Vansbro invites you to slow down and experience life in a traditional Swedish town. The town is set on the Västerdal River and offers unique cultural attractions, including an open-air museum and historic church. Picturesque landscapes set the stage for outdoor adventures like hiking, river kayaking and cross-country skiing.
Things to do in Vansbro
Learn about local history at Vansbro Hembygdsgård. The open-air museum is housed in a collection of beautifully preserved historical buildings, including Swedish farmhouses and barns. Inside, you can see antique farming tools, folk costumes and traditional arts, crafts and household items.
From forest hikes to river kayaking, Vansbro is a launchpad for outdoor adventures. Hike around picturesque Närssjön Lake and spot woodpeckers, owls and songbirds in the Hästängsleden nature reserve. Cast a line in the Västerdal River and reel in salmon, trout and grayling.
Vansbro Church soars over the town and features a postcard-perfect façade. The traditional Scandinavian church dates back to the 18th century and is beautifully preserved. Walk around the grassy churchyard and step inside to admire the simple yet charming interior, complete with wooden pews and an ornate altar.
Stay active in the winter with sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trails wind through the countryside and take you through snow-dusted forests and past frozen lakes, which double as outdoor ice skating rinks. Warm up with a mug of hot chocolate back in the village.
Vansbro is dotted with cosy taverns where you can enjoy traditional Swedish cuisine. Order specialties like “gravadlax” thinly sliced cured salmon seasoned with dill and meatballs served with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. Cafes and bakeries will tempt you with sticky “kanelbullar” cinnamon buns.
Getting around Vansbro
Vansbro is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. The town is in Dalarna County, a four-hour drive from Stockholm and five hours from Oslo. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Vansbro and explore the region at your own pace. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is a four-hour drive away.