Best Photo Spots in Orsa for Great Shots
Orsa is one of the most underrated photography destinations in Sweden. While many visitors focus on nearby Mora, Rättvik and Tällberg, photographers willing to explore Orsa will discover dramatic canyons, waterfalls, ancient forests, mountain viewpoints, traditional fäbod villages, wetlands full of birdlife and some of the finest panoramic views in Dalarna.
As a travel photographer, I think Orsa offers some of the most diverse landscapes around Lake Siljan. You can photograph sunrise over Orsasjön, spend the day hiking through old-growth forests and finish with sunset from a mountain viewpoint overlooking miles of forests and lakes.
This guide covers the best photography locations in Orsa, including what to photograph, the best time to visit and Google Maps links for every location.
Best Photo Spots in Orsa
- Fryksås Fäbod
- Helvetesfallet
- Storstupet
- Hällorna
- Lusbostupet
- Koppången Nature Reserve
- Lindänget Bird Platform
- Orsasjön Shoreline
- Orsa Grönklitt
- Pilkalampinoppi
- Korpimäki
- Skattungbyn
- Östra Grunuberg Fäbod
- Näckodalsågen
- Orsa Hembygdsgård
Fryksås Fäbod
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Fryksås+Fäbod+Orsa
If you only visit one photography location in Orsa, make it Fryksås. This historic mountain pasture village dates back centuries and offers spectacular views over Orsasjön, Lake Siljan and the forests of Dalarna. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful fäbod environments in Sweden.
What to Photograph
- Traditional wooden cabins
- Sunrise over Orsasjön
- Pasture landscapes
- Autumn colours
- Drone photography
- Winter snow scenes
Best Time
Sunrise is magical here. During autumn, morning mist often forms over the lake below.
Helvetesfallet
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Helvetesfallet+Orsa
One of the most dramatic natural attractions in Dalarna. A powerful waterfall plunges into a deep canyon surrounded by cliffs and old forest. Spring is especially spectacular when snowmelt increases the water flow.
What to Photograph
- Waterfall long exposures
- Canyon landscapes
- Forest details
- Autumn foliage
- Rock formations
Storstupet
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Storstupet+Orsa
Located close to Helvetesfallet, Storstupet is one of the deepest canyons in Dalarna. The combination of steep rock walls, the river below and the railway bridge crossing the gorge creates one of the most unique landscape photography locations in Sweden.
Best Instagram Spot
The viewpoint overlooking the canyon with the railway bridge crossing above the river.
Hällorna
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Hällorna+Orsa
Hidden between Helvetesfallet and Storstupet lies one of Orsa’s lesser-known photography gems. The area features rock formations, rapids and beautiful forest scenery and is often much quieter than the more famous locations nearby.
Best Subjects
- River landscapes
- Forest photography
- Long exposures
- Rock formations
Lusbostupet
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Lusbostupet+Orsa
Lusbostupet is a hidden cascade where the river drops through multiple levels. One of the most photogenic details is a weathered fallen pine tree stretching across the water.
Best Time
After rain or during spring snowmelt.
Koppången Nature Reserve
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Koppångens+Naturreservat
Koppången is one of Sweden’s most famous wetland landscapes. Vast mires, wooden boardwalks, morning mist and beautiful autumn colours make it a paradise for landscape photographers. The reserve is considered one of the most valuable mire systems in the country.
What to Photograph
- Morning fog
- Autumn colours
- Wetlands
- Wildlife
- Snow-covered landscapes
Best Time
Sunrise is exceptional.
Lindänget Bird Platform
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Lindänget+Orsa
Lindänget is one of the best bird photography locations in the Siljan region. The reserve includes a bird tower and viewing platform overlooking wetlands and Orsasjön. Large numbers of migratory birds pass through during spring and autumn.
What to Photograph
- Migratory birds
- Sunrise over wetlands
- Reflections
- Landscape photography
Orsasjön Shoreline
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Orsasjön
The shoreline around Orsasjön offers numerous opportunities for sunrise photography, reflections and drone photography.
Best Time
Early morning when the water is calm.
Orsa Grönklitt
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Orsa+Grönklitt
Known primarily as a ski resort, Grönklitt also offers excellent photography throughout the year. The elevated position provides sweeping views over forests and lakes.
Best Subjects
- Landscape photography
- Autumn forests
- Winter scenes
- Wildlife photography
Pilkalampinoppi
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Pilkalampinoppi
This hidden mountain viewpoint north of Orsa features a historic fire tower and one of the best panoramic views in the region. The short hike makes it accessible while still feeling remote.
Best Photos
- Panoramas
- Drone photography
- Sunset landscapes
- Forest wilderness
Korpimäki
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Korpimäki
At 732 metres above sea level, Korpimäki is the highest mountain in Orsa Municipality. The summit offers spectacular wilderness views and opportunities to photograph untouched forest landscapes.
Skattungbyn
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Skattungbyn
One of the most picturesque villages near Orsa. Traditional buildings, rolling hills and beautiful countryside scenery create classic Swedish landscape photography opportunities.
Östra Grunuberg Fäbod
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Östra+Grunuberg+Fäbod
A quieter alternative to Fryksås with beautiful traditional buildings and a peaceful atmosphere.
Näckodalsågen
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Näckodalsågen
A beautifully restored historic water-powered sawmill surrounded by forest. It is one of the most unique cultural photography locations in Orsa.
Best Sunrise Photography Spots in Orsa
- Fryksås
- Koppången
- Lindänget
- Orsasjön Shoreline
- Korpimäki
Best Sunset Photography Spots in Orsa
- Pilkalampinoppi
- Fryksås
- Korpimäki
- Orsa Grönklitt
- Skattungbyn
Best Autumn Photography Locations in Orsa
- Koppången
- Fryksås
- Helvetesfallet
- Storstupet
- Orsa Grönklitt
- Korpimäki
Related Photography Guides
- Best Photo Spots in Mora
- Best Photo Spots in Rättvik
- Best Photo Spots in Tällberg
- Best Photo Spots Near Lake Siljan
- About the Author
FAQ
What is the best photo spot in Orsa?
Fryksås is the most iconic photography location thanks to its traditional fäbod buildings and spectacular views over Orsasjön and Siljan.
Where can I photograph waterfalls in Orsa?
Helvetesfallet, Storstupet and Lusbostupet are the best waterfall and canyon photography locations.
Where can I photograph wildlife in Orsa?
Lindänget and Koppången offer excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife photography.
When is the best time to photograph Orsa?
Autumn is generally the most photogenic season, but spring migration at Lindänget and winter landscapes around Fryksås are also exceptional.