At Hammartorpsmossen, a boardwalk leads through a treeless, nutrient-poor bog. The circular trail, approximately 1.3 kilometres long, provides a clearly defined setting for experiencing the landscape. The Municipality of Flen has restored this wetland landscape to help reduce the climate impact, support biodiversity and provide opportunities for recreation.
Bog trails and the landscape around Orrhammaren
The Sörmlandsleden trail also passes through wet terrain: a 100-metre boardwalk crosses a stream and marshy ground. A connecting trail on the Sörmlandsleden, about 20 kilometres long, leads from Flen to Hälleforsnäs. The routes therefore differ considerably in length: the trail at Hammartorpsmossen is a short loop, while the connection to Hälleforsnäs is a longer route between two places.
The Sörmlandsleden also heads towards Lake Orrhammaren, where there are places to swim. The peninsula of Orrestaö, which has two bathing spots, is located by the lake. Depending on the season, you can rent canoes, stand-up paddleboards and life jackets directly from the restaurant there. The bog, hiking trail and bathing spots offer different ways to experience the landscape; the routes and locations mentioned should not be understood as a single route.
Railway history and art in town
Flen’s history is closely linked to the expansion of the railway in the 19th century: Flen became one of the country’s most important railway hubs. The Västra stambanan was completed in 1862, followed by the intersecting Grängesberg–Eskilstuna–Flen–Oxelösund line in 1877. Flen railway station dates from 1892; the station and platform canopy are listed buildings. The platform canopy is also included in Sweden’s register of state-owned listed buildings.
Public art also offers tangible reference points to the town’s history. The sculpture “Tonåring” was installed at Centralplan in 1965 and is part of the sculpture walk. “Vertikal strävan” is an aluminium sculpture with a fountain and pool; it was installed on 15 September 1976. The two works differ in material and design, and their installation dates place them in different decades.
At Flen Church, it is worth looking out for some unusual details: in the so-called “gubbvalv”, the vault ribs form grotesque figures. The furnishings also include two 12th-century baptismal fonts. The combination of architectural details and historic furnishings offers a different perspective on local history from the railway buildings and sculptures.
Thuleparken and cultural events
The Thuleparken local heritage park lies at the highest point of Flen, in the middle of town. The museum includes buildings from farms in the area around the town centre; collections of tools from earlier times are also on display. Midsummer, Homecoming Day, the glass and jazz festival, and a Christmas market are celebrated in the park. Another annual community event in Flen is the culture and literature festival, organised by the Culture Unit, the library and the culture school together with Litteraturutveckling Sörmland and NBV.
Practical activities in Flen
For a stay that caters to different interests, there are leisure activities as well as places to visit for nature and culture. Through Fritidsbanken in Flen, you can borrow reused sports and leisure equipment free of charge for two weeks. Flen swimming pool has a 25-metre pool with six lanes; a stairway makes it easier to access. Check the latest information about the pool before your visit.
The Sagabiografen screens current films; you can book cinema tickets on its website. Flen’s attractions range from bog trails and bathing spots to art, railway history, museums and cinema. You can decide which of these aspects to focus on according to your interests.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Bettna, Malmköping, Sparreholm, Flen, Mellösa, Hälleforsnäs, Vingåker, Gnesta.
For the regional travel overview: Södermanland.
