Flen Travel Guide

Explore the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures of Flen, Sweden. Plan your itinerary with our comprehensive travel guide.


Your Complete Travel Guide to Flen, Sweden

Located in Södermanland County, in Svealand, in Sweden, in the Nordic countries, in Europe, Flen is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cultural heritage, experience outdoor adventures, or simply enjoy scenic views, Flen has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we bring you a list of top attractions, things to do, places to stay, local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

Introduction to Flen

Flen is a small municipality in central Sweden, surrounded by beautiful forests and lakes. The town has a rich history, with traces of human settlement dating back to the early Stone Age. Over the years, Flen has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, with the remains of Viking settlements, medieval castles, and modern industries shaping the town’s cultural and economic landscape.

Today, Flen is a thriving community with a small-town feel, where locals welcome visitors with open arms. The best time to visit Flen is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the days are long. Plan a day trip or a week-long holiday and explore the best of what Flen has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Flen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gnesta-Strängnäs Railway: A historic railway that connects the towns of Gnesta and Strängnäs, passing through Flen. Take a scenic train ride and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
  • Flen Castle: A medieval castle built in the 16th century, now open to the public for guided tours.
  • Näs Castle: Another medieval castle, built in the early 17th century, now converted into a hotel and conference center.
  • Flen Museum: A local museum showcasing the history and culture of Flen, with exhibitions on Viking artifacts, medieval artifacts, and traditional crafts.

Natural Attractions of Flen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hjälmarens strandbad: A beautiful beach on the shores of Lake Hjälmaren, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Skansenbadet: An outdoor pool with water slides and diving boards, perfect for families with kids.
  • Flen Nature Reserve: A nature reserve located on the outskirts of Flen, with hiking and biking trails.
  • Sörmlandsleden: A 627 km long hiking trail that passes through Flen, with stunning views of lakes, forests, and meadows.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Flen

Flen is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. The most famous is the Sörmlandsleden, which connects Flen to other towns and villages in the region. Other popular hiking and biking routes include:

  • Flen Nature Reserve Trail: A 5 km long hiking trail that passes through forests and meadows, with beautiful views of Lake Stora Böljen.
  • Lidaleden: A 56 km long biking trail that passes through Flen and connects to other towns in the region.
  • Vadstenaleden: A 150 km long hiking and biking trail that connects Flen to Vadstena, passing through forests and hills.

Best Things to Do in Flen: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking on Lake Hjälmaren: Rent a kayak and explore the beautiful shores of Lake Hjälmaren.
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers around Flen are perfect for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch pike, perch, and other species.
  • Horseback riding: Take a scenic horseback ride through the forests and meadows around Flen.
  • Golfing: Flen has several golf courses, including the popular Sörmlands Golf Club.

Week-Long Itinerary for Flen

Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm and take a train to Flen. Day 2: Explore Flen Castle and Näs Castle. Day 3: Take a scenic train ride on the Gnesta-Strängnäs Railway. Day 4: Go kayaking or fishing on Lake Hjälmaren. Day 5: Hike through the Flen Nature Reserve. Day 6: Take a horseback ride through the forests around Flen. Day 7: Play a round of golf and relax in the local spa.

Food and Drink Scene of Flen

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gravlax: A traditional Swedish dish made of salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill.
  • Smörgåsbord: A buffet-style meal with traditional Swedish dishes like meatballs, pickled herring, and crispbread.
  • Chokladbollar: A dessert made of oatmeal, cocoa, butter, sugar, and coconut.

Local Beverages

  • Snaps: A traditional Swedish drink made of distilled spirits flavored with herbs and spices.
  • Cider: Flen has several award-winning cider-makers, producing a range of organic ciders.

Where to Stay in Flen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Näs Slott: A 17th-century castle converted into a hotel and conference center.
  • Flen Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Flen.
  • Björkelund Bed & Breakfast: A cozy guesthouse with beautiful gardens and delicious breakfast.

What to Buy in Flen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Lingonberry Jam: A popular Swedish jam made from lingonberries.
  • Handicrafts: Flen has a rich tradition of handicrafts, including pottery, weaving, and woodcarving.
  • Cider: Flen’s award-winning cider-makers produce a range of organic ciders that make a perfect gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Flen

  • Flen Market: A weekly market that takes place every Tuesday, selling local crafts, food, and clothes.
  • Midsummer Celebrations: Flen celebrates Midsummer with traditional ceremonies that involve dancing around a maypole, eating pickled herring, and drinking snaps.

Best Time to Visit Flen

The best time to visit Flen is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the days are long. Plan your visit between June and August to experience the best of what Flen has to offer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Flen

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and activities.
  • Try local dishes and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the local environment.
  • Ignore safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Disrespect the locals or their customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Flen

Flen is a safe town with a low crime rate. However, visitors are advised to take basic safety precautions, such as locking their doors and windows and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Flen

Flen has several medical clinics and hospitals that provide basic healthcare services. Visitors are advised to take travel insurance before arriving in Flen.

Getting to Flen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Flen

The closest international airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which is about 110 km away from Flen.

Bus Stations Near Flen

Flen has a bus station, with regular services connecting to major towns and cities in the region.

Other Options

The best way to get to Flen is by train, with frequent services connecting to Stockholm and other towns in the region.

How to Get Around in Flen

Flen is a small town, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. However, visitors can also rent a bike or car to explore the town and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Flen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Stockholm: The capital city of Sweden, with beautiful architecture, museums, and cultural attractions.
  • Trosa: A picturesque town on the shores of the Baltic Sea, known for its cobbled streets and colorful houses.
  • Nyköping: A historic town with a castle, churches, and museums.

Conclusion

Flen is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re interested in cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying scenic views, Flen has something for everyone. Explore the town and its surroundings, try local dishes and beverages, and immerse yourself in the local culture. We hope this travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your next holiday in Flen, Sweden.