Malung: Leather Traditions, Culture and Trails

Malung combines a long tradition of leatherworking with historic cultural sites and many ways to explore the surrounding area on foot, by bike or on the water. Dansbandsveckan adds its own special touch. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: history, outdoor activities or an event experience.

Leatherworking and history

Malung is considered Sweden’s leather centre; the leather industry has shaped the area’s identity for several hundred years. The collections and exhibitions at Malungs hembygdsgård offer insights into this tradition. The grounds include several historic buildings, the oldest of which date from the 16th century. Skinnarspelet is also about leatherworkers and the craft of leatherworking.

Malung Church tells an older story: its oldest section was built as early as the 13th century. The church served as a resting place for pilgrims travelling along the Västerdalälven to the tomb of Saint Olav in Nidaros. Malung is thus home to distinct chapters of history: the leather industry that shaped the area for centuries and the pilgrimage history of the church site.

Cultural reserve and hiking trails

Kvarnstensbrottet Östra Utsjö preserves traces of Malung’s first industry: the quarrying of millstones, which was carried out from the Viking Age until 1880. The area has been protected as a cultural reserve since 2003. A marked circular trail is 4.5 kilometres long and takes an estimated one to two hours. The trail lets you explore the cultural reserve within a manageable time frame.

The hiking trails also vary in length and character. Kringelkroken is a one-kilometre, wheelchair-accessible walking trail near the town centre, on the eastern bank of the Västerdalälven. Hälsostigen is five kilometres long and follows the former railway line from Malung and the riverbank between Lake Hällsjöviken and the southern part of Lake Mosjön. The 17-kilometre Fäbodstigen takes in three summer farms. Overall, Malung has hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

Outside Malung, the Eggarnas nature reserve offers hiking opportunities in a wilderness-like setting. Malungsåsen is one reason for geological interest in the area. Together, the routes and nature reserve offer something different: the reserve’s appeal also lies in its landscape and geology.

Cycling, paddling and fishing

Several cycling routes of varying difficulty start from central Malung, including family-friendly trails and more challenging rides. Forsrundan is a 22-kilometre cycling route on country roads on both sides of the Västerdalälven, between the campsite and Malungsfors.

Canoe routes are available on the Görälven, Fulan and Västerdalälven rivers. You can rent canoes and kayaks in Malung; providers also offer transport assistance and rent out tents and other outdoor equipment. Fishing can also be part of your plans: fishing equipment is available to rent, and providers organise guided fishing trips or offer fishing with a guide.

Dansbandsveckan and planning your stay

Dansbandsveckan features seven evenings, six dance floors and 82 dance bands. This event gives your stay a different focus from the cultural sites or outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Malung, you can plan your trip around what matters most to you: leatherworking and history, walking or cycling trails, activities on the water, or Dansbandsveckan.

Discover more destinations: Tandådalen, Lima, Sälen, Öje, Limedsforsen, Transtrand, Stöten, Sörsjön

For the wider travel overview: Malung-Sälen.