Some Swedish concepts, such as hygge (a sense of cosiness) and fika (a break in the day), have made their way into English parlance and been embraced beyond Scandinavia. Other principles – including friluftsliv and allemansrätt – may be lesser-known, but are no less important for defining Swedish culture. The former roughly translates to ‘spending time outdoors’, while the latter refers to anyone’s right to wander freely through nature. Situated in central Sweden, Dalarna (meaning ‘the valleys’) is a place where both concepts come firmly into play. The region is a nature-lover’s playground and is often referred to as ‘Sweden in miniature’, encompassing the best of the country’s rugged mountains, rolling farmland and shimmering lakes. A place where traditional culture and abundant nature collide, embrace friluftsliv and exercise allemansrätt with our list of things to do in Dalarna…
- Stay in a Supermoon in the Woods
- Visit the Falun Mine Museum
- Explore One of its Three National Parks
- Canoe Across Lake Siljan
- Ski Along the Vasaloppet Track
Stay in a Supermoon in the Woods
The dinky hamlet of Furudal in Dalarna is home to one of the most unusual accommodation options in the country, let alone the county. Suspended between vertiginous pine trees deep in the forest, each room is a floating red globe, attached to the tree trunks with strong ropes and cabling. A stay in one of these unique Supermåne (Supermoon) spheres is a great way of getting acquainted with the surrounding nature, and from the round window above the bed you can watch the stars decorating the night sky’s blank canvas.
Visit the Falun Mine Museum
Now deservedly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Falun Mine was in operation from the tenth century until 1992, supplying up to two-thirds of Europe’s copper needs during this time. In its heyday, the copper mine was the world’s largest, and the ores found here are also responsible for the pillar box red paint, which decorates the region’s distinctive houses. Don a hardhat and wander the mine’s dramatic man-made ravines alongside an expert guide, before hopping aboard the Little Mine Train and visiting the Mine Museum to learn more about the site’s significance.
Explore One of its Three National Parks
A three-in-one offering on our list of things to do in Dalarna, Töfsingdalen, Färnebofjärden and Fulufjället form a lush trifecta of national parks, each filled with hiking trails and ripe for exploring. Töfsingdalen is the epitome of rugged wilderness, characterised by expansive boulder fields, while Färnebofjärden features a mosaic of rivers, lakes, wetlands and forests. Last but by no means least, Fulufjället is one of Sweden’s largest national parks, blessed with plenty of unspoilt nature, one of the country’s highest waterfalls (Njupeskär) and the world’s oldest tree (Old Tjikko).
Canoe Across Lake Siljan
In the heart of Dalarna sits the glittering Lake Siljan, the picture of tranquillity and a favourite summer holiday destination among Swedes. Formed by the impact of a meteorite that crash-landed here 400 million years ago, the region is rich in fossils and surrounded by dense pine forest. One of the best ways to appreciate the glassy lake is by canoeing across it in the company of a local guide, and when arms are tired, tuck into a traditional Swedish dinner around a campfire on its shores.
Ski Along the Vasaloppet Track
During the winter months, Dalarna transforms into a snow-covered wonderland that tempts winter-sports lovers and avid skiers alike. A more adventurous pursuit on our list of things to do in Dalarna involves embracing the cooler climes and getting involved in the famed Vasaloppet cross-country ski race. Join over 12,000 skiers who traverse the snow-dusted slopes annually, across 56 miles from Sälen to Mora; if you’re not feeling up to the full challenge, there are shorter races on offer (the average finishing time is five hours, so it’s no mean feat).
Written by Luisa Watts