If you are going on a motorhome adventure to Sweden, Dalarna is one area you cannot miss! Renowned for the iconic Dalarna horses as well as an area of outstanding beauty, this is one part of Sweden that will capture your heart. Join me as we delve into the captivating world of Dalarna and discover why it should be on every motorhome traveller’s bucket list.
The Enchanting Dalarna Region
The Dalarna area, located in central Sweden, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Its landscape is characterized by lush forests, tranquil lakes, majestic mountains, and blooming meadows. This region is often referred to as ‘miniature Sweden’, with everything that Sweden has to offer.
In addition to its natural splendour, the Dalarna area is also home to a plethora of quaint and charming villages that are just waiting to be explored. Each village has its own unique character and charm, with picturesque streets and historic buildings that harken back to a bygone era. Strolling through these villages, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and way of life and gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions of the region. Whether you’re interested in history or architecture or simply want to relax and soak up the atmosphere, the villages of the Dalarna area have something for everyone.
The Dalarna Horses: A Symbol of Swedish Heritage
The Dalarna Horses are iconic wooden horses, hand-carved and painted in vibrant hues, that have become synonymous with Sweden. The horses, also called Dala Horse, are a symbol of history and craftsmanship.
The horses were first carved by men working in the forests during the long winter, bringing back the carvings to their children. Later these horses were pained in bright colours, mainly in the famous red paint.
When Sweden sent a giant painted Dalarna Horse to New York, United States, for the World Exhibition in 1939, the horse became famous and became the symbol for Sweden.
You can see the art of carving these horses in Nusnäs, where there are a few workshops where you can see the skills needed to carve blocks of wood into these Dala horses. All of this is still done by hand!
What to visit in Dalarna
A drive around Lake Siljan
The district has several lakes, including Siljan, one of the biggest lakes in Sweden and the biggest in the district, and it is a nice round to drive and see all these different villages.
Let’s start your drive in Mora. It is one of the oldest villages in the region, with the earliest found buildings from the 7th century. Mora has an open-air museum where you can see some of the older buildings, and is a very cute village to walk through for a bit. We will then drive to Nusnäs.
As you now know, Nusnäs is the birthplace of the iconic Dalarna horses. And so, what better place to learn more about these Swedish symbols? There are a few workshops you can visit where you can see these traditional wooden horses being made. They are hand-carved and painted. You can still see them in the original red, but these days the horses are coloured in several colours. It is a great outing to go to Nusnäs to learn about the artistry and craftsmanship behind them.
Drive to Rättvik, where you will find one of the longest piers ever built. The pier is a little over 600 meters long and has planks along the way with names of people and companies that contributed to the build.
You can drive from Rättvik to Tällberg, a little village with a spectacular view of Lake Siljan. The village is a well-known tourist spot with loads of hotels and restaurants. It is one of the villages Swedish people flock to during Midsummer to celebrate the holiday there.
You can then drive to Leksand, a cute village with stunning architecture. We celebrated the Swedish National Day here. Take a stroll to the village and enjoy the Leksand Church.
READ MORE: Vlog 14: National Symbols of Sweden
Of course, you don’t have to do this drive in one day. With your motorhome, you can take as long as you’d like! But there are some more places in Dalarna you might like to visit.
Falun
In Falun, you will find the UNESCO world heritage site, the Falun Mine. This is what made Falun prosper in the 17th century. You can take a stroll through this charming village, but you can, of course, also visit the mine and the mine museum to see what happened all those years ago at the Falun Mine.
Orsa
Orsa is mainly known for the Orsa Bear Park, where you can see Scandinavian brown bears. But the nature around Orsa is also impressive, offering beautiful landscapes with hiking opportunities.
Outdoor activities
No matter where you are in Dalarna, you will find beautiful nature all around you, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the region’s extensive network of hiking trails, immersing yourself in the tranquillity of untouched forests and glistening lakes.
READ MORE: The National Parks of Sweden
Immersing in Local Culture
No travel experience is complete without tasting some of the local cuisine. Treat your taste buds to classics such as Swedish meatballs, smoked reindeer, and Västerbotten cheese. Be sure to visit local farm shops and markets to sample freshly baked cinnamon buns and lingonberry jam, perfect for a cosy motorhome breakfast.
A great way to immerse yourself in Swedish culture is to experience Midsummer. This is commonly celebrated on a weekend around the longest day, and there are grand celebrations no matter where you go. Ask the local tourist information for more information on what you can do in the area.
Where to park your motorhome in Dalarna
There are several places to sleep around Dalarna. You can always free camp somewhere in a forest if you keep the general rules of etiquette in mind. But you could also find one of the many lakeside campsites around Lake Siljan, where you will have a fantastic view of the lake.
Time to Visit Dalarna
Dalarna’s timeless charm, and stunning nature, combined with the allure of the Dalarna horses, makes it a destination that truly captivates the soul. As a motorhome traveller, Dalarna provides the perfect opportunity to explore at your own pace, stopping by idyllic lakeside campsites or remote forest hideaways. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping, breathe in the fresh forest air, and let the spirit of Dalarna seep into your soul.
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