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Culture & tradition, active summer, ski resorts, active winter, towns & food and accommodation in Dalarna.
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DALARNAFirst Region of SWEDEN
Home of Midsummer and the Dala horse
C U L T U R E & T R A D I T I O N , A C T I V E S U M M E R , S K I R E S O R T S , A C T I V E W I N T E R , T O W N S & F O O D , A C C O M M O D A T I O N
Year-round outdoors activities for the whole familyAlpine skiing – Dalarna is biggest in the Nordic regionWalking, cycling and ice skating – Dalarna leads the way
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Breathe in nature’s scents and feel the soft grass under your bare feet. Gaze at the sparkling, snow-clad trees on a stimu-lating cross-country skiing trip through a forest, or out on the fells.
Nature is all around you in Dalarna. Forests, lakes and meadows are waiting just around the corner for you and your family to dis-cover. It’s where you come to escape the crowds and the traffic, a place where life really is simple.
Dalarna is often called “Sweden in miniature”. Our province is an important part of the image of Sweden, culturally and geographi-cally too. We’ve got mountains, waterfalls and rivers, deep forests with glittering woodland lakes and open rolling farmland.
The varied landscape, outdoors activities and colourful, flour-ishing culture, make Dalarna one of Sweden’s most popular destinations. Our wonderful Midsummer celebrations, beautiful folk costumes, folk music and red cottages have been attract-ing visitors since the late 19th century, when Dalarna’s tourist industry first emerged.
Then, as now, tourists came from Sweden and from abroad. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen was one of the first celebrities to visit Dalarna. When he came here in 1849, he was so taken with Dalarna that he urged everyone who could to visit the province. Many followed his advice and tourism has been one of Dalarna’s most important industries ever since.
For many people, Dalarna is their favourite place to be. We hope it will be yours too.
Welcome to Dalarna!
A holiday for ALL SEASONS
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”Visit Dalarna to enjoy outdoors activities, cultural attractions and magnificent natural surroundings.”
ny?
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CONTENT
Finding your way around!At the end of the brochure you’ll find a grid reference map that shows all of the destinations mentioned in this brochure. For example, if you are looking for “Falun/H9”, just use the letter and number to find your way on the map.
If no other reference is provided in the brochure please refer to visitdalarna.se.
Responsible editor: Visit Dalarna. Photo: Nisse Schmidt, Jonas Hasselgren, Adam Klingetag, Magnus Söderkvist, Per Eriksson, Magnus Ragnvid, Richard Lindor, Helena Brunkman, Jonas Lindgren, Anders Olofsson, Mattias Klockar, Gomer Swahn, Sofia Hampus, Erica Sterner, Krister Halfars, SkiStar, Grönklitts-gruppen, Idre Fjäll, Säfsen Resort, Dalarnas Museum, Långshyttans älgpark, Främby Udde, Hotel Dalecarlia, Fönsterbacken Media, Visit Södra Dalarna, Siljan Turism, Visit Idre, Region Dalarna.
Printed in May, 2014. We are not liable for errors in the printing of this publication, or changes in the programmes, or sales.
C U L T U R E & T R A D I T I O N
6–15A C T I V E S U M M E R
16–25S K I R E S O R T S
26–29A C T I V E W I N T E R
30–35T O W N S & F O O D
36–39A C C O M M O D A T I O N
40–41M A P
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CULTURE & TRADITION SWEDISH ICONSDalarna is the heart and soul of the Swedish folk tradition. Many of the symbols you might think typically Swedish come from Dalarna: the gorgeous folk costumes, Midsummer cel-ebrations, red-painted cottages, foot-tapping folk music and – of course – the Dala horse.
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Kurbits paintingThe type of decorative painting most associated with Dalarna is known as “kurbits”. In this characteristic folk art form, surfaces are decorated with imaginary plants, bunches of flowers and leaves. The kurbits painting of the past is often seen combined with religious motifs on walls and on furniture. Today the style is used on craft objects and in different types of design, and also on high-heeled clogs and as tattoos! For painter Slotts Barbro, the traditional patterns have become a way of life. Her works are in great demand, in interior design, on fabric and on objects. She is perhaps best known for her collaboration with French fashion house Rochas, who used Slotts Barbro’s paintings in a collection of dresses in 2011. Visit Slotts Barbro’s studio in the village of Fjäkelmyra outside Borlänge (H9).
Folk costumesSweden’s peasant society of the past appreciated colour and design just as we do today. The patterns of the tradi-tional costumes varied by parish, showing where you came from, your marriage and social status and your family. Today folk costumes are often worn on feast days like Midsummer and also at weddings, fu-nerals and confirmations. The traditional folk costume is a source of great pride for the people of Dalarna. One of the people inspired by the patterns of the past is Mia Svalänge, the designer behind the company Lycka Form in Leksand. Her popular Leksand blankets are woven from the finest wool and have already become something of a modern classic. The range also includes rugs in various sizes and materials, all inspired by different traditional patterns from Dalarna. You can find the products in craft shops and in Lycka Form’s own shop in Leksand (G8).
The Dala horseThe orange wooden horse decorated with kurbits painting is a Swedish icon from Dalarna. The Dala horse is as Swedish as Swedish can be. The ancestor of today’s Dala horse was born in the 18th century when foresters, who were working away from home, would sit by the fire in dark winter even-ings and carve horses for their children at home in the village. In 1939 the Dala horse represented Sweden at the New York World’s Fair and in 2010 two giant Dala horses marked the entrance to the Swed-ish pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai. Genuine Dala horses are only made in Dalarna. Pay a visit to Nusnäs (F7) and see how this Swedish national symbol is made. And you can even paint your own!
Rich design heritageThe designers and craftspeople of Dalarna draw on the prov-inces’ rich design tradition for the colours, forms and patterns that inspire their contemporary designs. All while keeping traditional culture alive and relevant.
Mobile phone cover in modern design using traditional motif by Slotts Barbro.
≥ More ideas on crafts, designers and opening hours can be found at tourist information centres and at visitdalarna.se
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Made in Dalarna
Crafts – traditional and modernIn Sweden crafts have a special place in people’s hearts. Handi-crafts first arose in Swedish peasant culture. The different regions of Dalarna had specialities that are typical of the area to this day. In Våmhus (F6), north of Mora, they make woven birch baskets, for example. Våmhus is also known for its “hårkullor”, women who make jewellery and other decorative items out of hair. Mora is known for its longcase clocks, and Malung for leather. Craftsmanship is flourishing in Dalarna today too, uniting the traditional and contemporary.
1. Leather in MalungMalung/D8 Turning hides into leather has been a mainstay industry in Malung for centuries and is founded on traditional leather crafts. Jofama is one of Scandi-navia’s oldest and leading leather sup-pliers. Jofama Fashion creates fashion pieces from leather and in recent years has worked with names such as fashion designer Lars Wallin, jewellery designer Efva Attling and singer Marie Serneholt from A-Teens.
2. Jobs hand-printed textilesLeksand/G8 Jobs Handtryck outside Lek-sand has been hand-printing its unique Jobs fabrics since the 1940s. Today Jobs’ colourful prints are popular worldwide and are an important part of Sweden’s textile heritage. You can go on a guided tour of the printing works in summertime for free. The adjoining store sells fabrics, cushions, bags, lampshades, etc.
3. Pottery from NittsjöRättvik/Nittsjö/G7 The small village of Nittsjö outside Rättvik is home to the Nittsjö Keramik pottery that has been here since the 1840s. It manufactures classic, decorative and practical ceramics in folklore style and has a factory shop. Serving a salad in a beautiful Nittsjö salad bowl might be the perfect reminder of your visit to Dalarna.
debit harum archi-tiorro voluptatum sit quassusda cor atio. Odicatatatet
Singer Marie Serneholt wears a leather jacket from Jofama Fashion.
Handicraft makers3debit harum archi-
tiorro voluptatum sit quassusda cor atio. Odicatatatet
debit harum archi-tiorro voluptatum sit quassusda cor atio. Odicatatatet
Jobs Handtryck sells slippers and bags in their popular prints.
