The Bruksleden trail

On the Bruksleden trail, you’ll experience the region of Västmanland, from Västerås in the south to Avesta in the north. The trail follows a western arc through Surahammar, Skinnskatteberg, and Fagersta. Here, the trail is described in two segments: the southern and northern sections. There’s also a recommended loop trail for you to explore.

The Bruksleden trail in short

  1. Length: 250 kilometers
  2. Number of stages/hiking days: 1–27
  3. Length of stages: 4–16,5 km (3–7 hours of hiking per day)
  4. Water/food along the trail: Water sources are available in some places, but it’s recommended to always carry your own water. The trail passes through communities where you can purchase food, though it’s wise to check availability on your chosen section before setting out.
  5. Accomodation during the hike: Most sections begin and end at a rest area with a wind shelter or rest cabin.

Map of Bruksleden

This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).

Discover Bruksleden

Bruksleden winds from the shores of Lake Mälaren in Västerås northward through the distinctive landscapes of Bergslagen, featuring deep forests, vast marshes, numerous lakes, and colorful meadows. The trail passes through six municipalities and several towns, making it easy to stock up on food and drinks. Most sections are relatively short, making the trail especially suitable for hikers with children.

History comes alive in many places as you pass old industrial sites. In Klackberg, the endpoint of section 23, you can camp in a tent.

Below, you’ll find a description of the most direct route between Västerås and Avesta, as well as a loop trail starting and ending in Skinnskatteberg. The trail also has additional detours and loops, which are worth exploring in more detail.



See and do along the trail

At STF Kolarbyn, you have the opportunity to experience a unique overnight stay in a “charcoal hut.” These huts were once home to charcoal makers, whose job was to produce charcoal. When staying in a charcoal hut, there is no electricity, but there is a fireplace—and you’ll chop your own firewood. It’s an exciting experience for the whole family.

Don’t miss

Hike a triangle on Bruksleden: Västerås–Hallstahammar–Surahammar–Västerås. It’s a long weekend hike covering just under 60 kilometers.

Transport to the trail

You can easily reach the trailhead in Västerås by train (sj.se). From the central station, take a bus to Rocklunda. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking available in Rocklunda. The hiking trail begins here. (Google Maps link)

Trail markers

The trail is marked with orange paint on trees and posts.


Hiking tips for Bruksleden

Here are some hiking tips for those wanting to explore part of Bruksleden. Each tip includes multiple daily sections.

Of course, you can hike in the opposite direction from the order in which these sections are presented.

Section 1a, 2, 7, 9–11: Västerås–Trummelsberg

79 kilometers, 3–7 hours of hiking per day for six days
Accommodation: Cabins, tents

The trail starts at the Rocklunda forest exercise track. After Vallby, you’ll head into the countryside on winding roads, passing small farms and moving into pine forests. The first day’s endpoint, Skålbystugan, is a rest cabin with four beds. On the second day, the trail continues through forest terrain and ends with boardwalks over a large mossy area. There’s a wind shelter for 6–8 people on day two. From Toftsjön, section 7 takes you to Ramnäs, passing marshes and wetlands, including the Rövallsmossen and Stingmossen nature reserves. During the season, you can find crowberries and cloudberries. Overnight accommodations are available a few kilometers before Ramnäs, at Rövallskojan.

Ramnäs has a centuries-old industrial history and is now largely a museum. The next endpoint is Acktjärn, where you’ll find excellent tent sites. If you prefer a rest cabin, continue another section to Stenbjörnskojan. The final stretch to Trummelsberg follows a trail through gently rolling wilderness. At Trummelsberg, there is a wind shelter with a fire pit by Lake Stora Kedjen.

Section 13–15 and 23–26: Trummelsberg–Avesta

64.5 kilometers, 3–7 hours of hiking per day for 5–7 days
Accommodation: Cabins, tents

This segment starts with diverse and beautiful surroundings, including rocky terrain, lakes, and forested moraine banks. At Lake Trehörningen, there’s a rest cabin, as well as at the section endpoint, Norra Morsjön. You’ll continue on easy trails to Högbyn, which offers a tent site. If you hike an additional 13 kilometers, you’ll reach Älgsjön, where there’s a rest cabin with a wood stove and sleeping benches. You’ll also pass the outskirts of Fagersta and traverse three nature reserves before arriving at Älgsjön.

Section 23 takes you to Klackberg. The terrain is initially hilly but becomes easier as you go. Klackberg has a fascinating history, as mining took place here for centuries until 1967, leaving behind a rich deciduous forest with unique vegetation. There are tent sites here. If you’re up for a long final day (23 kilometers), you can combine sections 24–26. The trail passes through old villages, ponds, and rocky hills. Your hike ends in the Bredmossen nature reserve. From the endpoint at Tråbacken, you can take a bus to Avesta, where you can catch a train home.

Loop trail to/from STF Kolarbyn

Sections 18+19, 21+22, 14+13, 16+17
70 kilometers, 5–7 hours of hiking per day for four days

Accommodation: STF Kolarbyn, wind shelters

Enjoy a hike through historic industrial sites and enchanting Bergslagen forests along this loop. It starts at STF Kolarbyn, two kilometers south of the Bruksleden section start at Borntorpet.

Begin your hike at Kolarbyn. A path takes you to the section start at Borntorpet. From here, hike to Örtjärnen, where there are two wind shelters with fire pits, one with a dry toilet. On the second day, hike to Högbyn. You’ll then head south again, passing Norra Morsjön on the way to Trummelsberg. Trummelsberg offers a nice campsite with a wind shelter, fire pit, tables, benches, and a dry toilet. The nearby Lake Kedjen has a lovely swimming spot. From Bockhammar, you’ll return to Borntorpet and STF Kolarbyn.


Accomodations along the Bruksleden trail

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