A small Swedish industrial town with a 17th-century copper works museum, home to the world's largest Dala horse statue and a former mining district.
Avesta, a town in central Sweden's Dalarna County, sits along the DalÀlven River. You can watch copper being minted at Koppardalen Verket museum, observe European bison in their natural habitat at Visentpark, or climb up to see Sweden's largest Dalecarlian horse. The town's industrial past and natural surroundings come alive through its museums, parks, and outdoor spaces.
Getting to Avesta
The town lies about two hours from Stockholm, with regular train connections to Avesta Krylbo station. Local buses within Avesta municipality run free of charge, making it simple to explore the area. The main station, Avesta Krylbo, connects to Stockholm through SJ trains and regional services by TĂ„g i Bergslagen.
Industrial Heritage at Koppardalen
The Koppardalen Verket museum occupies a former ironworks from 1874. Here you can walk through preserved industrial buildings and see demonstrations of copper minting and iron production techniques. Each summer, the annual Avesta Art event transforms the industrial spaces into galleries where artists display their work among the old factory equipment. Every year brings different national and international artists to exhibit their work in this unique setting.
European Bison at Visentpark
Visentpark houses approximately 25 European bison in large enclosures surrounding a 1930s farm. Take a guided tour to learn about these animals, which can weigh up to 900 kg, and the park's work to protect them from extinction. The guides share stories about European bison's survival in the wild, and you can rest at the café in a historic building or let children explore the play area.
Activities and Landmarks
The concrete Dalecarlian horse stands 13 meters high and weighs 67 tons, making it Sweden's largest version of this traditional symbol. At Metropoolen swimming complex, you'll find a 78-meter water slide and several indoor pools. The town's skate park draws both local and visiting skaters from spring through autumn.
The DalÀlven River Valley
Walk along the DalÀlven River paths within the UNESCO-recognized Nedre DalÀlven biosphere reserve. This area marks the meeting point of southern deciduous forests and northern coniferous taiga, known as limes Norrlandicus. The walking paths give you views of both forest types.
Local Sports
You can watch Masarna speedway team compete in Sweden's highest division at their home track. For other sports, catch football matches of Avesta AIK and Krylbo IF, or see Avesta BK play ice hockey during their respective seasons.
