Attractions and Places To See around Orsa - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Orsa, a town situated on the northern shores of Lake Siljan in Sweden's Dalarna County, offers a diverse range of experiences. The area is characterized by its natural landscapes, rich history, and folk traditions. Visitors can explore geological formations, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activity hubs. Orsa provides opportunities for nature exploration and insight into local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Orsa
- The most popular attractions is Storstupet Gorge and Historic Timber Flume, a gorge that features a railway bridge 34 meters above the river. This impressive canyon also showcases remnants of a former wooden slide used for timber transport.
- Another must-see spot is Nils Olsson Dala Horse Workshop, a man-made monument where the iconic Dala horse is handcrafted. Visitors can observe the entire manufacturing process, from rough cut to painting, in Nusnäs.
- Visitors also love Mora Church, a religious building with a significant historical presence. Its size and ornamentation reflect its past role as the parish church for much of northern Dalarna in the Middle Ages.
- Orsa is known for its natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from impressive gorges to traditional craft workshops.
- The attractions around Orsa are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 70 upvotes and more than 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Storstupet Gorge and Historic Timber Flume
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Nils Olsson Dala Horse Workshop
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Here, in the workshops of Grannas Olsson Hemslöjd, you can watch the Swedish Dalahäst being made from scratch, from the rough cut to the carving and the typical painting. The Dala horse is still made entirely by hand today.
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Mora Church
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Orsa Church
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Våmhus Church
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Tips from the Community
The original manufacturer of the typical Swedish Dala horses. In addition to the shop, you can also visit the old production facility and see how the horses are carved and painted by hand.
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Beautiful church in the heart of Mora. You can walk across the bridge to the campsite.
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The most famous souvenir and symbol of Sweden is the Dala horse (Dalahäst) and is made by hand in the small, idyllic village of Nusnäs. Nusnäs is located about 10 km east of Mora in the Swedish province of Dalarna, right on the beautiful Lake Siljan. Here, in the workshops of Grannas Olsson Hemslöjd, you can watch the Swedish Dalahäst being made from scratch, from the rough cut to the carving and the typical painting. The Dala horse is still made entirely by hand today.
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Here, in the Grannas Olsson Hemslöjd workshops, you can watch the Swedish Dala horse being made from scratch, from the rough cut to the carving and the typical painting. The Dala horse is still made entirely by hand today.
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The shop in Nusnäs can be visited all year round and orders can also be placed online.
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The size and ornamentation of the church is due to the fact that the entire northern Dalarna, with the exception of Orsa, belonged to the parish in the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, the church was dedicated to Saint Michael, which is why this archangel is also included in the coat of arms of the municipality of Mora. Source: Wikipedia
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It may be possible to walk this route in the summer, but now May 6, 2024 absolutely not. The crossing is not possible. Railway bridge is in service. And at a certain point the route runs through impassable areas (currents too strong to cross), so at a certain point you have to climb up to walk along the railway line (which is in service), luckily no train was seen.
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The first stone church was built in the 13th century and probably replaced a wooden stave church. Around 1300 the church was extended to the east and then the sacristy was probably added. An inventory of the roof of the church found splintered pieces of wood that may date from around 1300, when the sacristy was built. In the middle of the 14th century the church was extended to its current width. At the end of the 15th century, the church was expanded to its present size, except for the chancel. In 1607 the foundation stone for a church tower was laid on the west side, but it was not until 1639 that the tower was completed. The current pentagonal choirs were added during a remodeling in 1752–1755 under the direction of master builder Petter Schulzberg from Västerås. Today's church tower was built in 1853 according to plans by the architect Ludvig Hawerman. The earlier tower from 1639 was demolished due to poor construction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in Orsa?
Orsa offers a variety of natural wonders. You can visit Storstupet Gorge, an impressive canyon featuring a railway bridge 34 meters above the river, and its upstream counterpart, Helvetesfallet. Lake Orsa (Orsasjön) provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, with its 1-kilometer sandy beach. For panoramic views, consider Pilkalampinoppi Mountain, which stands at 645 meters above sea level.
