BJÖRNÖ NATURE RESERVE – EASY ESCAPES JUST OUTSIDE VÄSTERÅS
- Forest Junkie
- Nov 23, 2024
- 3 min read
When: All year round
Where: Björnö Nature Reserve, only 10 km from Västerås city center
What: Short hikes, trail running, swimming, kayaking, barbecue spots, and wildlife spotting
A PEACEFUL GETAWAY, CLOSE TO THE CITY
Björnö Nature Reserve is a favorite for Västerås locals looking for a simple way to recharge in nature. Just a short drive or cycle from the city center, Björnö offers a mix of forests, lakeside views, and peaceful trails that are perfect for a lunch walk or a short nature escape. It’s a place where you can enjoy the right amount of nature without having to make a big trip. There are a variety of trails, each with its own length, so you can choose a route that matches the time you have available, whether it’s a quick walk or a longer loop. After your hike you can warm yourself with a cosy fika at Björnö Garden restaurant.
EASY HIKES AND TRAIL RUNNING
The marked trails at Björnö make it simple to set out and enjoy the landscape. For a brisk walk or an energetic trail run, the Björnöleden (10 km) is a popular choice. It winds through the forest, along rocky shores, and back, giving you plenty of variety along the way. With a few steep hills, the paths provide just the right amount of challenge – perfect for keeping things interesting. For shorter walks, there are shorter loop trails as well, so you can tailor your outing to fit your day.
ENJOY WATER SPORTS
Björnö’s lakeside location makes it ideal for water activities, and Aktivt Uteliv Björnögarden is the place to go if you’d like to try kayaking, canoeing, or even paddleboarding. They provide rentals, so all you need to bring is yourself and a bit of curiosity! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, this is a great way to see the area from a new perspective. For more tips on exploring Lake Mälaren by kayak, check out my blog post on paddling in Sweden below.
Aktivt Uteliv Björnögården offers not just watersports but also all sorts of equipment rentals for outdoor adventures. Here, you can rent mountain bikes, hiking gear, and winter equipment. They also provide a variety of courses for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, and more, catering to beginners and those looking to advance their skills.
RELAXING SWIM AND BARBECUE SPOTS
On a warm day, Björnö’s beach areas are perfect for cooling off with a swim or enjoying a quiet lunch at one of the designated barbecue spots. These spots are popular with locals and visitors alike, so bring along something to grill and soak up the natural surroundings. It’s an ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon without venturing far from Västerås.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
If you’re a fan of biking, Björnö offers some great trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. With Aktivt Uteliv Björnö Garden providing rentals, you can easily grab a mountain bike and set off on trails that range from easy to moderately challenging. The paths, with their natural ups and downs, are perfect for testing your endurance while enjoying the surrounding forest and lake views. It’s a fun way to explore the area and is an ideal workout for those who love active adventures in nature.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING
Björnö may be close to the city, but it’s home to a surprising variety of wildlife. Deer are commonly seen, especially at dawn and dusk – sometimes even near the parking lot! Keep an eye out, and you may also spot playful squirrels or, if you’re lucky, a black woodpecker in the trees. It’s a great spot for anyone who enjoys nature photography or simply watching animals in their natural habitat.
FACILITIES AT BJÖRNÖ
Besides the trails and barbecue areas, Björnö also has camping options and cozy stugor (small cottages) you can rent for a night or two. There are also facilities like toilets, making it easy to plan a longer stay if you want to spend more time kayaking, swimming, or exploring.
Björnö Nature Reserve is a perfect nearby escape for anyone living in Västerås or visiting the area. Whether it’s for a short walk, an active afternoon, or a full day of activities, this little island has something for everyone.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Aktivt Uteliv Björnögården:
Detailed map with all the trails and facilities:
My blog post on paddling:
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