≥ The tourist information centres can provide more advice on handicrafts, and on craft stores and their opening hours.
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Dalarna MuseumFalun/H9 Dalarna Museum has over 60,000 traditional and modern objects on display, all with a strong connection to Dalarna. The crafts are represented here too of course, with folk costumes, Dala horses and kurbits painting. It’s the ideal starting point for your visit to Dalarna.≥ dalarnasmuseum.se
The Hagström collectionAlbin Hagström, from Älvdalen in Dalarna, made Swedish history with his music empire. Hag-ström’s electric guitars are famous around the world and music legends including Elvis Presley and Frank Zappa played his guitars. In the future Dalarna Museum is planning to open an exhibition about Hagströms and it will include the world’s largest col-lection of Hagström guitars. The collection consists of electric guitars, electric basses, accordions and amps. You can see some of the collec-tion at the Hagström Info Center, Dalarna Museum.
Discover Sami culture Idre/B3 Idre in northern Dalarna is home to Sweden’s southern-most Sami village. The reindeer graze freely here on the moun-tain slopes and in the forests. To experience Sami culture close up, the place to be is Idre. Here you can join the reindeer herders at work, learn to throw a lasso, drive a sledge pulled by reindeer and listen to stories around the fire in the goahti, the traditional hut or tent of the nomadic Sami people. In Idre you can also buy Sami handicrafts made from reindeer hide and horn, and differ-ent types of reindeer meat.
A classic Dalarna settingTällberg/G8 Tällberg lies in the cultural heartland of Dalarna and is one of Sweden’s most famous tourist destinations for its idyllic location on the south-east shore of Lake Siljan. Tällberg is a popular place to visit year-round. Stroll through the picturesque village, or come for the traditional Dalarna Midsummer or Christmas celebrations. Stay in comfort at one of Tällberg’s first class hotels.
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1. DalhallaRättvik/G7 Dalhalla, an open-air stage carved out of limestone rock, in a disused quarry. Every summer a varied programme of concerts is held across a wide range of musical styles. Several big-name international artists have played here and the musical programme even includes opera. With fantastic acoustics and a stage surrounded by emerald-green water, Dalhalla has been de-scribed as one of the most beautiful open-air stages in the world.
2. Musik vid SiljanThe region of Lake Siljan/F7, G7, G8 Come and enjoy one of Sweden’s oldest music festivals, covering many styles; symphony orchestras, chamber music, folk music, organ, choral, jazz, poetry set to music, a children and youth programme, as well as pop and rock. All in exciting and genuine Dalarna settings.
3. Vinterfest Classical Music FestivalMora/F7 In a sparkling week in winter the world’s classical music elite gather in Mora, Orsa and Älvdalen. Join them and enjoy fan-tastic music by top composers as it echoes over a snow-covered Dalarna landscape.
4. BingsjöstämmanRättvik/Bingsjö/H7 Sweden’s largest folk music festival in a traditional Dalarna setting with groups from Dalarna, and folk music performers and singers from far and wide. When the small village of Bingsjö outside Rättvik invites the world to its folk music festival, it attracts an exciting mix of musicians, dancers and audience from around the world.
5. DansbandsveckanMalung/D8 For one week each summer about 50,000 dedicated dancers arrive in Malung to dance to a range of different dance bands. Come and join them and get into dance and music at one of the festival’s many venues.
Music events in Dalarna5
Music for every taste Dalarna lives and breathes music. Some of Sweden’s biggest international music acts, with their roots in folk music and tradition, started their careers here. Come for the big music events.
Dalhalla’s unique open-air stage attracts world famous musical artists.
In Dalarna the maypole stands year-round.
≥ For programme and tickets read more at visitdalarna.se or contact the tourist information centres.
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Midsummer in DalarnaMidsummer is an ancient Swedish tradition that all Swedes celebrate at the summer equinox at the end of June. Midsummer in Sweden is the mother of all celebrations.Midsummer celebrates the coming of summer, light and nature and according to ancient folklore Midsummer’s Eve is a magical night for lovers. Come and celebrate Midsummer in Dalarna; help decorate the maypole with flowers, make wreaths, join in the dancing and sample the festive food. Midsummer is celebrated in every town and village in Dalarna. The biggest celebrations are around Lake Siljan. Experience genuine Midsummer celebrations with folk musicians and garlands at Rättviks Gammelgård (G7) or Holens bystuga in Orsa (F6). Sweden’s largest midsummer celebrations take place in Sammilsdal in Leksand (G8), attracting over 20,000 people every year. If you want to experience a genuine Swedish Midsummer, Dalarna is the place to be!
Midsummer celebrations.
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A province of artists Several of Sweden’s best-loved artists have connections with Dalarna. The most famous are Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn. Visit their former homes and take the guided tour to find out more about the life and works of these world-famous artists.
Carl Larsson-gården Sundborn/H8 Carl Larsson was and is one of Sweden’s best known and loved artists. He lived and worked in France – where he was part of the European artists’ collective – and in Sweden, but came back to live in Dalarna in the late 19th century until his death in 1919. Carl Larsson-gården, the home where he lived with his wife Karin, is a work of art that the couple created together. This summer sees the opening of the recreated garden as it would have been in Carl and Karin’s day with fantastic flowers and plants, a French-inspired kitchen garden and garden furniture designed by the couple.≥ carllarsson.se
ZorngårdenMora/F7 Anders Zorn, one of Sweden’s most famous artists, lived and worked in Dalarna in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Zorn was an international success, particularly in the US where he painted the portraits of contemporary American society figures, as well as three US presidents. After several successful years abroad, Zorn and his wife Emma returned to his birth-place in Mora, where their home at Zorngården, became the fixed point in their lives. Zorn designed the house himself, creating a highly original home. Visit Zorngården to see the couple’s impressive collection of art and crafts from around the world, mixed with traditional Dalarna pieces and decor. The house also contains antique marble sculptures and furniture designed by Zorn himself. Completed in 1939, the neighbouring Zorn Museum displays Zorn’s own oils and water-colours, etchings and sculptures. It also hosts temporary exhibitions a couple of times a year.≥ zorn.se
“Most of the textiles in the house were designed and wo-ven by Karin, as were her own clothes and those of the children, and she also designed some of the furniture. The interior is a source of inspiration to interior design-ers all over the world.”
Don’t miss: KvarnenThe simple, rustic charm of the Kvarnen Gallery is the perfect setting for an inspirational mix of the past and present. It is Carl Larsson-gården’s eye to the future. During the sum-mer season the gallery hosts art and themed exhibitions related to Carl Larsson-gården.
Zorngården in Mora.
Carl Larsson-gården in Sundborn is a very popular
visitor destination.
Anders Zorn, Self-portrait in wolf fur coat, 1915. Zornmuseet.
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Verket / Avesta ArtAvesta/I11 Verket is a museum where you can experience an exciting mix of history, technology and art. Explore the interac-tive exhibition on industrial history, or the contemporary art displayed in the old iron works in cooperation with Avesta Art.
Gamla StabergFalun/H9 Gamla Staberg is one of the best-preserved mine-owner’s estates in the region and forms part of the Falun World Heritage Site. The entire estate, including the restored baroque garden, gives an accurate insight into the way of life of a wealthy mine-owner in the 17th and 18th centuries when Falun Mine was at its peak. The popular restaurant serves excellent food.
HildasholmLeksand/G8 An impressive building with an award-winning garden dating from the early 20th century. Doctor and writer Axel Munthe had the house built as a gift to his English wife Hilda Pennington. The beau-tiful gardens are Hilda’s work, inspired by the classical gardens she grew up with in England, France and Italy.
Art and history come to lifeIn several places in Dalarna you can experience live art, music and culture in a heady blend of past and present. Visit the exciting museums and beautiful, well-kept houses.
Jussi Björling MuseumBorlänge/H9 Jussi Björling, one of the greatest tenors of all time, was born in Borlänge in 1911. He enjoyed great success in Europe and the USA. The Jussi Björling Museum contains recordings of this world-renowned tenor, his letters, films and photo albums.
≥ The tourist information centres have more exciting tips on cultural sights and details of opening hours.
