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Dalarna

Bordering Norway to the west, Dalarnas län (county) occupies a broad swath of land in middle Sweden. It runs from the remote and rugged landscapes of Grövelsjön and Idre in the northwest for about 350km to its southeastern extent, putting it within striking distance for holidaying Stockholmers.

At its heart, the shimmering waters of Lake Siljan, mirror-like in the late, midsummer sun, are bounded by mythical forests and rolling hills dotted with those picture perfect red-painted cottages that epitomise Swedish country life. Dalarna is also the origin of the iconic painted wooden Dalahäst (Dala horse) central to Swedish folklore.

Falun is the county capital, with its World Heritage copper mine and opportunities to get active in the great outdoors year-round. Stock up on painted horses outside Mora in the village of Nusnäs or if it is relaxing you seek, the village of Tällberg is sure to please.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Dalarna.

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Munthe’s Hildasholm
Built by Axel Munthe (1857–1949), who served as the Swedish royal physician and wrote the best-selling memoir The Story of San Michele, this sumptuously decorated National Romantic–style mansion is set in beautiful gardens with views over Lake Siljan. Built for Munthe's second wife, an English aristocrat, in 1910–11, the mansion was rarely visited by Munthe as he spent most of his time attending to Queen Viktoria on the island of Capri. Admission is by guided tour only. Tours (in Swedish) run every hour, with a guided tour in English at 2pm.
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Zorngården
The Zorn family house, Zorngården, is an excellent example of a wealthy artist’s residence and reflects Anders Zorn’s National Romantic aspirations (check out the Viking-influenced hall and entryway). Access to the house is by guided tour (in Swedish) on the hour and half-hour. Guided tours in English are conducted over the summer season at 11.15am and 2.15pm and must be booked in advance. Combination tickets including the adjacent Zornmuseet are 160kr (no child discount).
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Vasaloppsmuseet
Even if you have no interest in skiing, you may be pleasantly surprised by the excellent Vasaloppsmuseet, which really communicates the passion behind the world’s largest cross-country skiing event. There’s some fantastic crackly black-and-white film of the first race, a display about nine-times winner and hardy old boy Nils ‘Mora-Nisse’ Karlsson, and an exhibit of prizes. Outside the museum is the race finish line, a favourite place for holiday snaps (distilled alcoholic beverage).
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Naturum Dalarna
This visitor centre and nature park, 16km northwest of Leksand, has information about the meteor that hit several million years ago and local flora and fauna, with a slightly moth-eaten collection of 50 stuffed animals. There are activities for toddlers, nature walks and films; kids can even paint their own wooden horse. Two-hour guided tours of the park in English are available (book in advance). The highlight is the 22m-high viewing platform offering stunning 360-degree views around the lake.
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Rättviks Gammelgård
You can get your open-air-museum fix at Rättviks gammelgård, 500m north of the kyrka – it’s a collection of buildings that were moved here during the 1920s from villages around Rättvik parish (the oldest is from the 1300s). There’s a good collection of furniture painted in the local style, and a unique ' ullkorgen ' (wool bin) from the 1200s. The grounds are always open for exploring, but the cafe and building interiors are summer-only.
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Japanska Parken
In recognition of the town's sister-city-hood with Tobetsu, Japan, you'll find this lovely (and authentic) Japanese garden by the shores of Lake Siljan. It's a wonderful, quiet place to sit and contemplate.
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Långbryggan
Scandinavia’s longest wooden pier, the impressive 628m Långbryggan, runs out into the lake from just behind the train station.
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Zornmuseet
Zornmuseet displays many of the best-loved portraits and characteristic nudes of Mora painter Anders Zorn (1860–1920), one of Sweden’s most renowned artists. His naturalistic depictions of Swedish life and landscapes are shown here, as is the Zorn family silver collection. A combined ticket including admission to the adjacent Zorngården costs 160kr (no discount for kids).
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Gravfälten på Sollerön
Head to Sollerö Hembygdsgård for a map and local knowledge on how best to explore this fragile, historical site featuring a 3km walking trail among ancient burial mounds. You'll need a good sense of imagination to truly appreciate the place, which the untrained eye could pass off as ordinary fields. Bus 323 from Mora (30kr, 40 minutes) will take you there.