Trailheads are easily accessible by car. Public transport can get you close, but not all the way, so you may need to arrange a taxi in advance for the final part of the journey.

Kloten can be reached from Stockholm by taking a train to Kopparberg, then a pre-booked taxi. Driving takes 2.5 to 3 hours. From Gothenburg, you can drive about 4.5 hours via Örebro and 1 Kopparberg, or take a train to Kopparberg and then a taxi. Stenkällegården can be reached from Stockholm by taking a train to Laxå or Hallsberg, then a bus or taxi. Driving takes about 3.5 hours. From Gothenburg, you can take a train to Skövde, a bus to Karlsborg, and then a short taxi ride. Driving takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Walk

Starting from 2 Kloten, the trail passes the site of the former village of Källtjärn. A short detour offers a stop at Trollberget. Further along is Åbostugan, a simple reconstructed cabin illustrating traditional forest life. The route continues through the Getryggen Nature Reserve. After a rest area at Lilla Kroktjärn, the trail climbs steadily toward Gillersklack ski resort.

3 Lilla Kroktjärn wind shelter. 4 Gillersklack ski resort.

Departing from Gillersklack, the trail descends into the Finngruvan mining area, where remains of 17th-century copper extraction can be seen. The route continues through forested terrain and reaches Djäkens Bygge, a beautiful swimming area near Kopparberg. The trail then follows the shoreline of Lake Ljusnarn and ends in 5 Stjärnfors, a village with a history of ironworking.

6 Djäkens Bygge.

Starting from Stjärnfors, the trail ascends through historic Finnish settlements like Stuttjärn and Vintermossen, showcasing 17th-century colonization efforts. A notable highlight is Mackarsberg, offering expansive views over the surrounding forests. The route then skirts the Kindla Nature Reserve, one of Örebro County’s largest roadless areas. The stage concludes at 7 Nyberget.

8 Ungdomens källa. A natural spring near the trail, historically believed to have rejuvenating properties. 9 Nybergets Hostel. A hostel offering two rooms with a total of eight beds, a well-equipped kitchen, shower, and toilet facilities in the village of Nyberget.

Departing from Nyberget, the trail traverses historical mining landscapes, including the Risbergsgruvan mine, a typical example of smaller iron ore mines from the early 1800s. The path ascends Risbergshöjden, offering views of Lake Råsvalen and the Stråssa mine. Continuing past Smedsjön, hikers reach the Garphyttedammen wind shelter. The route then passes through the Lejakärret Nature Reserve, home to twelve species of orchids, before arriving at 10 Uskavi.

11 Garphyttedammen wind shelter. 12 Uskavigården. A lakeside facility offering various accommodations, including hostel rooms, cabins, and camping sites. Amenities include a café, beach, sauna, canoe rentals, and a mini-golf course.

Initiall

Stay safe

The Bergslagen trail offers the chance to encounter Sweden’s rich forest wildlife, including moose, deer, and many bird species. Bears, wolves, and lynx also live in the area, but they are elusive and rarely seen. Insects are a more likely issue. Mosquitoes, midges, and ticks are common in summer. Use repellent, wear long clothing, and check for ticks each day. It's advised to take a vaccine for Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). If you are camping, keep your tent zipped to keep insects out. Mobile phone coverage is inconsistent. Always let someone know your planned route and carry a power bank to keep your phone charged. The emergency number ☏ 112 will connect you through any available network. While the trail is not technically difficult, expect some rough sections with roots, rocks, and slippery ground. Blisters and minor injuries are common, so wear sturdy boots and pack basic first aid. Fire safety is important. Use the designated fire rings at shelters for any campfire, and only build fires in places where it is explicitly allowed. During dry periods, especially from late spring through summer, fire bans are common. Always check the current status using the Brandrisk Ute app or information from the County Administrative Board before starting a fire.

Go next

After hiking Bergslagsleden, you have several options for further exploration. From the trail's southern end in Stenkällegården, you can continue southwest on the Västra Vätterleden toward Lake Vättern and Karlsborg, a town known for its fortress and access to the Göta Canal. If you're looking for a charming town, a side trail from Stage 10 leads to Nora, with its 19th-century wooden houses. For a more urban experience, the city of Örebro is a great place to relax with a medieval castle, restaurants, and amenities. You can also connect to other trail networks: follow the E1 north into Dalarna, explore local trails like Munkastigen and those in Kilsbergen, or head east to the Sörmlandsleden network. For alpine scenery, consider a trip to northern Sweden for the famous Kungsleden trail.