Welcome to Örebro

City

About

Welcome to Örebro

Örebro is a beautiful city. A well preserved environment along the peaceful Svartån River. New and exciting architecture. Shopping streets, pubs and cafés and the "finrummet" at Storbron (Bridge), our crown jewel - the royal Örebro Castle. Take the day shopping, then sit outside at one of the cafe´s or restaurants. See the city from above atop the water tower, Svampen, or enjoy history at the Wadköping Open Air Museum. Within walking distance from the city center, enjoy the beaches at Hjälmaren. Experience "the blue mountains" of Kilsbergen, just two miles west of Örebro.

City

Örebro

Örebro municipality has around 130 000 residents and is Sweden's seventh largest municipality while Örebro is the country's sixth largest urban area. The city was founded probably in the late 1200s. Just as old as the city is the castle and St Nicolai Church, Örebro's head church. Örebro is centrally located. Within a 20 mile radius lives half of Sweden's population and within a four mile radius lives six million people. Sweden's population Center is located outside of Svennevad, about three miles southeast of Örebro.

History

Örebros History

The Bridge over the Svartån "örar" Long before the city of Örebro was founded, there was most likely settlements at what is today the center. A village or a small city. In Skebäck, near the Svartån River's outlet, in Hjälmaren, there was most likely a shopping place and a port. Around the area of what it today Örebro, there were several villages and settlements located from the period 500-1000 AD, some with the same names are still used today in the districts throughout Örebro. Some examples are; Nasta, Bist, Rosta, Älvtomta, Varberg, Mellringe, Hjärsta, Vivalla, Lundby, Hagaby, Rynninge, Almby, Tybble and Sörby. The city's history dates back at least 700 years, maybe even longer. However, let us begin during the Middle Ages. Even back then, several of the country's main roads crossed in what is today Örebro. The first pilgrim route was to Nidaros (Trondheim), and the ancient road between Östergötland and Dalarna via Närke. The most important of them all was " Eriksgatan" which stretched from Upland, via Västmanland and Närke, then down to Västergötland and to destinations on Vätterns' eastern side. Örebro followed a ridge which was made by ice and gravel and the ridge crossed the River Svartån which the stones carved out the bottom. Overtime, a bridge was built over the ford and rested on the banks of the ridge, "orarna" and was named "Örebron". The Medieval Örebro At the new bridge, soon grew up a little shopping city, which most likely helped merchants from Lübeck with building up the city. They wanted to have a permanent hub for trade with Bergslagsjärn, and therefore built many houses, and a church at the square which is today's St Nicolai Church. An indication that this was the case is Örebro was built using a German pattern, with a square in the middle of the city, one church at the square, and a town hall. Around the same time, the Swedish monarchy built a fortress and a treasury in the small town, which is believed to have been charter during the 1260's. Keep in mind what was then called a "city" is in no way comparable to today's cities. The early Örebro consisted only of the quarter between Storbron, the western section of the square, and the district around the square. However, the city was described in the 1300's as "quite large" and inhabited mainly by wealthy citizens, most of them merchants. Örebro became an important hub for trade with Bergslagsjärn, and remained for a long time. The largest of several major markets was the winter market "Hindersmässan" which brought together (and continues today) people from all over central Sweden. The city's excellent opportunities was due to the strategic situation, good communications, and through the important roads which met in Örebro, partially via the waterway. In the Middle Ages, Örebro was often in conflict. The castle, built during the 1300's, was constantly under siege. Perhaps the best known is Engelbrekt Conquest of 1434. All the fighting took hard on the city and it changed from a flourishing shopping city to a poor small town - so poor that in 1464, Örebro was granted six years of tax-free allowance "for its great poverty". At the same time, the city's population decreased by up to one-third. The city flourished under Duke Karl During the late 1500s, the Royal Duke Karl (Karl IX) ruled the city. The city was granted exclusive rights to sell hardware in the region, and the industry got a big boost which continued up until the mid 1600s. The merchants of Örebro acted as a broker with Bergslagens export of iron and, in turn sold food to the coal minors. The population rose to about 500-600 people, and a