21 Örtjärnen – Malingsbo | Bruksleden

Smedjebacken, Dalarnas län

Current

This section is currently very difficult to access in several places.

The stretch along Örtjärnen and up to Skälsjöarna is currently very difficult to get around. A large number of trees have fallen due to spruce bark beetle infestation. To get there, you have to make a detour around the trees, and in some cases climb over fallen trees.

This will be addressed as soon as possible, but unfortunately there is no forecast as to when this will be done.

Stage 21 is the most hilly section of Bruksleden, with several fairly steep climbs. The entire route runs through deep forests, where you have a good chance of catching a glimpse of the king of the forest.

You start at the beautiful Örtjärnen, a lake about four kilometers long and 50-150 m wide. The difference in level between the lake and the surroundings is about 50 m. When you cross the bridge, you cross the border between Dalarna and Västmanland. On the south side of the bridge the trail splits. To the left are stages 19 and 20, towards Kolpen and Harplekartorp, while stage 21 turns right.

During the stretch that follows, you pass several coniferous forest-clad hills. After about 5 km you come down to Skälsjöarna where it is nice to take a break. There are rest areas with shelters at both lakes. If you're lucky, you may see the beautiful guillemot that nests in the area.

The area around southern Bisen and Bastbergsåkern is beautiful with old farms and meadows. Here you pass Malingsklack. Up on the 317 m high mountain there is a rest area where you can rest and admire the beautiful view of the forests and Malingsbosjön.

After you have reached the next height, Trollberget, a steep descent towards Trolltjärnen awaits you.

At Nedra Malingsbosjö you come to a nice bathing place where you can stop for a cooling dip before continuing the last few kilometers to Malingsbo. The last bit you walk along small gravel roads.

You have now reached one of the three end points of Bruksleden. If you want to extend your walk, you can continue on the 45 km long Malingsbo-Klotenrundan.

REST STOPS

At Örtjärnen where the stage starts there are two campsites. Both are located on the north side of the lake. At the first one there is a shelter in a beautiful location with the opening to the lake. There is also a TC here. A few hundred meters further on, there are two more shelters on a small cape. The place is beautiful and cozy and several tents fit around.

At eastern and western Skälsjön there is a rest area at each lake with shelters, tables, benches and a fireplace. The shelters are not designed for overnight stays, nor is this permitted.

At Malingsklack at Bastbergsåkern there is a nice viewpoint with benches where you can take a break.

At Nedra Malingsbosjön you pass a bathing area with tables and benches, fireplace and TC.

MALINGSBO

In the 1400s, there were a few sheds by Malingsbosjön. The area was then referred to as Malingsboda. In 1625, the foundations of Malingsbo mill were laid when a miner's cabin and a smithy were built at Hedströmmen. The mill had its heyday in the first half of the 18th century and was closed down in 1891. A couple of dams are one of the few traces that remain from the ironworking period. However, the manor house is very well preserved and is considered to be one of Bergslagen's finest in the Carolinian style. North of the manor house is Sankta Anna's chapel from 1708, dedicated to the patron saint of miners.

After the end of the ironworking era, forestry became the main industry in the area. From Malingsbo, timber was floated down the Hedströmmen river to Skinnskatteberg.

For those looking for outdoor activities and nature experiences, the area around Malingsbo is well suited. There are opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping and hiking in the deep forests.

Malingsbo mill environment is part of Ekomuseum Bergslagen.