Halmens Hus

Unique museum with exciting craft courses

Straw exhibition and history of arts and crafts

Five minutes' drive east of central Bengtsfors is Halmens Hus - the Nordic region's only museum about straw. Straw was used, in the beginning of time, mainly for braiding and sewing various utility items - but also in various ritual contexts. Straw has been used as a material for as long as humans have been working the land. A permanent exhibition tells the history of straw linen and its importance for Dalsland as an extra source of income in poor homes.

The exhibition hall also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, focusing on crafts and other interesting art forms.

Quality handicrafts and exciting courses

At Halmens Hus you get genuine Swedish handicrafts of the highest quality, mainly created by local craftsmen. The shop has a lot of straw crafts, but also handicrafts in wood, ceramics, textiles, netting and glass. If you want to buy more items after your visit, there is also an online shop.

If you want to try your hand at it, the museum has a wide range of courses where you can learn different crafts, embroidery and weaving techniques. Perhaps make your own beaver bag or straw hat - or buy some straw knives and continue crafting at home?
Find out more course details!