Strömsholms kanal connects lakes, locks and former ironworking communities in central Sweden. Smedjebacken Municipality describes a cycle route from Smedjebacken to Strömsholm, with opportunities to divide the journey into shorter trips and explore the industrial heritage along the waterway.
From Smedjebacken towards Ängelsberg
The municipality suggests Smedjebacken harbour as one place to begin. Heading south, the route passes Söderbärke and Fagersta before reaching Ängelsberg. The canal follows the Kolbäcksån water system through a chain of lakes, so the journey combines waterside scenery with stretches through settlements and countryside.
Sweden by Bike suggests a stop at the Västanfors heritage area and points out Engelsbergs Bruk near Ängelsberg. Its itinerary also mentions the sculpture park at Ängelsberg and Oljeön in Lake Åmänningen, giving riders several reasons to allow time away from the saddle.
Through the old ironworking district
South of Ängelsberg, the route continues through Virsbo, Ramnäs, Surahammar, Hallstahammar and Kolbäck towards Strömsholm. Visit Dalarna describes a landscape that changes from the hills of Dalarna towards the lower-lying Mälaren valley.
The waterway was built to help transport iron from Bergslagen towards Lake Mälaren. Today, its locks and the surviving industrial sites give context to the journey. Visit Dalarna identifies the Lancashire forge at Ramnäs, the industrial museum at Surahammar, Trångfors forge and the canal museum at Hallstahammar among possible visits. Strömsholm Castle and the riding school are further places to explore near the southern end.
Roads, signs and connections
Surahammar Municipality says the route has yellow-and-black signs and includes public roads shared with other traffic, as well as smaller gravel roads and paths. Sweden by Bike advises particular attention to cars on the winding section between Söderbärke and Virsbo. Riding experience and a helmet are recommended by the municipality.
From Strömsholm, the Mälardalsleden offers a connection towards Västerås. Treat that as an onward journey: the canal route described by Smedjebacken Municipality runs to Strömsholm. Sweden by Bike also describes an itinerary continuing beyond the canal towards Västerås.
Putting a trip together
Smedjebacken Municipality suggests either Smedjebacken harbour or Strömsholm as a starting point and notes that the route can be adapted into day trips, with places to eat and stay along the way. Choose sections around the towns and heritage sites you want to visit.
Sweden by Bike offers a four-day itinerary beginning in Smedjebacken, including an onward ride to Västerås. Check current local route information when planning: its page also describes works affecting the Hallstahammar–Kolbäck section, but the stated construction schedule has passed and should not be assumed to describe present conditions.