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Falun World Heritage SiteIn the 17th century, the Falun copper mine was the biggest in the world. Copper from Falun was used for coins, church spires and castle roofs across Europe and financed Sweden’s Age of Greatness. Falun Mine is one of the best-preserved historic mining areas in the world and Falun, the mine and its industrial landscape were inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2001.
Exploring the underworldFalun/H9 Take the underground guided tour of the Falun Mine and explore 1,300 years back in time. Sixty-seven metres down, walk the mighty caverns and winding passageways of the mine, while a guide tells you what it was like living and working in Falun at the height of the mining industry. Helmets and rain capes are provided. If you prefer exploring above ground take a walk around the open-pit mine Stora Stöten.
More to do at the mineBack on the surface, visit the World Heritage visitor centre for videos, computer animations and exhibitions on the Falun World Heritage Site. There is also a museum in the area and several craftspeople selling their wares, including unique pieces of jew-ellery created from slag from the Falun Mine. If you get hungry, there’s a café and a restaurant and the mine also runs special guided tours for children. At the mine you’ll also find the Mine Museum and Lilla Gruvbyn – an interactive exhibition with experiments and stories for children of all ages.≥ falugruva.se
Don’t miss: The little mining village!Visit the new village next to the Falun Mine museum. Each cottage represents a different metal with experiments and storytelling for all the family.
A visit to the Falun Mine is an exciting adventure for the whole family.
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Paint from Falun – the colour of Swedish cottagesJust about everywhere you go in Dalarna and in Sweden red-painted houses and cottages dot the landscape. The traditional and characteristic red-coloured paint dates back to the 16th century when red wooden houses meant status and wealth. To-wards the end of the 19th century, paint from Falun became more widespread and popular among ordinary Swedes.
“Falu röd, as the paint is known in Swedish, gets its name and colour from the red pigment from the Falun copper mine where the paint has been manufactured since 1764. The mine closed in 1992 but the red paint is still made to this day.”
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ACTIVE SUMMERLAKES, FOREST, COUNTRYSIDESummer in Dalarna is all about the smell of grass and trees, rolling fields and flowers in bloom. A cooling swim after a bike ride, the sensation of hooking a fish, or exploring the forests and the countryside. Kick back and relax, or go on an adventure, it’s up to you!
Tip!Walking in Dalarna is a new book packed with 21 great walks in fantastic surround-ings. It’s on sale at the tourist office.
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1. GagnefGagnef/G9 A 480 km-long network of hiking trails, mainly on ancient footpaths and paths used for summer grazing. The trails run through several nature reserves and summer pastures and there are huts and shelters along the way.
2. Sälenfjällen – MoraSälenfjällen/C6 The Sälenfjällen mountains offer about 200 km of marked hiking trails at varying levels of difficulty. Sälen is also the starting point of the classic 90 km-long Vasaloppet trail that pretty much follows the Vasaloppet ski race route, all the way down to Mora. This is a walk through varying terrain, and you can split it into stages. Paths with sheltered forest glades, where you can rest by a beautiful woodland lake, give way to open marsh, where the route runs over boardwalks when it’s boggy.
3. OrsaOrsa/F6 The Skräddar-Djurberga trail is a genuine wilderness experience in a varying landscape. Stop off for views of the Storstupet canyon, with its 30-m high walls above the river. For stocking up on carbs, visit the summertime café at the Skräddar-Djurberga pasture farm. Length: 15 km.
4. Falun – SundbornSundborn/H8 The Carl Larsson trail runs from Lugnet on the out-skirts of central Falun to Carl Larsson Gården in Sundborn. Signs provide information about places or phenomena of scientific and historic interest. Artist Carl Larsson’s description of the route is the main theme. The trail is approximately 7.5 km long.
5. FulufjälletFulufjället/B4 With its varied terrain of bare mountain and moor-land, Fulufjället national park is very easy on the eye. Walk the well-developed network of trails with 140 km of marked paths. It is also home to the oldest tree in the world, a 9,550 year-old spruce.
6. SäterdalenSäter/H10 Take the Säterdalen trail for accessible walks in a unique ravine system running through jungle-like woodland. Look out for animal and plant species, as well as the birdlife. The ravine plunges 40–50 m down in places and at its bottom the Ljusterån river winds its way to the Dalälven river. The hiking trail largely follows the bank of the river, passing most of the sights in Säterdalen.
7. GrövelsjönGrövelsjön/A2 This trail starts from the Grövelsjön mountain station and it can be reached by road. Choose from a number of trails that vary in length and difficulty. This is a good one if you are coming with the kids, with accommodation at the mountain station and camping pitches.
Great spots for walking
Dalarna on footRambling in the mountains? Town-based walks and historic landscapes? Hiking in easy-to-access forest trails and wide-open fells? Dalarna has them all. Several of the best areas for walking are easy to get to by car and are well-signposted with waymarks and signs displaying distances and directions. There are plenty of rest huts and shelters for stop offs, resting, or cooking a meal.
Don’t miss: NjupeskärFulufjället/B4 Njupeskär in the Fulufjället national park in north-ern Dalarna is Sweden’s highest waterfall. The walk to Njupeskär is very easy, even with children.
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≥ Buy maps, get advice on local walks, find out about transport and book a guide at the local tourist information centre.
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Discover Dalarna by bikeDalarna has fantastic cycling for everyone. Quiet country roads for road bikes, leisure cycling and tour-ing, as well fabulous cross-country tracks and tough downhill’s for mountain bikes. There are also many places where you can hire bikes. Come and discover Dalarna on two wheels.
Cycling on country roads in the heart of DalarnaSiljansleden is a 310 km-long cycling trail that winds through the countryside around Lake Siljan and in the valleys that border lakes Oresjön, Skattungen and Orsasjön. Do it section by section to suit the amount of time and energy you have available. Pick your own starting point for routes around Siljan – Leksand, Rättvik, Mora or Orsa. Signs make it easy to follow the trail and there are several places to stop off for a rest or to camp.
Vasaloppet by bike!The famous Vasaloppet Ski Race has a two-wheeled equivalent. Starting in Sälen in the Dalafjällen mountains with the finish line in Mora, CykelVasan has become a major success, attracting thou-sands of mountain biking enthusiasts. The race is 90 km-long and takes place in August every year but the route is open throughout the season.
Even the smallest children have fun cycling in Dalarna.
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Book a packageYou’ll find a range of accommodation packages at bikingdalarna.se
Säfsen ResortSäfsen/Fredriksberg/E11 Säfsen, just out-side Ludvika in southern Dalarna, offers a wide variety of cycling attractions all in one place. It has many clearly marked cross-country trails, as well as demanding and easier downhill trails. Also go here for on-road cycling and child-friendly cycle paths and trails. The whole family can enjoy cycling together in Säfsen.
Downhill: .................................................. 8 trailsCross-country: ....... 13 trails, tot. 350 kmRoad: ................................ 2 trails, tot. 96 kmLeisure: ............................... 1 trail, tot. 35 km Hire: ................................................................... YesLift: ..................................................................... Yes
MoraMora/F7 Mora, close to lake Siljan, offers you a variation of biking for families and more demanding bikers. The famous terrain in Mora invites you to exciting, varying and beautiful biking. One cross-country trail partly follows the Vasalop-pet trail. All paths and trails start and end at hotel Moraparken.
Downhill: ........................................................... NoCross-country: .......... 5 trails, tot. 103 kmRoad: ............................... 2 trails, tot. 100 kmLeisure: ........................... 2 trails, tot. 54 km Hire: ................................................................... YesLift: ....................................................................... No
FalunFalun/H9 Falun is the biggest town in Dalarna and a classic cycling destina-tion in Sweden. The gently rolling terrain around Lugnet in Falun offers plenty of opportunities for mountain biking. Several well-marked trails with special hand-dug routes.
Downhill: ........................................................... NoCross-country: ............. 2 trails, tot. 22 kmRoad: ................................................................... NoLeisure: ............................... 1 trail, tot. 20 km Hire: ................................................................... YesLift: ....................................................................... No
RättvikRättvik/G7 The forests around Rättvik offer world-class mountain biking. Jarlstugan lies close to the shore of Lake Siljan and is the hub of a system that offers some 40 km of mountain bike trails. Also offers leisure cycling.
