Sights in Falun
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Falu Kopparbergsgruva
Falun's copper mine, Falu Kopparbergsgruva was the world's most important by the 17th century and drove many of Sweden's international aspirations during that period. Today it's on Unesco's World Heritage List and makes for a fascinating day out.
Tradition says that a goat called Kåre first drew attention to the copper reserves, when he rolled in the earth and pranced back to the village with red horns. The first historical mention is in a document from 1288, when the Bishop of Västerås bought shares in the company. As a by-product, the mine produced the red paint that became a characteristic of Swedish houses and Falu Red is still well-used today. The mine finally closed…
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Carl Larsson-Gården
Whatever you do, don’t miss Carl Larsson-gården, home of artist Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin, in the picturesque village of Sundborn. After the couple’s deaths, their early-20th-century home was preserved in its entirety by their children, but it’s no gloomy memorial. Lilla Hyttnäs is a work of art, full of brightness, humour and love. Superb colour schemes and furniture fill the house: Carl’s portraits of his wife and children are everywhere, and Karin’s tapestries and embroidery reveal she was as skilled an artist as her husband. Even today, the modern styles throughout the house (especially the dining room) will inspire interior decorators, and the way the family l…
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Mining Complex
The mining complex, to the west of town at the top end of Gruvgatan, contains various sights. Most dramatic is the Stora Stöten (Great Pit), a vast hole caused by a major mine collapse in the 17th century. By a miracle, the miners were on holiday that day and no one was harmed. There are lookouts around the crater edge, and numerous mine buildings including a 15m waterwheel and shaft-head machinery. Opening hours are complicated – check the website for details. Take bus 709.
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Mine Museum
The mine museum contains everything you could possibly want to know about the history, administration, engineering, geology and copper production of the mine, as well as the sad story of Fat Mats the miner.
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Dalarnas Museum
Dalarnas Museum is a super introduction to Swedish folk art, music and costumes. Selma Lagerlöf’s study is preserved here, and there are ever-changing art and craft exhibitions.
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Stora Kopparbergs Kyrka
Falun’s oldest building is Stora Kopparbergs Kyrka, dating from the late 14th century, with brick vaulting and folk-art flowers running round the walls.
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Kristine Kyrka
A sea of baroque blue-and-gold hits you at Kristine Kyrka, which shows off the riches brought to town by the 17th-century copper trade.
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Hopptornen
Hopptornen, the tower and ski jump in the hills behind Falun, has great views; you can either walk or take a lift to the top (Skr20).
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Carl Larssons Porträttsamling
If you like Carl Larsson's work, check out the Carl Larssons Porträttsamling, where there are 12 portraits of local worthies.
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