Discover Handen

When looking for a hotel in Handen, you can first choose the focus of your stay according to your interests: local history, art, and nature in Rudan offer different themes for planning your trip. The following places give you specific points of reference to help you decide what interests you most in Handen and Rudan.

Local history in Handen

The development of Handen was set in motion by Österhaninge railway station. It was established near this intersection in 1901 and renamed Handen station in 1913. The two dates mark different steps: first, the railway station at the intersection, and later, the change of name. Those interested in the area’s history will also find a suitable focus at Handens museum. The museum is dedicated to local history and is located near the centre of Haninge in a torp (traditional cottage) that was relocated and rebuilt. The museum also includes a forge, and craft courses are offered there. Seeing the building and the forge adds a tangible place to your exploration of the area’s history.

Public art

Haninge konsthall is located in the cultural centre and exhibits contemporary art by local and international artists. Two works of public art add further points of interest. At Stora Arkens torg in Handen, the artistic design Museum of Public Things brings together benches, trees, and a waste bin from different parts of the world. The work turns the square into a museum of public things. Everyday objects themselves become the subject of the design.

Another connection between art and its surroundings is offered by Afterglow by Anna Lidberg. Installed in 2021, the light artwork extends through Kulturhusparken behind the cultural centre, across tall pines, fissures in the rock, hidden nooks in the rock, and large stones. Music was specially composed for the work: Lidberg collaborated with musician Jon Ekström (Dödsvarg). His newly written music accompanies the installation and guides visitors between its different parts in the park. Light, landscape, and sound together form the work’s focus as described here.

Rudan: swimming area and trails

If you would like to spend time outdoors, Rudan offers several specific points of interest. You can reach the Rudan outdoor recreation area by commuter train to Handen station, then head straight through the south exit. Rudans friluftsbad, a large outdoor swimming area with a sandy beach and jetties, is located by Övre Rudansjön in Handen. The swimming area is a focus in its own right, while the trails in Rudan appeal to other interests.

The Harspåret cultural trail in Rudan passes several historically interesting sites with information signs. The Sörmlandsleden also runs through Rudan; its fifth stage passes through the area. The trails differ in the way they are described: Harspåret connects the route with historical sites and information, while Sörmlandsleden connects it with a stage of the long-distance trail. This way, when planning, you can focus on the themes that interest you instead of treating both trails as similar offerings.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a hotel in Handen, it helps to first consider whether local history, art, or spending time outdoors should be your main focus. Handens museum and Harspåret connect with local history; the konsthall and public artworks offer different perspectives on contemporary and site-specific art. In Rudan, the swimming area and trails take centre stage. These differences give you a practical guide to choosing the themes you would like to explore during your stay. Then check the available hotel deals to suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Vendelsö, Dalarö, Utö, Tungelsta, Haninge, Ornö, Muskö, Västerhaninge.

Go to the main travel overview: Haninge.