The walk along stage 18 is mostly along forest paths, often through dense forest with young conifers and deciduous trees. The exception is a short stretch on a small forest road beyond Lake Dammen. The stage is easy to walk and you only pass some lower heights.
From Borntorpet, the first kilometer of the hike goes along easy walking trails. Just before the second road crossing, you reach a small hill with nice views.
At Lake Dammen, the trail follows the edge of the lake. The lake's dark water mirror is surrounded by wetland areas, and you can see where Dammen got its name.
A few kilometers further on you reach the stage goal at Lake Kolpen. Here is a shelter right down by the water where it is nice to take a break or spend the night.
RESTING PLACES
There is a shelter with a fireplace at Lake Kolpen. The shelter has a beautiful location right down by the lake.
SKINNSKATTEBERG
Skinnskatteberg is located in a beautiful spot between the upper and lower lakes of Vättern. Skinnskatteberg is an old mill community with a mill that operated from 1626 until 1909. In the 17th century there were 3 hammers here, and by the middle of the 18th century the number had increased to 24. Slag piles and wall remains today show where the iron production sites were located.
In Skinnskatteberg you can see the beautiful manor house, which is considered one of the most stately in the country. It was built in the latter part of the 18th century by mill owner Wilhelm Hising after drawings by Eric Palmstedt. In 1934, the building was purchased by Domänverket and since 1944 it has been used by the forestry school. In Skinnskatteberg there are seven other manor houses preserved. This is more than in any other municipality in Sweden.
Near the manor house is the church. It is said to have been built on the pilgrims' resting place. Every year the monks from Arboga walked past here on their pilgrimage to Nidaros.
Another attraction is the homestead, built in 1860 as a workers' residence. It is located on the old mill site next to Hedströmsbron. Sweden's oldest log boat is stored in Hembygdsgården. It was built in the 7th or 8th century and was probably used in connection with hunting and fishing or for prospecting for bog ore.
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Directions
You can park your car at Borntorpet.
From Borntorpet you can walk about 1 km out to road 233 where bus no 500 stops. The bus runs on the Köping - Skinnskatteberg - Fagersta - Norberg - Avesta route. The bus runs once an hour on weekdays but less frequently on weekends.
If you continue Bruksleden another 2 km past the stage goal at Lake Kolpen, you will reach road 68. There is also a bus stop for bus no 500.
