Things To Do
in Filipstad
Filipstad is a small, historic town in Värmland County in west-central Sweden, surrounded by forests, lakes and remnants of Sweden’s iron- and mining heritage. The town center features charming wooden buildings, a relaxed pace of life and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and cross‑country skiing. Visitors will find a mix of local cultural sites — small museums, historic mines such as Långban — and friendly cafés and pubs.
Filipstad makes a good base for exploring rural Sweden, with scenic drives and trails radiating into the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a cozy café in the main square, where you can enjoy local pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a walking tour of the historic buildings that reflect the town's rich heritage. Don’t miss the charming St. John’s Church, known for its stunning architecture.
Head to the Filipstad Museum to dive deeper into the town's history and culture, featuring fascinating exhibits on the local mining industry. Afterward, take a scenic stroll through the surrounding gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. Explore the artisan shops and perhaps pick up a unique handcrafted souvenir.
Dinner at a traditional Swedish restaurant will provide the perfect end to your day, with local dishes to savor. Afterward, consider attending a cultural event or performance at the local community center. As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing evening walk by the waterfront, taking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out to nearby hiking trails. The Liuve campsite offers beautiful paths that wind through lush forests and alongside serene lakes. Be sure to pack a camera for capturing the stunning natural scenery.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, perhaps at a scenic lookout point. Spend your afternoon fishing or kayaking in one of the many pristine lakes nearby. The tranquility of the water and the surrounding forests will rejuvenate your spirit.
Return to Filipstad for dinner at a lakeside grill, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. After dinner, unwind at your accommodation or join locals for a cozy bonfire and storytelling session. Starlit skies above the serene lakes make for a magical close to your adventure-filled day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $50-80 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $6-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities year-round
- Quiet, safe small-town atmosphere and friendly locals
- Access to regional mining heritage sites such as Långban
- Limited nightlife and cultural events compared with larger cities
- Fewer dining and accommodation options; some services close in off-season
- Public transport connections are less frequent—having a car is helpful
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tack" - Thank you
- "Ursäkta, var ligger toaletten?" - Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- "Jag är vegetarian" - I am vegetarian
- "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Filipstad
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph traditional wooden architecture, colorful facades and the small-town streetscapes in soft morning light.
Nearby lakes offer reflective water, reed beds and classic Scandinavian sunset colors—ideal for golden-hour shots.
Historic mining structures, old shafts and mineral-rich outcrops give textured, dramatic subjects and interesting foregrounds.
Dense forests and berry patches create intimate nature compositions, especially during autumn foliage.
Food in Filipstad
Filipstad Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured salmon served with dill and mustard-dill sauce — commonly found in local restaurants and buffets, especially in lakeside eateries.
Must-Try!
Crispy potato pancakes often served with fried pork and tart lingonberry jam; a comforting regional classic in bistros and home-cooking style restaurants.
A variety of cold and hot small plates — expect herring preparations, cheeses and cured meats at larger local eateries or seasonal events.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly or seasonal markets and stalls sell local cheeses, cured meats, freshly baked goods and berries; try street-style open sandwiches (smörgås) and local pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swedes value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments and tours.
You can walk, camp briefly and forage on most uncultivated land but must show respect for nature, private property and local rules—leave no trace.
Respect personal space, keep voices moderate in public and queue politely; Swedes are generally reserved but friendly when approached.
It’s common to remove shoes when visiting someone’s home—follow your host’s lead and bring clean socks or indoor shoes if invited.
Safety
Tipping in Filipstad
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden; rounding up or leaving a 5–10% tip for excellent service is appreciated but not expected. In bars and cafés you can leave change or add a small tip for table service.
Card payments and contactless are widely accepted; mobile payments via Swish are very common locally. Cash is less used but still accepted in smaller shops — carry a small amount just in case.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summers are mild and pleasant with long daylight hours and lots of outdoor activities—ideal for hiking, canoeing and festivals. Expect mosquitoes in forests and near water; bring repellent. Many local businesses have extended opening hours in high season.
Autumn brings spectacular foliage, mushroom and berry foraging (follow local guidance), cooler days and crisp air; days shorten rapidly later in the season. Good season for photography and quieter trails.
Winters are cold with snow and short daylight hours—great for cross-country skiing and cozy indoor dining. Roads and paths can be icy; bring warm, layered clothing and traction for shoes if walking.
Spring is a transitional season with thawing streams, bird migration and budding forests; unpredictable weather means packing layers. Early spring can still be chilly and muddy on trails.
Filipstad at Night
Hiking in Filipstad
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails around the historic Långban mining area offer short hikes with interesting geological features and mineral-rich outcrops; good for light to moderate walks.
Parts of the Bergslagsleden trail network run through the broader region—hikers can access multi-day routes and scenic forest landscapes in stages near Filipstad.
Several shorter loops around nearby lakes are perfect for easy hikes, birdwatching and swimming in summer, with picnic spots and quiet sections of shoreline.
Airports
How to reach Filipstad by plane.
The closest regional airport (approximately 50–80 km depending on route) with domestic flights and connections; accessible by car or regional bus services.
A regional airport (roughly 70–100 km drive) offering some domestic and charter flights; rental cars and regional buses connect to nearby towns.
The main international gateway for the region, roughly a 2–3 hour drive depending on traffic; good train and flight connections to other international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population is ethnic Swedes, including families who have lived in the area for generations; many are involved in forestry, small industry and services.
Like many rural Swedish towns, Filipstad has a significant proportion of older residents, contributing to a calm pace of life.
There is a modest presence of immigrants and a small number of international residents attracted by work, study or rural living.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is popular in Värmland and across Sweden; local clubs and amateur teams are common and community rinks host youth and adult games.
A traditional winter pastime, with groomed tracks and forest trails used for skiing during snowy months.
Local football clubs are active in summer, with matches and youth training forming a community focus.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Filipstad.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés and restaurants (salads, vegetable mains, potato dishes). Inform staff with "Jag är vegetarian" if you have specific restrictions; many places accommodate with prior notice.
Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but are more limited than in big cities — check menus in advance, use Swedes’ increasing familiarity with dietary needs, or bring specialty items if you have strict allergies.