Are there good hiking opportunities around Orsa?
Yes, Orsa is excellent for hiking. You can explore the 2 km long ravine of Enåns dalgång via a 3.5 km hiking trail starting from Orsa Hembygdsgård. The 45-kilometer Orsasjö hiking circuit also passes along rocky shorelines and old-growth pine forests. For more detailed routes, you can find various options in the Hiking around Orsa guide, including trails like the Storstupet Shelter loop.
What cycling routes are available near Orsa?
Orsa provides several cycling opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Old Watermill – Våmåbadets Camping loop from Orsa' which is an easy 21 km ride. For gravel biking, consider the 'Around Orsasjön lake - loop from Mora' which is a moderate 45 km route. More options are available in the Cycling around Orsa and Gravel biking around Orsa guides.
What historical sites or cultural landmarks can I visit in Orsa?
Orsa is rich in history and culture. You can visit Fryksås Fäbod, a famous mountain pasture with roots dating back to the mid-16th century, offering magnificent views. Orsa Hembygdsgård is a local heritage open-air museum showcasing historical buildings. Additionally, Orsa Church, with its origins in the 13th century, is an imposing historical building. Don't miss the Orsa Slipstensmuseum (Grindstone Museum Mässbacken) to learn about local mining history.
Where can I learn about local crafts or traditions?
To experience local crafts, visit the Nils Olsson Dala Horse Workshop in Nusnäs, a short distance from Orsa. Here, you can observe the traditional handcrafting process of the iconic Dala horse, from rough cut to painting. For local produce and culinary traditions, Orsa Saluhall in central Orsa specializes in locally produced, organic ingredients.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Orsa?
Yes, Orsa offers several family-friendly options. Orsa Grönklitt is a year-round hub with activities like a climbing park, disc golf, swimming, and a sandy beach in summer. The Nils Olsson Dala Horse Workshop is also a great experience for families to see traditional craftsmanship. For accommodation with family facilities, Våmåbadets Camping is a nice campsite directly on the lake with a beach.
What winter activities can I do in Orsa?
Orsa Grönklitt is a major winter destination, offering downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobile safaris, and dog sledding. The area transforms into a snowy playground, providing diverse options for winter sports enthusiasts.
Are there any scenic viewpoints in the Orsa area?
Absolutely. Fryksås Fäbod, located at 503 meters above sea level, provides magnificent views over the Siljansbygden. Pilkalampinoppi Mountain, at 645 meters, also offers magical views from its preserved fire tower. Additionally, the Storstupet Gorge has several viewpoints allowing impressive perspectives of the canyon and river.
Can I go swimming or do water activities in Orsa?
Yes, Lake Orsa (Orsasjön) is ideal for water activities. The town's 1-kilometer beach, often called the 'Dalarna Riviera,' features white sand and clear water, perfect for swimming. You can also enjoy fishing and kayaking on the lake. Våmåbadets Camping is located directly on the lake with a beach and offers boat rentals.
What is the best time to visit Orsa for outdoor activities?
The best time depends on your preferred activities. For hiking, biking, and water sports, the summer months (June to August) offer pleasant weather. For winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling, the colder months (December to March) are ideal when Orsa Grönklitt is fully operational.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or places in Orsa?
Many of Orsa's natural areas and hiking trails are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. The 45-kilometer Orsasjö hiking circuit and trails in Enåns dalgång are generally suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure to follow local regulations regarding pets in natural reserves.
Are there any attractions in Orsa that are wheelchair accessible?
While many natural attractions in Orsa involve uneven terrain, some areas might offer better accessibility. For specific information on wheelchair accessibility for individual attractions, it's recommended to check directly with the venue or local tourist information, such as Visit Dalarna or Visit Orsa.
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