Downhill: ........................................................... NoCross-country: ............ 5 trails, tot. 44 kmRoad: ................................................................... NoLeisure: ............................. 2 trails, tot. 41 km Hire: ................................................................... YesLift: ....................................................................... No
IdreIdre/B3 Most of the cycling in Idre Fjäll is designed so that the whole family can enjoy exploring the great outdoors. There
are cycle paths that take you out into mountain terrain, cross-country, downhill and on-road.
Downhill: .................................................. 2 trailsCross-country: ............ 4 trails, tot. 24 kmRoad: ............................... 2 trails, tot. 128 kmLeisure: .............................................................. No Hire: ................................................................... YesLift: ..................................................................... Yes
Sälen Sälen/C6 In Sälen you’ll find excellent downhill and fantastic cross-country trails. Sälen Bikepark in Lindvallen has several well-constructed downhills reached by chair lift. The trails vary and there’s something for everyone, even a children’s play area. Several beautiful cross-country trails start at Kläppen. Some of the best single-track trails in Sweden are in Rörbäcksnäs, a small village west of Sälen, starting from the school in the centre of the village. In Lima, about 30 minutes by car, south of Sälen, You will find Biking Dalarnas´ newest cross-country trails.
Downhill: ................................................. 6 trailsCross-country: ...... 26 trails, tot. 408 kmRoad: ............................... 2 trails, tot. 160 kmLeisure: ...................... 1 trails, tot. 18-70 km Hire: ................................................................... YesLift: ..................................................................... Yes
We want everyone who enjoys cycling to feel welcome in Dalarna and that’s why we’ve created the Biking Dalarna concept. A joint initiative between the tourist centres of Säfsen, Falun, Sälen, Rättvik, Mora and Idre, it aims to offer our visitors a top quality cycling experience with more than 900 km of marked cross-country trails and 16 downhill routes. A unique feature of the concept is that the centres all use the same grading system and all the trails are clearly signposted by Biking Dalarna. There are also excellent additional services such as bike cleaning and shower facilities, as well as bike rentals, accommodation and eateries close to the trails. Several of the destinations also have kid-friendly facilities and amenities. ≥ bikingdalarna.se
Biking Dalarna – fantastic cycling at six destinations
≥ For more advice about cycling and cycle hire, as well as lift opening times, see the tourist information centres and visitdalarna.se
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Canoeing in DalarnaDalarna has 540 km of rivers and streams and several thousand lakes. Canoeing and kayaking are a fantastic way of discovering and exploring them. And if you’re a rookie, try one of the shorter trips.
1. Sälen/MalungSälen/C6 Sälen Canoe Centre provides plenty of excellent canoeing options. The Fulunäs-Sälen trail is an ideal route for families, with plenty of places to stop off and rest along the way. The trail begins with some white water stretches suitable for beginners followed by a smooth run of 20 km down to Sälen. Further south in Malung (D8) there are excellent opportunities to enjoy fantastic canoeing on the mighty Västerdalälven river.
2. PråmledenLångshyttan/I9 35 km long, this canoeing and boating trail runs through southern Dalarna. Starting in Edsken or Långshyttan, the trail runs all the way to the Dalälven river. The routes are well signposted and there are plenty of spots to stop off for a rest with campfire sites and shelters. There are several places along the route where you can hire canoes and buy maps and a lock to pass through in the beautiful setting of the former silver smelting works between lakes Fullen and Grycken.
3. Malingsbo-KlotenMalingsbo/H11 You can paddle this nature reserve with its many beautiful canoe trails. The area is easily accessible with a wide range of campsites and holiday villages. There are also experi-enced guides who will take you on a beaver safari by canoe.
4. Fänforsen in BjörboBjörbo/F9 With an overall length of 900 m and a fall of 9 m, the Fänforsen rapids are the largest river rapids south of Norrland. Many of Sweden’s top white-water canoeists cut their teeth on Fänforsen. The site hosts international competitions every year, including slalom and white-water racing. If you’re feeling really adventurous why not shoot the rapids in a rubber dinghy.
Fantastic canoeing spots
A swimming contest for the really toughVansbro/E9 The small community of Vansbro in western Dalarna hosts Vansbrosimningen, one of the world’s biggest open water swimming events. Competitors swim a 3,000 m course in the fast-flowing water of the Vanån and Västerdalälven rivers. This is a swimming challenge like no other, in early July every year. Are you up for it?
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≥ For more information about canoe routes and canoe hire, visit visitdalarna.se or contact the tourist information centres.
Experience Lake Runn and its many islands
by sea kayak
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Leksand SommarlandLeksand/G8 On the shore of Lake Siljan lies Leksand Sommar-land, a summer-open water park and amusement park. Water slides, pools, merry-go-rounds, obstacle courses and bouncy castles, it’s got it all. Also go-carting, a pirate ship, adventure trails, bowling... Your kids will love it.
Siljansbadet Rättvik/G7 Visit the 628-m long jetty in Rättvik where the water is shallow and there’s a silky, sandy beach perfect for swimming and great for families. Siljanbadets Camping has camping pitches and cottages right by the beach. And at the long jetty you can catch a cruise on the good ship M/S Gustaf Wasa. Too slow? Then try the nearby Rättvik dry toboggan run for a family-friendly adrenaline buzz.
Orsa CampingOrsa/F6 The over 1 km-long sandy beach at Orsa Camping is often called Dalarna’s Riviera and is popular with families and others for its shallow water, playgrounds and volleyball net right on the beach. Nearby is Orsa Camping’s pool area with three pools and two water slides.
Water, wonderful waterThe clean lakes and rivers of Dalarna are perfect for fishing, canoeing and glorious, refreshing dips during the summer months.
At Leksand Som-marland there are exciting waterslides.
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FishingFishing in Dalarna is easy and easily accessible. There are plenty of rivers and lakes overflowing with fish to suit the family and fishing pros too. Pike and perch can be found in nearly all the waters, with large zander too in the far south. In the north meanwhile you’ll find natural populations of Arctic char, trout and grayling in the slow-flowing rivers and lakes. Children and young people fish for free in the company of an adult with a fishing permit.
1. Burusjön Idre/B3 The beautiful mountain lake Burusjön lies at the foot of Nipfjället, approximately ten minutes by car from Idre Fjäll. There are plenty of pike to be caught here and our tip would be to hire a boat and try the bays and inlets of the lake. You can hire a boat at Idre Fjäll. Stop-off at the lakeside rest areas and huts for picnics or coffee breaks.
2. Runn Runn/H9 The Runn lake system between Falun and Borlänge is known for its excellent pike fishing and offers unique fishing opportunities year-round. The character of the lake, with its many islands and several neighbouring lakes, offers a wide variety of fishing. You can book a local fishing guide with boat and equip-ment hire.
3. Dalälven and HovranHedemora/I10 The mighty river, Dalälven, dominates the fishing waters of southern Dalarna. The river and the lakes through which it runs offer some of the best pike-fishing waters in Sweden. Every year 120 cm long specimens and bigger are caught here. Accommo-dation, fishing guides and boat hire are all available locally.
Fishing spots
It doesn’t get any better than grilling a fish you’ve just hooked.
Remember: Fishing in Dalarna is managed by different fishing conservation associations and you need to buy a fishing permit. There are also different rules on where, when and how you are allowed to fish in the different waters. Fishing permits can usually be bought at the lake or watercourse itself, at nearby petrol stations, in grocery shops, or from tourist information centres. Also remember to bring your fishing gear as this can only be hired at particular spots. Read more about fishing spots at visitdalarna.se.
Fishing from a pier is easy and fun.
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Wildlife up closeDalarna is rich in wildlife. Bears, wolves, elk, wolverine, lynx and eagle owls can all be found in the county. If you want to see animals really up close, many of them can be found at Orsa Björnpark (bear park), or how about a wildlife safari with an experienced guide?
