Are looking for some of the best things to do in Örebro? Well, you are in the right place. Recently my family and I had the privilege to visit this beautiful city. The city is very conveniently located between Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Let me tell you something about the history of this city. Did you know that during the 19th century, Örebro emerged as a shoe manufacturing center? It is the sixth-largest city in Sweden. The city gave birth to many popular celebrities like Nina Persson who is the lead singer of the band “The Cardigan” and more.
Getting back to the topic, we wanted to find a quiet and peaceful place that wasn’t too far from Stockholm. The weather during our trip was very pleasant. During the night, it got a bit chilly but still extremely pleasant. Here are some of the best and free things to do in Orebro:
Örebro Castle
Orebro is a city that is full of history and the Orebro castle is proof of that. The castle was probably established in the 14th century as a prison. Then during the reign of King Gustav Vasa, it turned into a palace for him. Today there are countless activities, that you find at the castle such as ghost walks, treasure hunts, and guided tours.
The palace has an onsite museum as well showcasing the centuries-old story of the castle and its inhabitants. Our guide told us that the castle was home to the witches in the olden days. The castle has only one gate as an entrance and exit. It is surrounded by water on all the other sides, just like an island.
You feel like in a movie when you walk through the entrance of this amazing castle. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Sweden. There are tours available in different languages where you can book a guide in English as well. It is the perfect place for the kids as there is a children’s castle available for a fun experience.
Address: Kansligatan 1, 703 61 Örebro, Sweden
Contact number: +46 19 21 21 21
Website: https://www.orebroslott.se/en/
Email: [email protected]
Wadköping Open Air Museum
Wadköping is the typical small farm town that you see in the movies. You enter the town and feel like you went back in time. This town portrays what Sweden’s typical small town could look like in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Wadköping Open Air Museum is the best place in Orebro and has something for everyone. The place does not fail to provide a unique experience to its visitors. The place is suitable for people of all ages. My little brothers found enough to entertain themselves. Wadköping is open all year round. There are exclusive markets, musical entertainment, and other events several times a year which come in the category of free things to do in Orebro.
You can find tons of craft shops, period architecture, and even a bakery. We tried their tiramisu and it was delicious. Visitors can even wander through the village’s cobblestone streets and learn about the area’s history. This place is the perfect place for those who are visiting with their families.
Kungsstugan
The area of Wadköping is as old as medieval times. This town was just a settlement back then. Most of the buildings that you find here are not that old but it does contain a unique stature in Sweden. People fly from all over the world to visit this truly unique place in Sweden.
Kungsstugan is actually the mayor’s home which is completely made of wood and includes a farm with cattle. It is said to have been established in the late 15th century. Our tour guide told us that a duke visited this cottage who later on went on to become King Charles IX of Sweden!
If you visit this place, please look for a sign that says “pax intransibus salus exentibus”. This translates to “peas to those who enter, prosperity to those who leave”.
This water tower Svampen which is shaped just like a mushroom is one of the most important symbols of the city of Orebro. Today, it is considered one of the most significant buildings from its time in Sweden. You will be surprised to know that the hat was first built on the ground and then lifted in the air after the base was built.
It is Sweden’s one of the most well-known buildings in the world. Many of the towers in Dubai and Saudi Arabia are built taking this as an inspiration. This is one of the free things to do in Orebro as the visits are completely free. You can catch an elevator and go to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
At the top, you will find a small cafe as well offering an extensive lunch buffet menu. There is a great selection of salads and starters which comes with at least 4 main courses. You must try their mushroom soup which is their specialty.
Address: 2 Dalbygatan, Orebro 703 69 Sweden
Hike and Bike Through the Nature
Orebro is filled with natural beauty. You will find lush green forests, stunning botanical gardens, and trekking trails here. Lake Hjälmaren, which is Sweden’s fourth largest lake is located just 30 minutes away from the city. We went there during the early hours of the day and enjoyed a day full of boating, fishing, and swimming.
Then we visited the Tividen National Park. this park is known for its wilderness. It covered an area of around 2,000 acres. We trekked across the valleys and hilly terrains there. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle and a swimsuit. Why swimsuit? Because after this hard trek, you will be tempted to take a dip at the Vitsand beach.
The next place on the itinerary is Bergslagsleden. It is a must-visit place for those who love hiking and biking. The trekking trail measures about 280 kilometers. It starts from Kloten and ends at Tiveden. This whole trail runs through the Lost City Orebro and leads you to many places of attraction in the city. You will find many beauty spots and points of cultural interest including old ruins and city parks.
Wine and Dine
It’s nighttime and you are looking for the best restaurant in Orebro, the city does not disappoint in that matter. Orebro is not just a city of history but of modern interest as well. You will find a variety of quality restaurants here.
Amano serves delicious food and wine made from the freshest ingredients. It is the perfect place to have dinner. The service was impeccable. Don’t forget to try the Rhubarb sorbet and hot caramel sauce. It is simply the best.
The next restaurant in Orebro on this list is Restaurang Meza. They have a 20-course tasting meze menu. They offer a nice variety of tastes, textures, and aromas. The Baklave desert was out of the world. The portion was great and was accompanied by Arabic coffee on the side. The staff was extremely friendly and courteous. They have a perfect serving of Lebanese food.
Saluhallen, which is basically a market hall is filled with small vendors offering a variety of Sweden delicacies. You can find anything from gourmet burgers to fresh fish and locally sourced vegetables here. You can visit this place at any time of day and it will still be lively.
Lost City – Gustavsvik
The Lost City is the place where you will find endless adventure. The view is spectacular with ruins, jungles, and water, completely justifying the name. There were a ton of water slides, “River with Rapids” being my favorite.
You can combine your adventure time with relaxing in the jacuzzi and saunas as well. They provide you with a wristband for accessing the food court. You can get a wine or a beer and snacks or a full meal from their restaurant. If you are traveling with children, then you must visit this place for wonderful memories.
Wrapping Up
This was all about the best and free things to do in Orebro. It is a great place to visit and worth the time and money. The Swedish history that you will experience at this place is unlike any other experience in other places. We found it to be very peaceful and picturesque.
After spending a few days here, we realized that it was one of the best places to stay. We felt extremely safe and comfortable in the town all while having some great experiences as a family. We would recommend visiting Orebro as your next vacation destination. If you are in Sweden, then I must recommend you to add Uppsala to your itinerary as well. You will find some of the best places to visit in Uppsala as well.