number of Parliaments were held at the castle, which at the same time, Duke Karl rebuilt the castle into a modern Renaissance Castle. In addition to the castle and the church, the city still consisted only of low wooden houses, most of them located along the main street and with the land in narrow rectangles - a land division, which in many cases, continued up until the mid-1800s! Harder times during the 1600s Around 1640, new cities sprang up in the region. Cities in the north were Nora, Lindesberg and Filipstad and in the south Askersund, and all competed with the Örebro. Örebro lost the rights- just like many other cities in Sweden - to act directly in foreign ports, which was a major blow to the city which had grown to approximately 1500 people. The Quiet 1700s Even in the 1700s the medieval city was relatively unchanged. A few isolated stone houses had been added, but mainly Örebro looked the same. The population had increased slightly and now was about 2200 people. Traders continued the same as before with trading in Bergslagen and Stockholm. Shipping increased in importance, but in general, not much happened. It was not better in the early 1800s either, rather the reverse. Iron and grain production declined, as well as, maritime transport. The only real industry added was Lindhska Book Publishers. Craftsman grew more and more, but few had any employees, but the population still increased to about 4,200 in 1840. However, the city was sufficiently important to host the election in 1810, when Jean Baptiste Bernadotte aka Karl (XIV) Johan was elected as heir to the throne. Industry comes to Örebro The result of the trade's declining importance spread poverty throughout the city, and to make matters worse, a huge fire burned up central Örebro in March 1854! The fire started in Fenixhuset and devoured almost everything in the built-up areas and to what is today, Våghustorget. Totally, 92 farms burnt down and one-third of the population became homeless. On the other hand, the fire was a way to bury the old Örebro. The misery was followed by better times and the young industry's wheels picked up speed. Örebro was going into a boom and a new city plan was initiated by th city architecture, Fridolf Wijnbladh. According to earlier ideals, the old narrow winding streets were replaced with straight wide streets, and the center was rebuilt with modern, lavish stone. The industry started with a large match factory, and was followed by a lively smaller industry in all possible fields. Ekströms was one founded at this time. The construction which followed provided the the industry with good times. Örebro's role as a place with good communications got a big boost when the railway came to town, SJ's locomotive workshop gave even more jobs. Towards the end of the century, the footwear industry began to emerge. When it flourished, there more than half of the country's shoe factories in Örebro County! Around the same time started Sweden's first biscuit factory in Örebro, and the city was known for many years as "Biscuits and shoe city." During this period Örebro saw enormous expansion and the population grew very rapidly. Beginning in 1850 there were 5,000 inhabitants, then to 15,000 in 1890, 30,000 in 1910, and 50,000 in 1950, that is a 10 fold increase over 100 years! Hjälmarens sea level sank by over 1.5 meters in the late 1800s, which allowed for new houses to be built on the former marshes both east and west of the ridge. Örebro Today The city's expansion continued after the Second World War, and in 1967 Örebro had 90,000 inhabitants. But, while new housing was planned for tens of thousands of people, the all important footwear industry started to decline due to tougher competition from abroad. One after another, the factories started closing and today, there is not one factory left. Even the large biscuit factory moved to Kungälv. However, Örebro continued to grow, and today lives about 130 000 residents of the municipality, which currently has a multifaceted business and no longer dominated by any particular industry or sector. In addition, large employers are the municipal and county councils, various government agencies, such as SCB and the National Institute for the Disability in education. In addition, there are a large number of medium-sized companies in several industries. The city has also become a prominent for education. There are approximately 14,000 students studying at Örebro University, and offers education in the areas such as Technology and Hmanities, Science and Health Care, Economics and Social Sciences. There is also the College of Music, Sports and Teacher education, along with the well known Culinary Art School, Grythyttan. Örebro also offers comprehensive education for children and young people with various forms of disability.

