Welcome to the enriching experiences of Filipstad, which you can reach within an hour’s drive from places like Karlstad, Örebro, and Karlskoga. Here, you’ll find tranquility, and with a bit of exploration, you’ll discover your very own hidden gem.
Restaurants and Activities in Filipstad
During your visit, whether you crave a historical dining experience at a manor or a pizza from a street vendor, you’ll find it here.
Saxå bruk, managed by Carl Jan Granqvist, offers unique dining experiences with accommodation in a cultural and historical setting. Next to the mill, you’ll find Saxå Golf Club for those who fancy a round of golf on one of Sweden’s most beautiful courses. Here, you can also explore Saxåhyttan, one of the oldest blast furnaces in the Värmland mining region.
A blend of nature, food, and relaxation awaits you at Hennickehammars Herrgård. Located right by Hemtjärn, the manor has been a popular choice for weddings, conferences, and dinner parties for many. It offers a culinary experience for both adults and children.
Hennickehammars Manor
Big Hill Lodge
From Big Hill Lodge on Storhöjden just northeast of Filipstad, you’ll enjoy an incredible view of the town. Climbing the stairs to the viewing tower, you can see the entire municipality. At Big Hill Lodge, you can enjoy homemade pastries, waffles, à la carte dining, and cozy cabin accommodation.
Throughout the municipality, you can visit several cafes like the summer café in Brattfors, Café Stationshuset in Lesjöfors, or Café Huset in Filipstad.
Filipstad municipality offers abundant nature experiences. Spend your time fishing with friends and family at a pond, river, or lake with facilities for put and take fishing. Hike in Brattforsheden or explore the depths of Tilas Stoll in Högbergsfältet.
If you prefer to excel in your favorite high-energy activities, there are several options. On Bergslagskanalen, you can navigate by boat, kayak, or canoe through lakes and locks all the way to Kristinehamn. The Kalhyttan sports and recreation arena offers trails in varying terrain, mountain bike trails, and fantastic cross-country skiing tracks in winter.
If you’re traveling with children, fun activities include visiting Hornkullens Silver Mine in Nykroppa, Långban Mining and Cultural Village, and Trollstigen in Lesjöfors.
History and Culture
Filipstad municipality has been shaped by iron and mining industries for several centuries, and minerals are still extracted here. It was these industries that led to a population increase in the area from the 14th century onwards and eventually granted Filipstad its city privileges. The city was named after Karl Filip, son of King Karl IX, in 1611. Today, the approximately 11,000 inhabitants of the municipality are a driving force that transforms your visit into something entirely new each time. You’ll primarily encounter the population in the urban areas of Filipstad, Lesjöfors, Nykroppa, and Persberg, but also in Brattfors, Långban, Nordmark, and Rämmen.
If you want to learn more about the iron and mining industries, you can visit Långbans Gruv- and Kulturby and Nordmarks Gruvmuseum. Långban is also known as the second-most mineral-rich place in the world. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Ericsson brothers? John Ericsson, the inventor of the propeller and the submarine, and his brother Nils Ericsson, the engineer who laid the foundation for Sweden’s railways and canals, both grew up here. Another well-known figure from the area is the poet and writer Nils Ferlin. Museet Kvarnen, also known as the Ferlin Museum, has a permanent exhibition about the poet’s life.
Lesjöfors Museum offers both nostalgia and new knowledge, reflecting the history of the mill and the Lesjöfors region. Here, you can learn about the significance of bandy and the mill for the population.
Many well-preserved mills, remnants of the iron and mining industries, constitute a significant part of Filipstad municipality’s cultural heritage architecture. Storbrohyttan is one of the grandest mills in Bergslagen and was established in the late 16th century. During the summer months, you can get guided tours from the local heritage association in Munkeberg, where other discoveries await.
Business and Education
Barilla, with its Wasabröd, is Europe’s largest producer of crispbread. In Filipstad, 60,000 tons of crispbread are produced every year, and here, you can visit the factory store, learn about the history, and purchase products. Other well-known companies in the municipality include OLW, Ballograf, Robust Steel Doors, and Lesjöfors Springs.
Education in mining and metallurgy is provided at the Bergsskolan in Filipstad. The university, part of Luleå University, offers both 2- and 3-year programs, providing specialized skills for future engineers.
Additionally, there is a rich community life in sports, culture, and business climate. Filipstad Ski Club, Kulöra Lyktor, and the City Association are just a few of the active organizations in the municipality.
Accommodation and Camping
Here, you’ll find serene and beautifully located accommodations of various kinds. Hotel Hertig Karl in central Filipstad offers a personalized environment, a homely atmosphere, and excellent hospitality. The hotel is named after Filipstad’s founder, Karl IX. For those seeking a different experience, Asphyttan Metta House is a B&B with a yoga center. Retreats are regularly organized here, offering input and rejuvenation. If you’re traveling with a camper or caravan, there are pitch sites available in places like Kyrkviken and Kalhyttan. Munkebergs Camping, located by Lersjön, is one of the sites with excellent amenities, perfect for quickly setting up camp and heading out for a swim.