Things to do in Orsa – 9 tips for attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | What is there to see and do in Orsa in Dalarna? Everything from idyllic mountain pastures and dramatic waterfalls to cozy coffee houses, small shops and beautiful beaches awaits you here.

Orsa – a small town with great nature experiences

Orsa is located just north of Mora, by Lake Orsa in Dalarna. It is a fairly small town, but there is much to discover in the surrounding area. Here the beautiful cultural landscape of Siljansbygden meets the large forests further north.

We took the opportunity to explore Orsa when we traveled around Lake Siljan in a camper van. It was a wonderful mix of nature experiences, historical environments, small shops and good coffee breaks. Here we share nine tips for nine things to do in Orsa.

1. Experience Fryksås fäbod and the fantastic view

One of the most beautiful places we visited in Orsa was Fryksås fäbod. Up here, about 500 meters above sea level, an almost fairytale-like environment awaits with old log houses, lush green fields and a magnificent view of Lake Orsa and the Siljansbygden.

Fryksås dates back to the 16th century and is one of the best-preserved mountain pastures in Dalarna. There are around a hundred timbered buildings here, which together create a very special atmosphere.

We found it incredibly idyllic to walk around among the old houses. It's easy to imagine what life was once like here, when people moved out to the pastures during the summers to let their animals graze.

At the same time, Fryksås is not just a historical environment. Today, there are both accommodation, restaurants and cafés. The surroundings also offer great opportunities for hiking and cycling, and during the winter the ski trails are attractive. Sometimes traditional events are also arranged, such as Midsummer celebrations and folk music.

2. Fascinated by Hell's Fall

One of the most dramatic natural attractions in Orsa is Helvetesfallet, located in the forests north of the town. Despite the name, this is a very beautiful place! Here, the Ämån River has cut its way through the mountain, creating a deep canyon with steep rock walls that rise about 30 meters above the water.

From the parking lot, it is about a 200-meter walk to the viewing area. It is not a particularly long walk, but the terrain is steep and rocky in parts. There are now stairs and some safety devices, but you still need to watch where you put your feet.

When we visited Helvetesfallet, there was also a small suspension bridge over the water, which contributed to the special environment. Helvetesfallet is a destination that we can highly recommend to anyone who appreciates a bit of wilder nature.

3. Visit Storstupet and see the Inlandsbanan railway bridge

Bara omkring fem kilometer från Helvetesfallet ligger Storstupet, ytterligare en dramatisk ravin längs Ämån. Det här är ett besöksmål som passar perfekt att kombinera med Helvetesfallet, men vi tycker att båda platserna förtjänar var sitt stopp. Vid Storstupet forsar vattnet fram genom en djup kanjon, omgiven av branta klippor och skog. Men det finns också något annat som gör platsen speciell: den smala järnvägsbron som sträcker sig högt över ravinen.

Bron byggdes 1902 för Inlandsbanan och ligger omkring 34 meter ovanför vattnet. Om man har tur kan man få se ett tåg passera över bron, vilket måste vara en ganska häftig syn. Från parkeringen är det bara omkring 50 meter ner till utsiktsområdet. Men precis som vid Helvetesfallet är terrängen bitvis brant och stenig, så bra skor är en fördel. Vi tyckte att kombinationen av den dramatiska naturen och den gamla järnvägsbron var fascinerande.

4. Swim at Lake Orsasjön – Dalarna Riviera

Orsa is not just forests and dramatic ravines. It also has one of Dalarna's finest sandy beaches! By Lake Orsa lies a long, lovely sandy beach that is sometimes called Dalarna Riviera.And after our visit we really understand why.

We stayed with our camper at First Camp Orsa, right next to the lake, and of course took the opportunity to take a dip. The beach is long and wide, and the water is very shallow. We can truly attest that it is exactly as shallow as it is said to be! This makes the beach particularly popular with families with children, but it is also of course perfect for adults who want to enjoy a nice summer day.

The area offers opportunities for various activities, and the campsite has a pool area and adventure golf. We think Lake Orsa is one of the big reasons to visit Orsa during the summer. It is a lovely contrast to the deep forests and waterfalls further north.

5. Stroll around Orsa city center – coffee shop, market hall and small shops

The center of Orsa is not very large, but there are several nice little stops that we appreciated during our visit.

Coffee at Orsa Coffee Shop

In the middle of Orsa lies Orsa Kaffestuga, a cozy patisserie in an old-fashioned setting dating back to the 19th century. There is a nice outdoor terrace where you can sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee and something delicious. The menu usually includes pastries, sandwiches and simple dishes. We think it is personal little places like this that make it fun to discover smaller towns.

Shop for local delicacies at Orsa Saluhall

Very nearby is Orsa Saluhall, where we also took the opportunity to take a look. Since our visit, the market hall has changed management. Today, the business is run by Hansjö Mejeri and has a special focus on small-scale artisanal food.

Here you can buy the dairy's own cheeses in different degrees of maturity, local meat and a selection of other products and crafts.

