Orsa Lake
Lake Swedish lake near Orsa town
Lake near Orsa in Dalarna County, Orsa Lake supports fishing, small-boat cruising and shoreline trails; nearby towns offer summer markets and access to the Siljan region.
Orsa Lake (Orsasjön) is a freshwater lake in Dalarna County in central Sweden located near the town of Orsa. It is part of the regional lake landscape of Dalarna and used locally for recreation and fishing.
The lake attracts small-boat recreation, angling and birdwatching; shoreline paths and campsites around the lake provide most public access. Water-based activities and quiet shoreline fishing are typical uses rather than large-scale tourism.
Like many lakes in central Sweden, it occupies a basin shaped by glacial processes during the last Ice Age and supports mixed freshwater fish species and wetlands along parts of its shore. Local settlements around the lake have used it for transport and resource access for centuries.
Geographically it sits within Orsa municipality in Dalarna, with the town of Orsa providing the nearest services and access points to the lake.
How to Get to Orsa Lake #
Orsa Lake is near the town of Orsa in Dalarna County. From Mora or the E45 road, follow local roads to Orsa (roughly 30-60 minutes by car depending on start point). Regional buses connect the larger towns; driving provides the most flexibility for lakeside stops.
Tips for Visiting Orsa Lake #
- Go at first light to catch mist lifting off the water and fishermen starting their day.
- If birdwatching, bring binoculars - local reedbeds and shoreline are better seen from hides and quieter access points.
- In winter, expect thin ice in places but never assume it is safe - local lakes vary year to year.
Best Time to Visit Orsa Lake #
Summer is best for general visits; winter offers a different, quieter mood but requires caution with ice.
Weather & Climate near Orsa Lake #
Orsa Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (616 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