See and Do

Swimming

Alnängarna (Bathing)

The lake was excavated in 1999 along the road to the harbor(which is now made into a Water Park). It opened officially in June 2000. It is about 8 000 square feet and has a maximum water depth of 4 meters. The water supply is supplied by a fresh water well. At the lake, you will find docks, restrooms, shower and a kiosk.
Directions: Cycling is best, just follow the cycle paths between Svartån and RSÖ. The cycle paths go completely around the ridge. The distance from the City Center is 2-3 km. By bus, stop at RSÖ. From the bus stop, it is about 1 km to Svartån. By car, drive past the regional hospital and follow "Oljevågen" about 1 km. Parking is available, but can be difficult to find a parking place during the summer.

Dimbobaden (Bathing)

Bathing place at the southern end of Hjälmarstranden (Hjälmar Beach). Sandy beach surrounded by forest. Changing room not available. Grill area available. Sandy beach, grassy area, restrooms.
Directions: It is good to get there by bus. The closest stop "Dimbobaden" is only about 100 metres from the road to the lake. Then, it is about 100 meters to the bathing area. By car, take road 52 towards Katrineholm. Pass Hampetorp and follow the signs to Dimbobaden.

Gustavsviks upplevelsebad (Water World)

With 600,000 visitors, Gustavsvik is one of the most visited among other Swedish tourist- and leisure establishments. Only Liseberg, Gröna Lund and Skansen are more visited. Upplevelsebadet is a wonderful experience in a jungle-like environment. Enjoy Europe's longest waterfall. Trek on suspension bridges, ride the water slides through tunnels and lagoons. See sharks and other tropical fish in the lagoon aquarium. For the children, there is a mini-waterfall, water slide, toy sculptures, play pool and water games. In addition there is a 50-meter swimming pool, solariums, gym and wonderful outside pools. Fishing, volleyball and football areas. Adventure mini golf which consists of buildings from Örebro.
Stenbackevägen, Örebro
+46 19-19 69 00
bad@gustavsvik.com
www.gustavsvik.se

Hampetorp Bathing

Along the southern side of Hjälmarstranden (Beach), near Hampetorps harbor and recreation with camping and outside serving.
Directions: By car, take road 52 towards Katrineholm. Follow the signs for Hampetorps fritidsby.

Hästhagen (Bathing)

In Svartån next to Karlslunde and Rosta gärde. Docks, restrooms, large grassy area and frisbee area. Kiosk, mini golf and canoe rentals. Sandy beach. Close to Strömsborg.
Directions: Bicycle recommended from Karlslund by way of "Åleden" along Svartån. You can also take Bus 16 to Solhaga.

Lögardammen

Artificial lake with docks, diving platform, changing rooms and restrooms, Sandy beach.
Directions: By car, drive towards Garphyttan about 10 km. Turn towards Närkes Kil and follow the signs.

Solberga

Located in Sottern. Docks, changing facilities, barbecue, shelters, restrooms, handicap restroom. Large grass area. Very shallow.
Directions: Located between Kilsmo and Brevens mills. Follow the signs.

Family Activities

Järle Station

In the small community of Järle, about 2 miles north of Örebro, is Sweden's oldest railway station. Built n the mid-1800s, it was the country's first railway. It was suppose to travel from Köping to Hult along Vänern, but the plan was changed and it only traveled between Ervalla and Örebro and then the rail from Ervalla to Nora was built. Järle Station was built in 1854. Today the station has been restored and is open during the summer. Here you can visit the exhibitions and enjoy a cup of coffee in the idyllic station café. Best of all, Järle Station is still used as station! Even today you can take the veteran train with Nora Bergslags Veteran-Jernväg from Järle to Nora in the summer. Have a seat!
+46 587-502 90

