What can you do in Orsa, Dalarna? This small town is beautifully situated on Lake Orsa and offers everything from cosy cafés to dramatic waterfalls. Here are all our top tips for things to see and do in Orsa.
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Orsa
Orsa is a nice little town in Dalarna, which we have taken the opportunity to discover now that we are driving around Siljan by motorhome. In winter you can of course ski in these parts, but now in summer it is rather camping, swimming, waterfalls, cafes and Dalai horses that attract to the area.
Orsa is located on Lake Orsasjön in the northern part of the Siljan region, about 15 kilometres north of Mora.
What can you do in Orsa?
So what can you do in Orsa? There is a lot to see and discover! Here are our top tips for things to do in Orsa and the surrounding area.
1. Coffee at Orsa Kaffestuga
In the centre of Orsa is Orsa Kaffestuga, which is a super cosy pastry shop in a 19th century environment, with a nice outdoor terrace. They serve pastries, sandwiches and simple dishes, such as salads.
2. Shop in Orsa Saluhall
Orsa Saluhall is located right next to the coffee house. Here you will find locally produced food, meat and cheese over the counter as well as crafts and souvenirs.
3. Take a look inside Orsa church
Orsa Church has medieval origins and is one of the few buildings to survive the great fire in Orsa in 1901. Parts of the church date from the 13th century, in the 14th century it was given its current width and in the 15th century it was further extended. The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful blue details.
4. Shop at Orsa Fishing Centre
You can see that fishing is big in the area when you take a look at Orsa Fiskecenter. What a mecca for fishing enthusiasts! Here you can also buy lures designed as Dala horses.
5. Enjoy a Rättvik ice cream
Just outside Orsa Fiskecenter there is a stall with Rättviksglass. Very good on a hot summer day, we can attest!
6. Holiday at First Camp Orsa - Dalarna
First Camp Orsa - Dalarna is beautifully located, right next to Lake Orsa. There is a long fine sandy beach, but also a pool area, adventure golf and a wide range of activities in the summer. The campsite is part of the camping chain's new sub-brand First Camp Resortwhich is described as "summer holidays with extra everything".
7. Bargains in Hansjö Lanthandel Anno 1895
Just outside Orsa is Hansjö Lanthandel Anno 1895. What a lovely place! Here you can find both modern interior design and historical flea market items. There is also a charming coffee shop and a "glass chapel". You will also find here Hansjö Dairy, where you can buy locally produced cheeses, paid by swish.
8. Experience Fryksås fäbod
Fryksås Fäbod is located high up, 503 metres above sea level, and offers a magnificent view of the Siljan region. The setting is incredibly idyllic, with some old buildings dating back to the 16th century.
The area has hotels and the possibility of staying in a cottage, as well as cafés and restaurants. Activities such as midsummer celebrations and folk music are sometimes organised here. There are also hiking trails, cycle paths and, in winter, ski tracks in the surrounding area.
9. Skiing or cycling at Orsa Grönklitt
Orsa Grönklitt is a ski resort that offers both alpine and cross-country skiing. There are also various family activities and adventures such as snowmobile safaris and dog sledding. In summer, cycling, trail running and canoeing are among the activities on offer.
10. Check out Storstupet
North of Orsa you'll find Storstupet, which is a deep canyon along the Ämån river. You can drive to the car park, and then it's only about 50 metres to walk down to Storstupet. Note that the way down is a bit steep and rocky, although it is short.
Once there, you have a wonderful view of the rushing water. You can also look out over a narrow railway bridge, where the Inlandsbanan occasionally passes, 34 metres above the water. The bridge was built in 1902.
11. Fascinated by the Fall of Hell
If you visit the Big Dipper, don't miss the Hell Falls either. These two are only 5 kilometres apart.
Helvetesfallet is also a canyon at Ämån, with steep rock walls about 30 metres high. It is about 200 metres to walk from the car park, and even here it is partly steep and rocky.
This falls is roaring and really delicious, with a small suspension bridge over.
12. drive along the tourist route
If you're not in a hurry, and want some views, you can choose The tourist route instead of the E45 on the way to Mora. This road goes higher up, and offers beautiful views of Siljan.
More to do in Orsa
There is of course even more to see and do in Orsa than our tips. Here you will find some more suggestions.
- Orsa Hembygdsgård has many beautiful old timber buildings.
- Pilkalampinoppi is a mountain 60 kilometres north of Orsa and at its summit, 644 metres above sea level, there is a fire tower from 1889.
- The Siljan Railway is a hiking trail that goes around Lake Orsa and Lake Siljan.
- Tailor Djurberga Fäbod is a well-preserved mountain farm with some 20 houses dating back to the 17th century.
Where to stay in Orsa, or with a motorhome?
In Orsa, there are of course several different accommodation options, both in and around the resort. One option is of course to stay at First Camp Orsa - Dalarna, where you can stay in your own campervan or in a cabin or glamping tent. There is also a caravan park called The chain's parking place.
More to see and do near Orsa
From Orsa it is not far to Mora, where you may want to check out Zorngården and the Dala horse production in Nusnäs. You can also continue to Leksand and Rättvik and experience the whole The Siljan region. If you are heading north instead, we recommend a visit to the beautiful Järvsö in Hälsingland.
More tips on things to do in Orsa?
Have you visited Orsa? Do you have any other suggestions on what to see and do in Orsa? Please tell us!
Facts about Orsa in Dalarna
- Landscape: Dalarna
- County: Dalarna County
- Municipality: Orsa municipality
- Location: Orsa is located at the mouth of the Ore River in Lake Orsasjön in the northern part of the Siljan region, about 15 kilometres north of Mora.
- Population: Just under 7 000 (2024)
- Orsa is known for: Orsa Spelmanslag was formed in autumn 1948.
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Lena in Wales and a bit everywhere says:
Wow, what fun to come back to Orsa.
I was there a lot in the late 1970s and early 1980s. I had friends there, so I travelled there both in summer and in winter.
A lot has changed, but some parts I recognise.
At that time I also met some of those who later became Orsa fiddlers, then unknown.
Have a nice weekend!
06 July 2024 - 7:54
Helena says:
Glad you were here at that time! Orsa was a new pleasant acquaintance for us! 🙂
06 July 2024 - 9:34
Role o Carina says:
Yes, you have told me a lot about my place of upbringing, nice in the summer it is!
But all the more boring in winter, unless you like it that is😄
I was only 16 when I moved away to work elsewhere in the county.
So much has changed since then and my parents are no longer with us!
Have a good time....
06 July 2024 - 18:20