Avesta Bison ParkAvesta/I11 Bison (European bison) are fascinating animals that lived in Sweden in the Bronze Age. The species is threatened with extinction but in Avesta work is under way to save them. Visitors to Avesta Bison Park get to walk among the animals and travel back to the dawn of time. There is also a Bison Café serving snacks and light lunches.
Beaver safariIdre/B3 A timid animal, the beaver can grow to up to 75 cm long, tail excluded. Several places in Dalarna offer beaver safaris, by canoe, raft or boat.
Bear excursions in the wilderness Kvarnberg/F5 The company Björn & Vildmark organises excur-sions in Orsa finnmark, an area that has the densest bear popula-tion in Sweden. This is a unique opportunity to go out with a bear researcher and study bears in their natural environment.
Elk parks/Elk safarisKnown as the king of the forest, elk, or moose, can be seen at sev-eral places in Dalarna. Sälenfjällen Moose Park (C6) is home to tame animals in their natural environment and you are allowed to pat them. In southern Dalarna visit the Långshyttan Moose Park (I9) for guided tours and the chance to pat and feed the animals. Several places around Dalarna run elk safaris, some by minibus.
Orsa BjörnparkGrönklitt/F6 Orsa Björnpark offers a unique opportunity to see large predators like bears, wolves, lynx and wolverine in their natural environment. It is also home to Siberian tigers and leopards, as well as Polar World, the world’s largest polar bear facility. You can also see the Kodiak bear - the world’s largest land predator, and the Kamchatka brown bear. Covering 310,000 m², the bear park is the largest in Europe and the viewing platforms and walkways let visitors see the animals up close. The park also has guided tours and exhibitions. ≥ orsabjornpark.se
Wildlife safaris
≥ For opening hours and more ideas for animal safaris, visit visitdalarna.se or the tourist information centre.
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Fabulous views in Sälen and on Idre Fjäll1. Idre FjällIdre/B3 At Idre Fjäll the accommodation is at the foot of the mountain, within walking distance of practically everything the resort has to offer. In the summer you can take the chairlift to the summit and cycle downhill, or try out some of the beautiful cross-country trails. You can walk the mountain paths, or go riding like a cowboy. Among other things there’s also an outdoor pool with waterslides, an 18-hole golf course and a mountain farm with animals. In the winter Idre Fjäll offers downhill and cross-country skiing, and activities such as dog sledding and snowmobile rides.
≥ Part of Biking Dalarna, see page 19. Alpine skiing, see page 27.
2. SälenSälen/C6 Sälen has something for everyone and comprises sev-eral different resorts offering activities. Lindvallen and Kläppen are two of them. Visit Lindvallen’s Experium adventure pool or the thrilling high ropes course at Kläppen. Sälen also offers excel-lent cross-country and downhill cycling trails, hiking, canoes for hire and fishing. And then there’s golf, or pony trekking through the forests or over the fells. Winter in Sälen means skiing, alpine and cross-country. And then there’s dog sledding or driving a snowmobile.
≥ Part of Biking Dalarna, see page 19. Alpine skiing, see page 28.
Places that have it all4
Some destinations in Dalarna offer all types of outdoors activities, whether you’re a family seeking adventure, or you just want to enjoy a peaceful day in the great outdoors.
The call of the wild in Säfsen and Orsa Grönklitt3. Säfsen ResortSäfsen/Fredriksberg/E11 Säfsen outside Ludvika is surrounded by silent forests and distant blue mountains. There really is a sense of being in the middle of the wilderness. Walk forest trails between the lakes, pick mushrooms and berries, canoe or fish in Säfsjön lake, or go for a swim on a warm summer’s evening. There’s no need for a car either. Säfsen offers top class cycling, downhill and cross-country, and the chance to explore the great outdoors, all in one place. Come in wintertime for alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as snowmobile safaris and winter pony trekking.
≥ Part of Biking Dalarna, see page 19. Alpine skiing, see page 29.
4. Orsa GrönklittGrönklitt/F6 Orsa Grönklitt offers panoramic views over lakes, mountains and valleys. Cottages and restaurants are all within walking distance and the wild forest is right on your doorstep. All you have to do is step out and have an adventure. Orsa Björnpark, a bear park with Scandinavian predators and some of the world’s most endangered predators isn’t far away. In the summer there are elk or beaver safaris with an experienced guide, plus the chance to go “behind the scenes” in the park or try driving a quad bike. In the winter Grönklitt offers alpine skiing and cross-country too. Or how about a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh or a snowmobile?
≥ Alpine skiing, see page 28.
Fish going for the bait in one Dalarna’s many small lakes on a summer’s eve.
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Fairy tales come to life
Museum of the FutureBorlänge/H9 If you enjoy experiments, the Museum of the Future in Borlänge is just the place for you. The museum is a large and exciting play area for children and adults who are fascinated by science and technology. Find out more about your senses, travel through space and learn more about the laws of physics.
Naturum* DalarnaSiljansnäs/F8 Naturum Dalarna is up on Björkberget mountain in the Siljansnäs nature reserve just outside Leksand. It is home to Dalarna’s biggest exhibition on the province’s animals, the countryside, the historic landscape and its geology. There are several hiking trails around Naturum Dalarna, as well as a fun walk for children where they can look for life-size animals. You can also climb to the top of the old viewing tower that is rated three stars in the Guide Michelin.
Naturum* FulufjälletFulufjället/B4 The Fulufjället national park is an exciting place with unique flora and Sweden’s highest waterfall Njupeskär. The expert staff at Naturum Fulufjället will be happy to give you ideas for walks and there are exhibitions, activi-ties, talks and guided tours. Also look out for the nature films, small bugs to see, elk antlers to touch, guess the animal dropp-ings and much more.
Adventure MineTuna Hästberg/G10 In Tuna Hästberg outside the town of Borlänge you’ll find Äventyrsgruvan, a disused iron ore mine that has now become a destination for exciting adventures underground. Far beneath the surface, the mining tunnels from long ago wind their way through the mountain between huge caves, like the kind you get in fairy tales. Join a guided tour exploring deep below ground.
TomtelandGesundaberget/F7 A true fairy tale landscape with trolls, elves, witches and fairies, Tomteland lies in a beautiful location at the foot of the Gesundaberget mountain. It is home to Santa’s village and mythical, magical places. But here it’s all for real and anything might happen. Deep in the forests the trolls are lurking, the forest elves are hiding behind the lingonberry bushes and the elves dance between the trees. Head off and explore on your own, you might find the mysterious home of the troll, the carpenter’s workshop, animals or who knows what? Tomteland is open in summer and winter.
More adventures
≥ For more ideas and opening hours, visit visitdalarna.se*A Naturum is a nature centre, the starting point for a visit to a nature reserve or national park where you get to find out more about the animals, plants and geology of the area before going out to discover it yourself.
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SKI RESORTSSKIING FOR EVERYONEDalarna’s biggest ski resorts are in the mountains and there are many smaller ski resorts further south in the region. As well as downhill and cross-country skiing, several resorts also offer dog sledding, snowmobile driving and pony trekking.
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biggest ski resorts
– from north to south
Dalarna’s
9 ≥ Of course there are plenty more great ski areas and ski slopes in Dalarna, read more at visitdalarna.se
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1. FjätervålenFjätervålen/C3 Fjätervålen is in Idrefjäl-len. Expect well-prepared ski slopes for beginners and advanced skiers, but don’t expect lift queues or crowded slopes, there is plenty of room for everyone at Fjätervålen. All the slopes end at the same point, making it easier to meet up again. The children’s area Pingvinen is ideal for small children learning to ski and also has a play area and barbecue spot.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 4No. of pistes: ............................................ 18Cross-country trails (prepared): .... 15 kmLit trails: ....................................................... NoSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ........................................................ YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 1
≥ fjatervalen.se
2. Idre FjällIdre/B3 Idre Fjäll offers skiing in all four direc-tions, which means you can always find the sheltered side, or the sunny side of the mountain. Gaze out over the Norwegian mountains on the horizon and ski from your cottage straight to the nearest lift. The huge variety of this ski area means it’s got everything from Dalarna’s steepest slope, Chocken, to gentler options for begin-ners, making it an ideal choice for a family skiing holiday. The slopes often start and stop at the same place so there’s no risk of losing each other.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 27No. of pistes: ............................................ 40Cross-country trails (prepared): .... 62 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 30 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ........................................................ YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 8/3
Ski from your doorstepWhatever accommodation you choose at Idre Fjäll, it’s never more than 250 m away from the pistes, and all the accommoda-tion is ski-in, ski-out, which means you don’t have to take your skis off until you reach your front door.