Open Air Museum Wadköping along Svartån

Red farms from 15 - 16 - and the 1700s, beautiful bright houses from the mid-1800s. Picturesque lanes and cobblestone square. At Svartån beach in central Örebro is Wadköping, a cozy oasis with plenty of strawberry fields. Visit the craftsmen, shops, museums and exhibitions. Relax for a while at the café. Stroll around and enjoy the beautiful environments of the past and take advantage of all the events that take place all year round. Markets, exhibitions, theater and puppet show. Do not miss the museum Kungsstugan, the unique house from the 1500s. Wadköping also offers a variety of children's activities, including the new playhouse, Tuesday meetings for children during the summer and puppet shows throughout the year. See famous profiles Do you know what Hjalmar Bergman, Cajsa Warg and Kronblom have in common? Well, all ot them have their museums in Wadköping. Here you can see Hjalmar Bergman book collection, Cajsa Wargs childhood home and Kronblom classical kitchen with tips, picture of the mother-in-law and the ladies on the sofa! Here is a shop, cafe, playground, museum and crafts.
Wadköping, Örebro
+46 19-21 62 20
wadkoping@orebro.se

Skojlandet (Fun House)

In the fun house Skojlandet, it is always full speed! Compete in the obstacle course and if you prefer, time yourself. Ride Sweden's longest indoor tube slide or play in the ball pool. Do not miss the 115 m² large bouncing room with a padded roof - or the pirate ship where you can play pirates. Even an air castle, costumes, computers, kitchenette, football and hockeys games, slides, mini climbing wall, railroads, playhouse and a small childrens corner (up to 4 years). Café.
Nastagatan 13, Örebro
019-27 29 30
www.skojlandet.se

Stora holmen (Childrens Park)

Take the little red ferry called Wictoria from the City Park to Stora Holmen, the children's own island. In the mini city, drive pedal cars and at Trollebo Central jump on the little train that will take you around the island. There are also animals, electric cars, a playground and a wonderful environment just a stone's throw from the city's largest playground in the city park.
+46 19-14 96 10

Storstenshöjden - Skiing

Named after the great stone that stands in the midst of the heights. On the north and the south side of Storstenen, we have nine groomed slopes and a hill for sledding. Young, old, beginners or professionals - it doesn't matter. Here, everyone finds a slope that suits them, as well as, slalom, snowbladers and snowboarders. The five lifts have a capacity of 5,000 persons per hour, so lifts are quick. Obviously, we have rental equipment, if needed. Our staff lives for their skiing and can quickly determine what equipment is appropriate for you.
+46 19-29 55 90
www.storstenshojden.se

Tekniska Kvarnen (The Technical Mill)

Karlslunde Herrgård old factory building from 1889 which is now an exciting museum called Tekniska Kvarnen (The Technical Mill). On the entrance floor is teknoteket "realisation" with about 25 activities, where you yourself can search for the secrets behind different scientific and technical phenomenon's. On the other floors in the mill are exhibitions showing agriculture in Karlslunde - among other things, are a number of tractors - and on how the development of electricity impacted our daily lives. I Technical mill also has a cafe and the exciting store called "Experimentbutiken" (The Experiment Store).
Kvarnfallsvägen, Örebro
+46 19-21 21 58

Fishing

Örebro City fria laxfiske

Örebro free salmon fishing gives everyone the opportunity to fish for free in central Örebro. During the summer there are several types of rainbow trout in Svartån. The river also has pike, perch, bream, roach, eels and burbot. Fishing rules and maps are located at the tourist office in the castle. Fishing rules You may fish for free whenever you want from Slussen to the dam in Karlslunde. Fishing is allowed with hand-held angling equipment. A fisherman may have a rod with the glare or hook. Maximum 3 fish per day / per person. Certain routes are closed, request more information. Protected and guarded by county fishery officials. Violators will be prosecuted.
Wadköpings kontor, Örebro
+46 19-21 62 23

Museum

Biological Museum

Karolinska Universities Biological Museum is one of Örebro most unusual sights and popular with both children and adults. The museum is not just a museum, but also a museum of a museum! Most museums of this type has disappeared over the years, but here you can still see how one taught the students about animal life around the turn of the century. The Biological Museum can be found in the northernmost building at the Karolinska University (appropriately called the "Siberia"). There are over 1,000 stuffed animals (about 700 are birds) on a relatively small area. The majority are from the Nordic countries, but there are also many exotic exhibits as well, such as a tiny hummingbird, the large tusk from a Narwhal whale, a polar bear and an elephants head! The majority of stuffed animals came to the museum in the 1800s, but were carefully renovated in the 1980s when the museum reopened. The museum is open to the public during the summer months. In addition, the museum can be visited by groups and arrangements can be made through the school's reception.
Karolinska skolan, Örebro
+46 19-21 65 16
karolinskaskolan@orebro.se