Discover Orsa Fishing Center

Another store that caught our attention was Orsa Fiskecenter. You can quickly see that fishing is a big interest in these areas when you enter the store. There is plenty of equipment here for those interested in fishing.

We were particularly drawn to the slightly unusual fishing lures that were shaped like Dala horses. A pretty fun combination of two typical Dala phenomena!

Enjoy a Rättvik ice cream

Just outside the fish shop we also found a small ice cream shop with Rättviks ice cream. A really good ice cream on a hot summer day is of course never wrong, and we took the opportunity to enjoy one each. It was a simple but very nice addition to our walk in Orsa.

6. Visit Orsa Church

While you are in central Orsa, you can take the opportunity to visit Orsa Church. The church has medieval origins, and the oldest parts date back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, the building has been rebuilt and changed, but it still has a clear historical character.

Orsa was hit by a major fire in 1901, destroying large parts of the community. The church was one of the buildings that escaped the devastation.

We took the opportunity to peek inside the church and were captivated by the beautiful blue details in the interior. It is always interesting to visit old churches, not least because they often tell a lot about the history of the place and the people who have lived there.

7. Find a bargain at Hansjö Country Store

Just north of Orsa is Hansjö Lanthandel Anno 1895, a destination we really enjoyed! This is the kind of place where you don't really know what to expect before you arrive. And once you're there, there's a lot to look at.

In the charming country store environment, you can browse among both modern interior design details and older items with history. There are plenty of flea market finds and gadgets that will pique your curiosity.

Vi tyckte att det var väldigt roligt att gå runt och upptäcka allt möjligt bland hyllor och föremål. Vid vårt besök fanns också en mysig kaffestuga och ett charmigt litet glasskapell. I Hansjö ligger dessutom Hansjö Mejeri, som tillverkar hantverksmässiga ostar och andra mejeriprodukter av lokal mjölk. Mejeriet har en självbetjäningsbutik där man kan handla deras produkter.

8. Go skiing, cycling or hiking in Orsa Grönklitt

Orsa Grönklitt är kanske framför allt känt som en skidanläggning, men här finns aktiviteter under stora delar av året. På vintern lockar området med både alpin skidåkning och längdskidåkning. Grönklitt är särskilt känt för sina fina längdskidspår, men här finns också utförsåkning för både barn och vuxna.

During the summer, the area transforms into a destination for hiking, cycling and other nature activities. There are trails for different levels of ambition, and the area is suitable for both those who want to be active all day and those who mostly want to enjoy the forest environment. Grönklitt also offers accommodation options, making it possible to stay for several days and explore the surroundings.

We haven't tried all the activities here ourselves, but Orsa Grönklitt is one of the most important tourist destinations in the area, especially for those who like outdoor activities.

9. Drive the beautiful Tourist Road towards Mora

Ett sista tips för den som reser med bil eller husbil är att välja en lite mindre väg mellan Orsa och Mora, i stället för att alltid hålla sig till den större E45. Vi körde en väg som skyltades som Turistvägen och som bitvis går högre upp i landskapet. Härifrån fick vi fina vyer över Siljansbygden, och vi passade också på att stanna till och njuta av utsikten.

It may not be a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, but sometimes the road itself is part of the experience. We often find that it is when you leave the main roads that you find the most beautiful environments and see a little more of the landscape. If you are not in a hurry, it may therefore be worth choosing a smaller road and discovering the surroundings in peace and quiet.

READ MORE: Around Siljan by car or camper - our tips

More things to see and do in Orsa

There is of course more to discover in Orsa than the nine tips we have collected here. For those who like hiking, there are, among other things, the Enån valley and various trails through the forests and cultural landscape. The Siljansleden trail also passes through parts of the Orsa area and offers opportunities for longer hikes.

Fishing is another popular activity, with many lakes and streams in the area. Just be sure to check the fishing licenses and regulations. In the winter, there are also good opportunities for skiing and other snow activities.

Where can you stay in Orsa or park your camper?

In Orsa there are several different accommodation options, from hotels and cottages to campsites and motorhomes. If you want to stay close to shops and restaurants, Orsa city centre can be a good starting point. For those who prefer nature and outdoor activities, accommodation by Orsa Lake, in Fryksås or in Orsa Grönklitt may be a better fit.

Campsites and pitches

We are traveling by motorhome and chose to stay at Lake Orsasjön. First Camp Orsa - Dalarna is wonderfully located right next to Lake Orsasjön and the long sandy beach. When we were here we got a nice spot on the grass, close to the water. The campsite is large and family-oriented, with a pool area, adventure golf and various activities during the summer.

READ MORE: First Camp Orsa - Dalarna - a First Camp Resort

For those traveling by motorhome, there are also other options in the Orsa area, including the Kättingen motorhome site.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

• Things to do in Rättvik
• Things to do in Mora
• Things to do in Falun
• Things to do in Borlänge
• Things to do in Dalarna