Falun
The World Heritage Site of Falun is more than just the mine itself – it also includes the whole of the surrounding countryside, the town with its historic red-painted blocks and the rural mining districts. There’s plenty for all the family to discover here. The capital of Dalarna has a lively town centre with many shops, as well as cosy cafés and restaurants.
Carl Larsson’s colourful home in Sundborn is a popular tourist destination and a source of great inspiration. There are daily tours, and visitors can find out more about the world-famous artist and his artist wife, their work, their love for each other and their busy lives. The Carl Larsson Homestead also has a shop selling items directly inspired by the artists’ home. Dalarna Museum in the centre of Falun showcases the best of Dalarna in the form of traditional Dalecarlian painting, folk costumes, collections of Dala horses and much more.
It is often said that Lake Runn, between Falun and Borlänge, has as many islands as there are days of the year. Whether or not this is true, it’s certainly an excellent lake for learning to sail or paddle a kayak. There are plenty of opportunities for boating and swimming, but Lake Runn isn’t just a place to come to in the summer. Long distance cross-country skiing and skating tracks are cleared in the winter, and international skating competitions are held on the ice of the lake each year.
This is a year-round sporting destination, and you can hike, cycle or ski through the richly varied scenery. Falun hosted the 2015 World Ski Championships at which the world’s top skiers competed in cross-country, ski jumping and Nordic combination events. Falun hosted the 2018 FIS World Cup Finals in March. The Lugnet Arena is always open for visitors. The Ski museum at the top of the ski jumping tracks offers ski history with a unique presentation of Falun, Sweden's ski World Cup history and incomparable views.
