When we discovered that Lake Siljan was one of the must-see destinations For a holiday in Sweden, it was unthinkable not to explore this much-vaunted region. And what a discovery! We were completely captivated.
Le Dalarna (Dalarlia) perfectly embodies everything our adopted country has to offer: picturesque red houses, typical gastronomy, landscapes made of lakes and forests, and a deep attachment to traditions. In short, a little corner of paradise for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the soul of this discreet Scandinavian country.
Here are the places that particularly struck us during our route around lake Siljan :
The villages around the lake
Rattvik
Rättvik is a small, emblematic town in Dalarna, which seduces above all by its spectacular pier. At 600 metres long, it gracefully juts out over Lake Siljan and is one of the longest wooden structures in the world.
This walk is a must: during the day, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake, and at nightfall, the lanterns that line the pontoon create a magical atmosphere.
Mora
Mora is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic from Dalarna. Every year, it welcomes the arrival of the Vasaloppet, a famous cross-country ski race. References to this sporting event are therefore omnipresent, giving the city a unique identity.
However, despite its charm, we did not feel the crush we had hoped for. Mora is pleasant, especially thanks to its lakeside walk, and offers some interesting shops in the center. Among them, the famous Morakniv, knives native to the region, are a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. Obviously, we couldn't resist bringing one back!
For our lunch break, we followed the advice of a lovely local and tried the Wasastugan, a restaurant offering an all-you-can-eat buffet with excellent value for money: simple but good dishes, perfect for small budgets.
Around Mora, we really fell in love with a hiking at Valberg. This enchanting place deserves a dedicated article We were so conquered!
Leksand
Did you know that Leksand is the city that gave its name to the famous Swedish crackers ?
Although we didn't take the time to stop there, we did catch a glimpse of the manufacturing plants as we passed by. One thing is for sure: if you've never tasted these dry rolls, this is the perfect opportunity!
You can easily find them in local shops or in supermarkets all over Sweden.
Tallberg
Located just 15 minutes from Leksand, Tällberg is a typical swedish village breathtaking! Its architecture, composed of small red wooden chalets and historical remains, is absolutely charming. The craft shops, cozy cafes, manicured gardens and especially the breathtaking view of Lake Siljan and the surrounding mountains make it a real living postcard.
We particularly liked a little shop run by a local illustrator: the building was adorable in itself, but her creations – especially postcards – were simply delightful. It was impossible not to leave with some souvenirs.
When we visited at the end of August, the village was almost deserted. We came across a few locals and even deer wandering between the houses. A magical experience, although many shops were closed (we recommend checking their opening days in advance).
In any case, if you want to live a traditional Midsommar festival, this is where you have to come!
Nusnas
Nusnäs is the cradle of Dalecarlian horses (Dalahast), these small hand-painted wooden figurines, emblematic of Swedish culture. Here you can visit the workshops where these horses are still made according to tradition.
We were lucky enough to witness the painting of these figurines, a moment that was both fascinating and authentic. Of course, we brought back one of these charming creations!
Orsa
Orsa is a charming little town, perfect for a day or two in the great outdoors. Although it does not directly border Lake Siljan, it is located on the banks of theOrsasjon, which is connected to it.
We discovered there Gronklitt, a ski resort very popular family resort in winter. In summer, it becomes an ideal place for hiking. Here are the two superb routes that we followed:
- The turquoise blue path, which climbs through the former carnivore park, now abandoned. This passage, a little surreal, is quickly eclipsed by the breathtaking view at the top over the lake and the surrounding forests.
- The yellow loop, a walk around a small lake dotted with beaches and saunas. We had a picnic in this idyllic setting, perfect for an easy and pleasant hike.
We recommend starting your visit from Fryksås (a path through the forest leads to the resort), another charming village offering spectacular views of the region.
Back to Stockholm
Falun
Before returning to Stockholm, we stopped in Falun, located about 50 kilometers from Lake Siljan. This city, with its rich mining past, is best known for having given its name to the famous “ Falun red »: the color that adorns the facades of Swedish houses and symbolizes the country's identity so well.
Falun is a fascinating place to explore for anyone who wants to delve into theindustrial history of sweden. If you are curious to discover the behind the scenes of this iconic shade and better understand its heritage, we invite you to consult our dedicated article.
We hope that this story of ours 5 day roadtrip in Sweden around Lake Siljan will have inspired you. This region of Dalarna is full of treasures: picturesque villages, omnipresent nature, and authentic culture.
Of course, one trip is not enough to explore all its wonders, and we can't wait to go back! So, stay tuned for the next episode!
See you soon for new Scandinavian adventures!
All our road trips are in collaboration with Småland Campers!
All our road trips are in collaboration with Småland Campers!