Mountain ski toursIdre Fjäll is a beautiful setting for ski tours, such as the route across Städjan to Nipfjället. There are also excellent cross-country trails through varying terrain.
≥ idrefjall.se
3. StötenStöten/B6 The Stöten ski centre in the surrounds of the Sälen area has some of the best ski slopes in Sweden. It’s the skiing that counts here. Accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, so that you don’t have to wrestle your skis off until you reach your front door. Transport lifts and transport routes mean the slopes are never far away, whether you’re staying in a cottage, an apartment or in the hotel.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 18No. of pistes: ............................................ 33Cross-country trails (prepared): .... 20 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 3 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ........................................................ YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 7/2
≥ stoten.se
≥ Read more about the ski resorts and accommodation on their web sites.
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5. Kläppen ResortKläppen/C7 Kläppen ski centre in Sälen offers skiing in every direction. Kläppen’s pistes also nestle in thick forest, provid-ing shelter from the cold winds blowing across the fell. Here you’ll find well-maintained pistes suitable for everyone from beginners to pros, and don’t miss Kläppen’s Snowpark, voted the best in Sweden for nine years-in-a-row. Accom-modation is close to the ski slopes in cosy cottages, or at Kläppen’s comfortable campsite.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 21No. of pistes: ............................................ 34Cross-country trails (prepared): .... 36 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 14 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ........................................................ YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 3
More than just skiingKläppen offers plenty of activities off the slopes too. Enjoy a massage or relax in a warm hot tub while the children head off on a troll safari. Try your hand at dog-sledding or ice climbing. It’s got it all; adrenaline rush, or kicking back, or a mix of both.
≥ klappen.se
6. Orsa GrönklittOrsa Grönklitt/F6 In Grönklitt the wilder-ness is never far away. The ski facility, with snow virtually guaranteed, sits in a beautiful natural landscape. And because all the facilities here are within walk-ing distance, here children can get a bit more independence. On the skiing front, the southern and western sides of the mountain offer gentle slopes suitable for families and beginners. North and east, the skiing is more challenging. Grönklitt offers a wide range of cross-country tracks and accommodation is in cosy cot-tages or apartments. Visit Orsa Björnpark while you’re here. The bears will be hiber-nating but the wolves, tigers, polar bears and leopards will be very much awake.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 12No. of pistes: ............................................ 23Cross-country trails (prepared): ... 80 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 9 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ....................................................... YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 2
≥ orsagronklitt.se
4. Sälen/SkistarSälenfjällen/C6 Sälenfjällen is the largest alpine skiing area in northern Europe. Skistar Sälen comprises the popular cen-tres of Lindvallen, Tandådalen, Högfjället and Hundfjället. All of them are popular with families for the children’s areas and facilities. These resorts offer great skiing for beginners and more experienced skiers. As well as skiing, they offer plenty more activities. At Lindvallen, for exam-ple, you can go to the Experium, a world of adventure, with adventure pools, movie, spa, bowling etc
No. of lifts: ................................................. 87No. of pistes: ............................................ 116Cross-country trails (prepared): .... 67.5 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 10 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ........................................................ YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 29/17
Ski from your doorstepAll the accommodation here is close to the lifts and the slopes. Often you can ski straight out of your cottage, or apart-ment, or one of the nearby hotels. Lift passes can be bought for each individual area or there’s one that covers all four.
≥ skistar.com/en/salen
≥ Read more about the ski resorts and accommodation on their web sites.
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9. Säfsen ResortSäfsen/Fredriksberg/E11 Säfsen ski centre is in Ludvika in southern Dalarna. Säfsen offers a wide, family-friendly range of slopes that all end at the same spot. After a day on the slopes, relax in a outdoors wood-fired hot tub. If you’re after some excitement, try a snowmo-bile safari, or explore the landscape on horseback. Comfortable accommodation is provided in cottages of varying size.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 6No. of pistes: ............................................ 18Cross-country trails (prepared): ... 115 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 10 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ....................................................... YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 3≥ safsen.se
8. Romme AlpinRomme/H9 Romme Alpin is just outside Borlänge. The largest ski centre in Da-larna outside the mountains, its ski-in, ski-out accommodation is in the Ski Lodge. Romme offers varying skiing suit-able for everyone, and there’s a special area for beginners and novices.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 13No. of pistes: ............................................ 28Cross-country trails (prepared): ... 62 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 30 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ....................................................... YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 4≥ rommealpin.se
7. BjursåsBjursås/H8 A friendly ski centre about 20 minutes north of Falun. Bjursås has 21 pistes ranging in difficulty and one of the best snow parks in Sweden. Bjursås Stug-by & Camping, with its holiday cottages and the hotel Bäverhyddans värdshus, are just a stone’s throw away.
No. of lifts: ................................................. 7No. of pistes: ............................................ 21Cross-country trails (prepared): ... 10.3 kmLit trails: ....................................................... 3.2 kmSki school: .................................................. YesSki hire: ....................................................... YesRestaurants/cafés: ............................... 2≥ bjursas.com
Dalarna offers world class alpine skiing.
≥ Read more about the ski resorts and accommodation on their web sites.≥ Read more about the ski resorts and accommodation on their web sites.
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Enjoy a real winter. Take a trip with the family, bring your own picnic and hot chocolate.
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ACTIVE WINTERSNOW AND ICEDalarna is covered in winter snow and ice for several months of the year. And we make the most of everything winter has to offer; the frozen lakes, cross-country trails, downhill skiing and walks in the snow-covered forests. Come and join us for some winter fun!
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Cross-country skiing – Freedom on the beaten track In Dalarna cross-country skiing is a popular pastime. You’ll find plenty of well-prepared cross-country tracks. Some are close to urban areas while others wind their way through deep forests.
Skiing in the winter mountainsHeading off on cross-country skis to explore the mountains is one of the classic Scandinavian ways of enjoying the great outdoors. We tend to do it in the spring when the weather is warmer but the snow is still on the ground. For your own safety make sure you leave a description of your route with the nearest ski centre before setting off.
GrövelsjönGrövelsjön/A2 Grövelsjön mountain station is a good starting point for gentle cross-country skiing in the winter. In north-west Dalarna, it is right on the edge of the treeline, with a number of trails leading out into an extensive and easily accessible mountain landscape. Head out for a day trip or ski from one mountain lodge to the next with no need for advanced equipment.
Sälenfjällen Sälenfjällen/C6 There are plenty of cross-country trails that start out from the various Sälenfjällen ski centres. Take the ski lift to reach the bare fells above the treeline before setting off on a glorious day’s cross-country skiing. One popular destination is Hemfjällstugan, where they serve waffles. You can reach it on skis from Högfjällshotellet.
1. LugnetFalun/Lugnet/H9 At Lugnet on the outskirts of Falun you get to ski in the tracks of champions. Lugnet has hosted the World Cup final and a number of other top events in the past few years and it will also host the Nordic World Ski Champi-onships in 2015. So what we are talking about here is world-class trails of varying length and difficulty and usually quite a lot of hills and bends.
2. Orsa-GrönklittOrsa Grönklitt/F6 Orsa Grönklitt is one of the best places in Sweden for cross- country skiing. The combination of excel-lent, varied trails and plenty of snow from November to April makes it the perfect skiing experience for all ages. This is where the Swedish cross-country team come to train – so it must be pretty good.
3. GyllbergenGyllbergen/G9 This wilderness recrea-tion area south of Borlänge is the place to come to enjoy skiing at your own pace, while enjoying the natural environment. Grill to your heart’s delight at the barbe-cue sites along the route, but make sure to bring food with you as there are no shops out here. A large number of trails varying in length and quality.
