Lukas: Nature spots around Örebro

Markaskogen

Right next to the campus there is Markaskogen. Markaskogen is a relatively small forest that should take you about 30 minutes to cross on foot, assuming you don’t get lost. Despite its size, though, you can easily spend 2 hours walking if you get creative with your route. Last year, the municipality placed lanterns along the main paths, but luckily this didn’t prevent Markaskogen from still feeling like a forest. The municipality itself describes it best by saying that the place in fact gives the impression of a big, old forest.

Markaskogen in January

Reträtten

Reträtten is a small nature reserve, but it’s worth a mention. It lies just behind the city’s golf course and is easy to reach from the university. Because of its size, it’s perfect for if you want to go for a shorter walk or run. And even though it lies just at the edge of town, Reträtten still makes you feel like you’re away from the city. I like to take the big staircase at Sörbybacken and start my route from there.

Oset

You can’t spell Örebro without Oset. At least that’s how it should be, because Oset is a staple around here. It’s basically the place to go if you want to see the big lake (which is called Hemfjärden by the way). Oset is connected to other areas of nature, as well as the main Örebro river (which is called Svartån by the way), making it the perfect place to pass by if you want to walk or run for a longer time. And in case you hate walking and running, there are also free-to-use barbecue grills right beside the lake and around the entire area. The municipality always makes sure there is plenty of drywood around that you can use for your fire, also for free!

Oset in September

Ekeby Dreve

Ekeby Dreve is a bit farther from the city, but reachable by bicycle. It’s a tiny area, nice for having a longer sit rather than a walk. The cool thing about Ekeby Dreve is that it’s usually not busy, and you get great views of the lake. The way to Ekeby Dreve also has some nice views.

Ekeby Dreve in June

Ånnaboda

You can’t spell Örebro without Oset, but not without Ånnaboda either. Although it’s a bit of a drive (there are direct buses from the central station!), Ånnaboda is definitely worth several visits. In and around this big forest area walking, running, and grilling are all possible. It’s also a very popular area for cross-country skiing during wintertime. Even when there is no natural snow around, the municipality makes sure that skiing is still possible by using snow cannons. According to myths and personal anecdotes, wild moose can sometimes be seen in Ånnaboda.

Ånnaboda in November

Skärmarboda

Also reachable by bus, Skärmarboda is where you go if you want to be surrounded by big boulders in case that ever happens to you. At the starting point it seems as if you’re gonna be in for just a short walk, but different routes of varying lengths are available. Because the terrain can be pretty rugged and there are some climbs, you can easily amuse yourself for several hours if you so fancy.

Skärmarboda in October

The barbecue spots with drywood mentioned with Oset can be found practically anywhere around Örebro län. Have a look at Naturkartan to see where exactly, or to explore other unmentioned nature areas.