Discover Malung: Leather Tradition, River Trails and Nature

Malung combines a centuries-old leather tradition with historic sites, trails along the Västerdalälven and a wide range of opportunities for active days. Those planning a trip with varied interests can choose between culture, hiking, cycling, canoeing and fishing. When looking for a suitable holiday apartment in Malung, the key consideration is therefore the desired balance between exploring the town and experiencing nature.

Leather Craft and Living Local History

Malung is considered Sweden’s leather centre. The leather industry has shaped the identity of the area for several hundred years. At Malungs hembygdsgård, this tradition is brought to life through collections and exhibitions on the leather industry. The site includes several historic buildings, the oldest of which date from the 16th century. This gives visitors a direct connection to the region’s history without limiting them to a single attraction.

Malungs kyrka also tells of a long past. The oldest part of the church was built as early as the 13th century. Pilgrims travelling along the Västerdalälven to the tomb of Saint Olav in Nidaros used it as a resting place. Skinnarspelet offers another cultural facet: the play centres on leather workers and the leather craft. Dansbandsveckan, by contrast, adds a modern musical touch and includes seven evenings, six dance floors and 82 dance bands.

Hiking Trails between Riverbank and Cultural Reserve

For shorter outings, Kringelkroken is a good choice: the one-kilometre walking trail lies close to Malung town centre on the eastern bank of the Västerdalälven and is wheelchair accessible. Those planning a longer route will find several hiking trails in Malung with varying lengths and levels of difficulty. The five-kilometre Hälsostigen runs along Malung’s former railway line and the riverbank between Lake Hällsjöviken and the southern part of Lake Mosjön.

At Kvarnstensbrottet Östra Utsjö, a signposted circular trail leads over 4.5 kilometres; the stated duration is one to two hours. The site preserves evidence of Malung’s first industry, the quarrying of millstones, which was carried out from the Viking Age until 1880. Since 2003, Kvarnstensbrottet Östra Utsjö has been protected as a cultural reserve. The Eggarnas nature reserve outside Malung also combines hiking opportunities in a wilderness-like setting with geological interest provided by the Malungsåsen ridge. Finally, Fäbodstigen is 17 kilometres long and passes three summer pasture farms.

Canoeing, Cycling and Fishing

Canoe routes run along the Görälven, Fulan and Västerdalälven rivers. Canoes and kayaks can be rented in Malung; providers also offer transport assistance and rent out tents and other equipment for outdoor activities. Those who prefer fishing can rent fishing equipment or book a guided fishing trip or a fishing excursion with a guide.

There are also various options for cycling tours. Several cycle routes with different levels of difficulty can be reached from the centre of Malung, including family-friendly routes and more challenging tours. The 22-kilometre Forsrundan runs on country roads on both sides of the Västerdalälven between the campsite and Malungsfors. This allows you to choose between a short walk, a longer hike and a more demanding cycling tour.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Malung, first consider which experiences should define your stay. For those interested in culture, the church, Hembygdsgård, leather tradition and Skinnarspelet are the main highlights. Those who mainly want to spend time outdoors can include hiking trails, canoe routes, cycling tours or guided fishing opportunities in their plans. When searching for suitable accommodation, you can compare these priorities with your personal travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also visit Sörsjön, Transtrand, Malungsfors, Tandådalen, Stöten, Öje, Limedsforsen and Lima.

For the higher-level travel overview: Malung-Sälen.