Great spots for cross-country skiing
Vasaloppet Ski RaceMora/F7 The end of February is the highpoint of the cross-country skiing season in Dalarna. This is the week of the Vasaloppet Ski Race when tens of thous-ands of skiers set off on the classic track from Sälen to Mora. This is the biggest ski race in the world, at 90 km-long and it is the headline attraction. The track is open for skiing all through the winter. ≥ vasaloppet.se
On the right trackUsually all the trails start from one central point where you can choose to take the shorter or the longer route. Trails are usually from 2.5 km up to 15 km. Some are lit so you can go skiing in the evenings. There are ski schools too, ask the tourist information centres for more details.
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≥ More advice on cross-country skiing and hiring ski equipment is available from the tourist information centres and visitdalarna.se
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Ice skatingOur frozen lakes – a winter wonderland Dalarna might have been made for skating on lake ice. The first enthusiasts are out on the ice as soon as it is thick enough. For much of the season there are marked, ploughed routes, varying in length.
Skating DalarnaSkating Dalarna is a joint initiative between a number of destina-tions in the province. Skating Dalarna can help you find the best-ploughed trails for Ice skating on natural ice , according to the actual weatherconditions.
What you can expect of Skating Dalarna destinations:• at least one ploughed trail on natural ice• a starting point with parking and information• ice reports to read for the trail in questionThe level of service at the starting point varies. Some offer full service with food, accommodation and skate hire, while others are only a car park and possibly a barbecue area. ≥ skatingdalarna.se
Fishing on frozen lakesFishing in the winter? No problem.Fishing through a hole in the ice is popular in Dalarna. What you need is a drill (to make the hole) and a short rod with a hook and line. To attract the fish, the hook is baited with fly larvae that you can buy from petrol stations, and elsewhere.
Enjoy sparkling sunny days on the ice.
Remember: Always put safety first.Check ice reports carefully and make sure you have recommended equipment.≥ skatingdalarna.se
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Hire skates!You can hire skates in Falun and Borlänge and a couple of other places too.
1. Runn Falun/BorlängeFalun/H9 Well-ploughed trails on Lake Runn with its many islands. A total of 50 km of trail, varying in length and great for long skating trips. The easiest place to start is in Falun at Främby Udde or Roxnäs. You can hire skates there too. The Runn Winter Week is held annually in February, and as its name suggests, it is a week of skating contests and events.
2. PråmledenStjärnsund/I9 A skating trip on the borders of the provinces of Gästrikland and Dalarna. Start or finish in the historic former ironworks at Stjärnsund.
3. BrunnsjönHedemora/I10 A small round lake just over 2 km from shore to shore with ploughed trails. Right next to Hedemora, just west of the town centre.
4. Dala-FlodaDala-Floda/F9 Here the route is on Lake Flosjön. Start from Dala-Floda Värdshus in the south and follow the sparsely populated eastern shoreline. Take a break at Harpikön island in the northern part of the lake and bring your trip to a close at Dala-Floda Värdshus for a wood-fired sauna and the chance to swim through a hole in the ice.
5. SäterSäter/H10 The trail on Lake Ljustern is approximately 7 km long and circles a beautiful island that is a popular stop off point. A good place to start is the sports hall in the Skönvik area, or the campsite Säters Camping.
Great skating routes in Dalarna5
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Explore far and wide by snowmobileLove snow, speed and adventure? Then a snowmobile is for you. Driving a snowmobile is a great way of get-ting out and about and covering long distances across snow and ice.
With the cold wind in your face, you whizz easily through the snow-covered landscape. Join an experienced guide on a snow-mobile safari. Take a break and warm your hands with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate while gazing out at the deep forests, the wide expanses of a frozen lake and the bare mountain tops.
Remember:Driving a snowmobile is regulated by law. You may only drive on marked trails on ground with good snow cover. Maps showing the trails can be bought from tourist information centres.
Dog sleddingThere’s something unique about being in a sled behind a pack of excited dogs who want nothing more than to run.
Swishing through the snow, it’s a perfect way of experiencing the stunning countryside and enjoying an exciting, high-speed activ-ity at the same time. Sälen, Idre and Orsa, and other places too, all offer dog sledding.
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More winter wonderland ideasBuild your own igloo!Falun/H9 If you’re in Falun or Borlänge during the winter, try a bit of ‘iglooing’ on Lake Runn. You get to spend the night in an igloo and you can even help build it. You’ll be snug inside a sleeping bag of warm reindeer hide and a good night’s sleep is guaranteed. Swimming in a hole in the ice (if you’re feeling brave) and a wood-fired sauna are also on offer.
Winter madness Falun/Lugnet/H9 Clash of Nations is an annual extreme sports event at Lugnet in Falun. Top snowcross and snowmobile riders gather to compete across a range of events – all of them spectacular, we promise you. Clash of Nations sees the town fill up with thousands of thrill-seek-ing visitors. Why not join them?
Snowshoes get you out and aboutRättvik/G7 Snow-shoeing is becoming increasingly popular in Sweden. Snow-shoes have been around for millennia, but it’s only recently that snow-shoeing has become an outdoor activity. In Särna (C4), go on a guided snowshoe walk for adults and children. Together you study animal tracks, make an open fire and cook sausages. The Siljan Snowshoe Race is held annu-ally in Rättvik (C4), where the course runs up Rättvik’s slalom slope. It is Sweden’s largest snowshoe race and there are classes for elite entrants and ordinary keep-fit enthusiasts.
Explore Dalarna on horseback Dalarna offers adventure on horse-back in summer and winter.
Riding is a perfect way to get out and about in the countryside, and several places in Dalarna run pony treks. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete beginner, there’s something for everyone, adults and children. Discover the natural landscape on a guided ride through forest or fields, or enjoy a glorious trek over the open, snow-covered fells.
≥ More advice on winter activities is available from the tourist information centres and visitdalarna.se
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Take a pit-stop for a fika at Café Skyttepaviljongen at the Lugnet ski centre in Falun.
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TOWNS & FOODDALARNA – A WORLD OF FLAVOURSDiscover the scents and flavours of Dalarna such as lingonberries, blueberries, game and mushrooms. Wander through one of Dalarna’s welcoming little towns and stop off for a coffee or something to eat.
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Town walksDalarna is a province where nature dominates but we do have towns too. Do a spot of shopping, have a cof-fee, or just experience small-town Swedish life.
Säter– rural idyllSäter/H10 The small town of Säter is located in central Dalarna and well worth a visit. Dating back to the 17th century, Säter is a classic Swedish town with wooden buildings. The town centre features well-preserved farmhouses and winding alleyways, as well as the town hall, hotel and church. Everything you would want to do or see here is within comfortable walking distance.
Falun– a welcoming and varied town centreFalun/H9 Falun has Dalarna’s largest town centre, comprising several districts that vary in character. Between Falun Mine and the centre, you’ll find Elsborg, with its red cottages, fences and lanes. Have a wander round, admire the beautiful buildings and stop off for a snack at Bagarstugan by the mine. Another good walk in Falun runs from the town centre, along the river Faluån to Kålgården park and up to Östanfors. You can walk the narrow streets lined with buildings dating from the 17th century to the modern day. Continue up through town to the Lugnet recreation area with its ski jumps. Here, where the Nordic World Ski Championships will be held in 2015, you’ll find Café Skyttepaviljongen, serving home-made buns and light meals.
And don’t forget to fika!Swedes have a fika twice every day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That’s the rule and all Swedes obey it. A fika is a coffee or tea break, accompanied by buns, biscuits or whatever you fancy. Joking aside, a fika is a central part of Swedish life and wherever they are, or whatever they are doing Swedes will have a fika, why not join them? When you’re in Dalarna find a local café and have a fika.
MoraMora/F7 The town of Mora lies on the shore Lake Siljan and it is famous for its skilled craftspeople. Do some modern shopping in a historic urban setting, wandering down the pedestrian street. Everything here is close by, including the not-to-be-missed Zorn Museum and the beautiful 13th century church.
Hedemora Hedemora/I10 Hedemora is a friendly town in southern Dalarna. It became a town in 1446, making it Dalarna’s oldest and only medieval town. Sights to see when you’re here include Hedemora Theatre Barn, the large square, named as the most beautiful cobbled square in Sweden, and the church dating back to the 14th century.