Hjalmar Bergman- Museum in Wadköping

In Upper Vallbygården in Wadköping, you can visit Hjalmar Bergman Museum with exhibitions on the life of author Hjalmar Bergman's from Örebro. There is also furniture, books and other things from his office, and a multimedia CD.
Wadköping, Örebro
+46 19-21 62 20
wadkoping@orebro.se

Slottshistorisk Utställning

In Örebro Castles' Northwest tower is a permanent exhibition about the castle's history. Models, computer animations, viewer and other images which tell vasaborgens ancient history. Here you can learn about the famous people such as, Engelbrekt, Lasse-Maja and Karl IX, but also about more unknown people whom were accused of witchery "Feetens hustru" and all the anonymous people whom during the 50 years of toil, transformed the old medieval castle into something magnificent. In the event of bad weather, the exhibition is closed.
NV Tornet, Örebro Slott, Örebro
+46 19-21 21 21
destination@orebro.se

The School Museum in Wadköping

Örebro School Museum is located in Handskmakaregården in Wadköping. See an old classroom, old wall charts from the past and much more.
+46 19-21 62 20
wadkoping@orebro.se

Örebro County Museum

In 1950, a small art gallery was built in Slottsparken (The Castle Park) and was extended during 1963-64 to today's County Museum. The masterpiece was created by the architect Nils Tesch, with its harmonious façade with the large rectangular windows, the quiet inner garden and the exhibition hall with beautiful ceiling. The County Museum is a good example of the principle of "little outside, big inside."
Engelbrektsgatan 3, Örebro
+46 19-602 87 00
info@orebrolansmuseum.se
www.orebrolansmuseum.se

Nature

Kilsbergen

Two miles west of Örebro stands out Kilsbergen, or the blue mountains, which they usually called. The wonderful nature lends itself to outdoor adventures of all kinds. Swim in small lakes. Trek Bergslagsleden or any of the short trails around Ånnaboda. Or just enjoy the wonderful view over the vast plains. Ånnaboda is the heart of Kilsbergen outdoor life. Restaurant, open garden, camping and cabins and a wonderful lake for swimming and with a handicapped friendly trail around the lake. Even adventure opportunities for fishing, hunting and much more.
+46 19-29 55 00

Lake Hjälmaren

Sweden's fourth largest lake, just east of Örebro. Hjälmaren is 63 km long and nearly 20 km wide. The maximum depth is 22 meters and the largest islands are Vinön, Björkön, Elections and Äson. Hjälmaren connected to Lake Mälaren (and therefore to the Baltic Sea) through the Hjälmare Channel, which is the country's oldest artificial waterway (built in 1639). The channel is 13 km long and has nine locks. Vinön is also a popular destination, where you can go from Hampetorp with a free ferry all year round. Lake Hjälmaren is a wonderful excursion, At the beaches are a number of bathing areas at places such as, Katrinelund, Hjälmarbaden, Dimbo and Hampetorp. There are boat rides to Örebro with M / S Gustaf Lagerbjelke. During the winter Hjälmarens western part is perfect for ice skating. The stretch Rynningeviken-Lindholmen is very popular.

Rusakulan (Lookout Point)

Rusakulan is in the north Kilsbergen mountains and the looking point has recently been made updated for the disabled. Drivable all the way up. Take the old Noravägen between Närkes Kil and Nora. One can walk there from Lockhyttan about 2 km or from Blankhult frilufsgård which is 3.5 km.

Welcome to Garphyttan! (National Park)

At the foot of Kilsbergen Mountains is one of Sweden's oldest national parks. Garphyttan National Park is an old preserved farmland, which was marked by the stony hills and the terrain. Here are the lush meadows filled with flowers surrounded by a dense natural forest. Up on Svensbodaberget, you have a magnificent view over Närkeslätten.

