Naturum Dalarna

Lake Siljan


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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lake Siljan attractions

1. Japanska Parken

5.6 MILES

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…

2. Munthe’s Hildasholm

5.69 MILES

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…

3. Leksands Kyrka

5.86 MILES

Leksands Kyrka, with its distinctive onion dome, dates from the early 13th century but has been extensively renovated and enlarged. The church contains…

4. Vidablick Utsiktstorn

10.49 MILES

An enterprising 17-year-old built Vidablick Utsiktstorn, a viewing tower about 5km southeast of town, from where there are great panoramas of the lake. On…

5. Långbryggan

10.61 MILES

Scandinavia’s longest wooden pier, the impressive 628m Långbryggan, runs out into the lake from just behind the train station.

6. Rättviks Kyrka

10.84 MILES

The 13th-century church has 87 well-preserved church stables, the oldest dating from 1470. The pseudo-rune memorial beside the church commemorates the…

7. Rättviks Gammelgård

10.93 MILES

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…

8. Rättviks Kulturhus

11.12 MILES

This local museum complex houses the Rättviks bibliotek (library), art exhibitions and a display describing the Siljan meteor impact. The helpful staff go…