Örebro is Sweden's sixth biggest city and major transport hub for the country. It stands in the heart of the Lake District to the west of Stockholm. The city grew up at the point where the Svartån River reaches Lake Hjälmaren. Today, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country is Gustavsvik waterpark just outside Örebro. With a hire car from Örebro, it's easy to reach Gustavsvik and also Karlslund Manor, a grand stately home and gardens. Örebro Airport is about five miles to the south west of the city. Highlights of the surrounding countryside include the lakeshores to the east and mountains to the west. Pick of the villages is Brevens Bruk, a small town on 17th-century ochre-painted buildings around a mill.
The 13th-century Örebro Castle was built on an island in the river and now forms the main landmark at the centre of the city. The fortress is surrounded by water and is now a major attraction for visitors. If you hire a car in Örebro you'll be able to tour the old quarter on the banks of the river, where there are 18th-century painted wooden houses, museums, a concert hall, theatre and galleries. Grand buildings and parks line the riverbanks and the main town square is a grand historic space full of fountains and trees next to the old church and town hall. The city's mushroom-shaped water tower is another popular spot - people climb to the top for the views of the city and distant mountains.