Orsa Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Orsa with this complete guide including places to visit, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, where to stay, transportation options, and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Orsa

Nestled in Siljansbygden, in the heart of Dalarna in central Sweden, lies the idyllic village of Orsa. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage. With its crystal-clear rivers, shimmering lakes, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains, Orsa is a haven for nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Orsa

From museums and historical sites to natural attractions and outdoor adventures, Orsa has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places

  • Orsa Local Heritage Museum: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Orsa, its traditions, and way of life, through exhibits of the village’s historical artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
  • Orsa Church: Admire the stunning architecture of this beautiful wooden church dated back to the 1200s.
  • Vasaloppsmuseet: Experience the history of Sweden’s most iconic cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet, at this interactive museum.

Natural Attractions of Orsa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Orsa Grönklitt: A popular family-friendly ski resort with more than 21 ski slopes and countless winter activities.
  • Orsa Predator Park: Marvel at the majestic predators of Sweden such as bears, wolves, lynx, and foxes, moving freely in their natural habitats.
  • Orsa Finnmark: Explore the vast forests, rolling hills during the summer and cross-country skiing in winter, and witness the rich wildlife of Orsa.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Orsa

Orsa is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with numerous trails to explore. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in and around Orsa include:

  • Siljansleden: A 260-kilometer-long trail that offers stunning views of Lake Siljan and Orsa.
  • Dalarna Hiking Trail: This 180-kilometer-long trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience, featuring lush forests, sparkling lakes, and picturesque villages.
  • Orsasjön Runt: A scenic cycling route around Lake Orsa with enchanting views of the lake, hills, and stunning landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Orsa: Activities and Tours

Orsa offers endless things to do, including adventure activities, cultural tours, and much more. Here is the list of the best things to do in Orsa:

  • Husky Sledding: Enjoy the ultimate winter experience by mushing through the snow-covered forests and mountains of Orsa with huskies.
  • Orsa Rovdjurspark: Take a guided tour to Orsa Predator Park, hear about the animals’ behaviors, follow a training session, and take stunning photos.
  • Orsa Grönklitt: Experience dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter adventures in the Orsa Grönklitt ski resort.
  • Fishing: Enjoy the calm and serene nature of Orsa and catch fish in one of the many clear-water streams, rivers, and lakes.
  • Storängsfältets Gårdsmejeri: Take a guided tour to the traditional dairy farm and learn to make cheese and other dairy products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Orsa

Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most out of your trip to Orsa.

Day Activity
1 Visit Orsa Local Heritage Museum, Orsa Church, and take a stroll around the village.
2 Explore Orsa Predator Park and take a guided tour.
3 Go skiing or snowboarding at Orsa Grönklitt during the winter season
4 Visit Orsa Finnmark to enjoy nature walks and witness wildlife.
5 Take a day trip to nearby attractions such as Mora, Falun, or Leksand
6 Go dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling in Orsa Grönklitt
7 Finish your trip by fishing, visiting Siljan or another lake, and hiking the Siljansleden trail.

Food and Drink Scene of Orsa

Orsa has a rich food and drink culture, and you’ll never be short of local delicacies or fantastic dining experiences.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Värmlandskorv (Värmland Sausage): A local specialty prepared from pork, beef, and potato flour.
  • Raggmunkar (Swedish Potato Pancakes): Fluffy potato pancakes served with bacon and lingonberries, a Swedish classic.
  • Orsasill (Orsa Pickled Herring): A local twist on Sweden’s national dish, pickled herring, with a sweet taste that goes well with potatoes and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Swedish Coffee: A strong, unfiltered, and flavorful coffee.
  • Julmust: A sweet, non-alcoholic soda traditionally consumed during Christmas.
  • Orsa Cider: A locally produced cider made from hand-picked apples.

Where to Stay in Orsa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Orsa has a range of accommodations available such as hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and campsites. Some of the recommended places to stay in Orsa are:

  • Orsa Camping: Budget-friendly campsites with various activities and adventures available for the whole family.
  • Orsa Grönklitt: Offers fantastic winter sports activities and lodges year-round.
  • Orsa Stadshotell: Located in the city center, it’s a comfortable and cozy place to stay with a sauna, restaurant, and bar.

What to Buy in Orsa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Orsa has many souvenirs and products to take home as a souvenir, including:

  • Dalecarlian Horse: A hand-carved and painted wooden horse which has become a symbol of Swedish handicrafts.
  • Orsa Knäckebröd (crispbread): Made locally from high-quality whole grain rye flour and baked in a traditional way.
  • Orsa Guldkorn (golden corn): A locally produced beer made with crisp barley and pure arctic spring water.

Local Culture and Customs of Orsa

Orsa has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s essential to be mindful of local customs and traditions. Some traditions are closely associated with Christmas celebrations such as Lucia, which is celebrated on December 13th. By attending the events and festivals organized by the town’s local heritage museum, you should gain insight into Orsa’s rich cultural life.

Best Time to Visit Orsa

The ideal time to visit Orsa is between May and September when the weather is sunny, and the temperatures are mild. This is also the time when outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing are at their best. Winter season offers fantastic ski resorts experiences and dog sledding tours.

Do’s and Don’ts of Orsa

Do:

  • Greet people with a smile and a hello in Swedish (hej!).
  • Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the environment; instead, use the recycling bins.
  • Don’t be loud, rowdy, or drunk in public.
  • Don’t leave a tip.

Safety and Health

Safety in Orsa

Orsa is generally considered to be a safe destination for travelers. Take care when hiking or biking in the wilderness and use appropriate equipment. Don’t walk on ice-covered lakes or rivers unless explicitly marked as safe.

Health in Orsa

Medical treatment is available at Orsa Hospital. Bring along any essential medications with you.

Getting to Orsa: Transportation Options and Logistics

You can get to Orsa by air or bus. Here are the transportation options available:

Airports Near Orsa

The nearest airport is Dala Airport in Borlänge, located approximately 90 kilometers from Orsa.

Bus Stations Near Orsa

Orsa Bus Station provides a regular bus service to and from other destinations in Sweden, such as Mora, Falun, and Sveg.

Other Options

The nearest train station is Mora Train Station.

How to Get Around in Orsa

The easiest and most convenient way to get around Orsa is by car. Public transportation in the area is somewhat limited, so renting a car or hailing a taxi would be the most comfortable options. Walking and biking are also feasible options as there are several hiking and biking trails available.

Where to Go Next from Orsa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Orsa is located in the heart of many popular tourist destinations in central Sweden. Some popular destinations nearby include:

  • Lake Siljan: A beautiful, vast lake surrounded by forest, a great place for water sports and relaxation.
  • Mora: Another beautiful Swedish village with fascinating museums and galleries, restaurants, bars, and a range of accommodation options.
  • Falun: A city famous for its copper mine and UNESCO world heritage site. Falun is an excellent destination for cultural exploration.

Conclusion

Orsa is a gem in the heart of Sweden with an abundance of natural beauty, adventure activities, and cultural heritage. Enjoy unforgettable experiences such as visiting Orsa’s museums, parks, or skiing or sledding in Orsa Grönklitt. Orsa also provides a variety of local delicacies and souvenirs to take home. Enjoy your visit to Orsa and take in the gorgeous scenery and hospitable locals.

Orsa church. Orsa church.