Parks

Botaniska trädgården (Botanical Garden)

Here you can hike through a wonderful garden environment, learn about plants, and read about the 31 exhibits made from mother nature.
Maskingatan 24, Örebro
+46 19-32 47 15

The City Park

The City park was voted Sweden's most beautiful park in 2004! The park is adjacent to the north of Svartån which is beautifully embedded in lush green foliage and beautiful views. Stora Holmen is on the opposite side of the river, where you can take the ferry to Wictoria. The City park is approximately 8 ha (20 acres) and got its current basic form as late as 1933 by an award. The park was owned then by "Trädplanterings and Trädgårdsföreningen in Örebro" which was formed in 1863, then Örebro Municipality took over the park in 1971.
Floragatan 1, Örebro
+46 19-21 21 21

The Park Walk

Karlslunds Estate has a wonderful garden and offers many exciting experiences and discoveries. A walk in the park is one way to experience the area and the beauty. The walk starts at Anckarsvärds Warehouse and ends at Karlslunds mansion. Along the walk you can read all about the past and the text is also highlighted with pictures. The walk is easy and is about 2 km.

Worth Seeing

Gällersta Forngård (Historical Garden)

Gällersta Forngård is about one mile south of Örebro, on the way to Norrköping, and is a tribute to the landscape of Närke from the turn of the century. Forngården was created by Johan Lindstrom Saxon ad the "heart" of the garden is Gillestugan (cottage) from 1898. There are also several buildings which were moved here, including a farm, soldier barracks, a smithy and a windmill. At Gillestugan is "Närkestenen", which is 3.5 m high.
Gällersta forngårdsförening, Örebro
+46 19-23 91 42

Kägleholms slottsruin (Castle Ruins)

Along Lake Väringen, north of Örebro, is Ödeby Church and the ruins of the Swedish Statesman Magnus Gabriel de la Gardies castle called Kägleholms. The church has medieval origins, and was built for de la Gardie around 1680. He gave the church much of the castles fine art, partially due to the fact that he feared Karl XI would claim them as state properly. Several of the Church's most precious objects have previously been at Läckö Castle, from there they were moved to Kägleholms. The castle, which was designed by Nicodemus Tessin burned down in 1712 and was never rebuilt. Today, only the ruins from western half of the north wing (private) and the basement remain. It was previously the "Tuna Farm" owned by Ulf Gudmarsson, the Holy Birgittas husband.

Svampen (Water Tower)

The Water Tower "Svampen" (the mushroom) in Örebro was designed by Professor Sune Lindstrom. Built in 1958, and was to be a model for many similar towers throughout Sweden - and throughout the world. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, there is an exact copy and in the Arab desert are even more mushroom shaped water towers. From the lookout platform, which is 50 meters up in the air, you have a fabulous view of Örebro and Närke.
Dalbygatan 3, Örebro
+46 19-611 37 35
info@svampen.nu
www.svampen.nu

Örebro Slott

For over 700 years, Örebro Castle has been the city's center point. Once a simple castle and prison, but now a magnificent royal palace. A vibrant tourist attraction with a Tourist Office, wonderful views, exhibitions, a restaurant and cafe. Many familiar faces have passed through the gates; Holy Birgitta, Engelbrekt and Gustav Vasa. Karl IX, King and Karl XIV Johan, and occasionally en encounter with Lasse-Maja in the prison, whom was probably in the process of planning new jail breaks. Even more were the unknown people whose fate was forever associated with the castle. Russian and Danish prisoners of war and the women who were accused of witchery. Let us bring history to life. Meet the people from the castle's past during the summer exhibition "Vasaborgen Hemligheter" (The Castles Secrets), or one of the Saturday/Sunday exhibitions shown year round. See the Castle's Historical exhibition. Hear many strange stories - and romantic as well. If you dare. We offer conferencing, parties, catering or visit one of the yearly markets, fairs, exhibitions, concerts or other events. The castle has a tourist office / ticket agent in Örebro.
Örebro Slott, Örebro
+46 19-21 21 21