Swedes have been making these popular
cinnamon buns since the 1920s. Perfect for a fika.
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Enjoy fabulous cheeses from Dalarna’s local dairies.
Farm shops worth a visit
1. Stora Lunån GårdsmejeriLunån/I9 At Stora Lunån the mountain cows graze beside the dairy where their milk is made into high-quality cheese. It’s all done by hand and with lots of TLC. Stora Lunån is about 20 km south of Falun and is a miner’s farm dating back to the 15th century. Visit the farm shop to buy its cheeses and a stop off at its café.
2. Sahlins strutsBorlänge/H9 Enjoy a day out with the family at this ostrich farm outside Borlänge. Join an ostrich safari, eat ostrich egg ice cream, grilled ostrich burgers and enjoy the other activities here. One very memorable family outing!
3. Hansjö MejeriOrsa/F6 The dairy Hansjö Mejeri sells its own blue cheese, hard cheese and cream cheese, as well as other local products. The cheese is made from milk from the dairy’s own cows, milked the same day. That’s what we call fresh.
4. Grangärde MusteriGrangärde/G10 Here they grow produce such as organic blackcur-rants and strawberries. At Tillmans Gårdsbutik och Café here, you can buy organic, homemade products such as jam, marma-lade and juice. The café also serves cakes and lunch, all home-made of course.
Go local!There are plenty of places in Dalarna where you can buy local food from the producers themselves. Many farms have little farm shops selling meat, sausages, cheese, vegetables, bread, etc. Many food producers also offer activities linked to their food production.
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Top class restaurantsDalarna has some of the best restaurants in Sweden according to Swedish restaurant bible, the White Guide. One of them is Dala-Husby Hotel & Restaurang in Dala Husby outside Hedemora. This small restaurant is located in a gorgeous rural setting on the Dalälven river, and has been ranked one of Sweden’s best restaurants several years in-a-row. Other top-class restaurants include Görgen på Höjden in Rät-tvik, Två rum & kök in Falun, Onkel Jean in Sälen and Dala Floda Värdshus in Dala Floda.
KnäckebrödKnäckebröd is typical Swedish crispbread and it has a strong foothold in Dalarna. This is where the popular Leksands (G8) knäckebröd is made. Visit Leksands Bröd, the bakery where the crispbread is baked, and its bakery shop in Leksand. At Pyramid-bageriet in Dala-Järna they bake crispbread with an Egyptian influence. You can see the whole range in the bakery’s own shop.
FalukorvThe popular sausage, Falukorv, is one of the most common meals in Swedish homes. It is usually eaten fried with potatoes or pasta. The sausage originated in Falun in Dalarna, from where it gets its name. Lines of twined ox hide were used to winch up the copper ore at Falun Mine. The oxen were driven to Falun and slaughtered at the mine, where expert Germans taught the Swedes how to turn the smoked ox meat into delicious sausages. The smoked sausage took on the name falukorv in the late 19th century.
TunnbrödTunnbröd is a thin bread that is very popular in Dalarna. The bread is baked according to local traditions, one version known as “Tutull” is made from wheat and potatoes. It is rolled into a cone and filled with various fillings. You’ll find tunnbröd in gro-cery shops. To see how typical tunnbröd from Dalarna is made, visit the Rättviks Tunnbrödsbageri bakery in Rättvik (G7).
Classic food from Dalarna
≥ More suggestions and opening hours, see visitdalarna.se
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Pasture farms – living historyA fäbod is a traditional summer pasture farm, where the animals were taken for summer grazing. In days gone by there were hundreds of these farms in Da-larna and some of them are still used to this day, with grazing animals and hayfields. A visit to a fäbod is a chance to get back to nature and meet the owners of these unique places, as some welcome visitors and run cafés during the summer. Here are just a few:
1. Karl Tövåsens fäbodVikarbyn/G7 Experience history on this working farm outside Rättvik. The mountain farm has been in constant use since the 17th century and serves simple meals, coffee and homemade bread. Homemade cheese, butter and whey cheese are for sale when available.
2. Torrlids fäbodÄlvdalen/E6 Torrlids fäbod, north of Älvdalen, has been in use since the 17th century. Relax in the peaceful environment and ex-perience a traditional mountain farm. The milk from the animals is turned into cheese, butter and whey cheese. Products can be bought in the café, which also serves coffee and homebaking. Fancy a longer stay? Spend the night in a cottage and wake up to the sound of the cowbells.
3. Arvselens fäbodArvselen/D8 A working mountain dairy farm where the songs and the calls of the herdsfolk echo between the mountains. Skilled hands transform the milk into golden yellow butter and delicious cheeses. Arvselens fäbod is open to visitors. Take a mountain dairy farming course, help with the work on the farm, or just enjoy a cup of coffee.
Pasture farms to visit3
Falukorv is very popular in Sweden at mealtimes.
Crispbread hung up to dry after baking.
≥ For opening hours and more suggestions see visitdalarna.se
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Fryksås, north of Orsa, is one of Sweden’s best preserved pasture farms. Stay in the heart of the countryside in a peaceful rural setting, either in the hotel or a cottage.
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ACCOMMO-DATIONFROM COTTAGE TO HOTELSpend the night under the stars, or in a comfortable hotel. In Dalarna you get the best of both worlds.
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Rent a cottage – traditional and welcomingThere are lots of lovely cottages to rent in Dalarna, from the simple ‘back to nature’ option in a glorious setting, to luxuri-ous wooden cottages with a sauna and jacuzzi. Stay independently or in a holiday village, beside a lake, in the forest or in the mountains.
Stay in a hotel – comfortable and easyIf the comfort of a hotel is more you, Dalarna has a wide range to choose from. Stay in the heart of the town, or in a little village in the country, we’ve got everything from simple, family-run hotels to big, high-class establishments with a range of activities. Treat yourself to a relaxing stay where the only thing you need to think about is enjoying your holiday.
Stay at a campsite – under your own roofVisit Dalarna with a caravan or camper and choose from all our comfortable campsites, some open year-round. There are smaller, simple campsites, as well as large facilities with a range of associated activities. Tents are welcome too. Sleep at one with nature in the most beautiful province of Sweden.
Other accommodationAnd then there are all our Bed & Break-fasts, hostels and guesthouses too...
Dalarna has a big choice of beautiful campsites.
≥ Book accommodation at visitdalarna.se
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Tourist information centres in Dalarna
AvestaKungsgatan 32SE - 774 30 Avesta+46 (0)226-64 50 40
BorlängeSveagatan 1SE - 784 33 Borlänge+46 (0)771-62 62 62
FalunTrotzgatan 10–12SE - 791 83 Falun+46 (0)771-62 62 62
GagnefLindberghallen, DjuråsSE - 785 80 Gagnef+46 (0)771-62 62 62
HedemoraJärnvägsstationenSE - 77 635 Hedemora+46 (0)225-343 48
IdreFramgårdsvägen 1SE - 790 91 Idre+46 (0)253- 59 82 00
LudvikaBergslagsgatan 10SE - 771 82 Ludvika+46 (0)771-62 62 62
MalungLisagatan 39SE - 782 31 Malung+46 (0)280-186 00
LeksandNorsgatan 27 ESE - 793 30 Leksand+46 (0)248-79 72 00
MoraKöpmannagatan 3 BSE - 792 30 Mora+46 (0)248-79 72 00
OrsaDalagatan 1SE - 794 30 Orsa+46 (0)248-79 72 00
RättvikRiksvägen 40SE - 795 32 Rättvik+46 (0)248-79 72 00
SmedjebackenHamnen SE - 77 730 Smedjebacken +46 (0)771-62 62 62
SälenCentrumhusetSE - 780 67 Sälen+46 (0)280-187 00
SäterSalutorget RådhusetSE - 783 27 Säter+46 (0)771-62 62 62
VansbroLokstalletSE - 780 50 Vansbro+46 (0)771-62 62 62
ÄlvdalenDalgatan 47SE - 796 31 Älvdalen+46 (0)251-410 10
