Planning day trips from Mora by car is one of the easiest ways to experience more of central Dalarna. Within a short drive, you can reach traditional villages, lakeside viewpoints, historic towns, craft workshops and peaceful forest landscapes. Whether you want a relaxed outing around Lake Siljan or a longer adventure into the mountains, these road trips from Mora offer plenty of variety without requiring an overnight stay.
Why explore the area around Mora by car?
Mora is well placed for exploring Dalarna. It stands between Lake Siljan and Lake Orsasjön, with several major roads leading in different directions. Public transport can take you to some nearby attractions, but a car gives you more flexibility. You can stop at viewpoints, add a village to your route or spend longer at a museum without worrying about the next departure.
The driving distances in this guide are approximate and can vary depending on your starting point in Mora and your exact destination. In summer, allow extra time for popular sights and busy roads around Lake Siljan. Winter driving can also take longer because of snow and ice, especially on smaller roads.
1. Nusnäs and the Dala horse workshops
Distance from Mora: About 10 kilometres
Driving time: Around 15 minutes
Nusnäs is one of the easiest day trips from Mora by car and a natural choice for visitors interested in Swedish culture and handicrafts. The village is famous for the Dala horse, the brightly painted wooden horse that has become one of Sweden’s best-known symbols.
Several family-run workshops show how Dala horses are carved, shaped, painted and finished. The designs are often based on traditional patterns, although you may also find modern colours and special editions. Shops sell horses in many sizes, from small souvenirs to larger decorative pieces.
After visiting the workshops, take time to explore the village roads and look for views over Lake Siljan. Nusnäs works well as a short morning excursion, or you can combine it with Sollerön and Gesunda for a full day beside the lake.
2. Sollerön and Gesunda
Distance from Mora: About 15 to 25 kilometres, depending on your route
Driving time: Around 20 to 35 minutes
Sollerön is an island in Lake Siljan connected to the mainland by bridges. The area combines farmland, forest, historic sites and open lake scenery. It is a good destination for travellers who want a quieter alternative to the more popular stops around Siljan.
One of the main historical attractions is the Viking-era burial ground at Bengtsarvet. Archaeological discoveries in the area show that Sollerön was an important settlement during the Iron Age and Viking Age. Information boards help explain the remains, although the site is primarily an outdoor experience.
Gesunda, on the mainland side of the lake, is known for its views and access to Gesundaberget. From higher ground, you can see across Lake Siljan and the surrounding forests. In warmer months, the area is suitable for walking, cycling and outdoor activities. In winter, Gesundaberget may appeal to visitors looking for skiing or snow-based recreation.
A relaxed route could include Nusnäs in the morning, lunch on or near Sollerön, and a viewpoint around Gesunda in the afternoon.
3. Orsa and Orsa Lake
Distance from Mora: About 15 kilometres
Driving time: Around 20 minutes
Orsa is one of the most convenient nearby attractions for a half-day or full-day outing. The town lies on the shore of Orsasjön, a large lake surrounded by forests and low hills. The waterfront and nearby roads provide several opportunities for scenic stops.
Orsa Camping is a popular base for summer activities, with beaches, water access and family-friendly facilities. Even if you are not staying there, the wider Orsa area is useful for swimming, walking and enjoying long summer evenings. Check local opening information before planning a visit to any specific facility.
Nature lovers can continue north toward the forests around Orsa. The landscape becomes increasingly rural, with quiet roads and chances to see typical Dalarna scenery. Orsa is also a practical stop for food, fuel and supplies if you are continuing toward Furudal or the Orsa Finnmark area.
4. Orsa Rovdjurspark and Grönklitt
Distance from Mora: About 35 kilometres
Driving time: Around 40 minutes
For a family-focused day out, drive from Mora to Orsa Grönklitt, located in the hills north of Orsa. The area is known for outdoor activities in every season and has traditionally been associated with large Nordic animals and wildlife experiences. Check current operating conditions and opening hours before travelling, since attractions and animal presentations can change over time.
Grönklitt is also a destination for hiking, mountain biking and winter sports. The roads leading there pass through forested countryside, making the drive part of the experience. In autumn, the area can be especially attractive when the trees change colour, while winter brings a very different landscape of snow-covered woodland.
Because there are several activities in the area, plan more time than you might need for a simple viewpoint stop. Pack suitable shoes, bring water and expect some walking between facilities or trails.
5. Rättvik and the long pier
Distance from Mora: About 40 kilometres
Driving time: Around 40 to 50 minutes
Rättvik is one of the most popular road trips from Mora, especially for visitors who want a classic Lake Siljan destination. The town’s most recognisable feature is the long pier stretching into the lake. Walking along it gives you broad views across the water and back toward the shoreline.
Rättvik also has a lively summer atmosphere, with cafés, restaurants, small shops and seasonal events. The town is connected with Swedish music and motor culture, and certain weekends can be particularly busy. If you prefer a calmer visit, arrive early or travel outside the main summer holiday period.
For history and local culture, visit Rättvik Church and the nearby church stables. The stables were traditionally used by churchgoers who travelled from distant villages and needed somewhere to keep their horses. The area provides a useful insight into how rural communities once organised religious gatherings.
You can combine Rättvik with Tällberg for a full day, although it is worth checking the route and allowing time for stops along the lake.
6. Tällberg and Lake Siljan viewpoints
Distance from Mora: About 45 kilometres
Driving time: Around 50 minutes
Tällberg is a picturesque village on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan. Red wooden houses, craft shops, hotels and traditional details give the village a strong Dalarna character. The most appealing part of a visit is often simply walking around and enjoying the views.
Several hotels and restaurants are located in the village, so Tällberg is a convenient place for lunch, coffee or an early dinner. Some viewpoints look across Lake Siljan toward the wooded hills on the opposite shore. Weather makes a major difference, and a clear day can produce expansive views across the lake.
Drive slowly through the village and remember that Tällberg is a residential area as well as a visitor destination. Parking can be limited during busy periods. A useful itinerary is to visit Rättvik first, continue along the lake to Tällberg, and return to Mora by the western side of Siljan if road and weather conditions are suitable.
7. Leksand and the summerland area
Distance from Mora: About 55 kilometres
Driving time: Around one hour
Leksand makes a good choice for families and travellers who want a mixture of culture, food and outdoor attractions. The town lies at the southern end of Lake Siljan and has a relaxed centre with shops and cafés. Nearby sights include Leksand Church, one of the region’s historic churches, and areas for walking beside the water.
During the warmer months, families may be interested in Leksand Sommarland, a large seasonal amusement and water park. It is best treated as the main activity of the day because you can easily spend several hours there. Confirm opening dates, ticket information and attractions before setting out.
Leksand is also associated with local food traditions, including crispbread. A visit to a local bakery or food shop can add a distinctly Dalarna element to your trip. If you are travelling without children, focus on the town, church, lakeside scenery and nearby villages instead.
8. Siljansnäs and Naturum Dalarna
Distance from Mora: About 55 to 65 kilometres
Driving time: Around one hour
Siljansnäs is a strong option for travellers who prefer nature and viewpoints to busy attractions. The area is located on a peninsula in Lake Siljan and is surrounded by forests, farmland and water. It feels peaceful even during the summer season.
Naturum Dalarna at Björkberget introduces visitors to the region’s geology, wildlife and natural history. The building and surrounding grounds are useful for understanding the landscape around Lake Siljan, which was shaped in part by a major meteorite impact millions of years ago.
From Björkberget, you can enjoy wide views across the lake and surrounding countryside. There are also walking routes in the area, but conditions vary with the season. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to leave the main paths, and check local information about accessibility and opening times.
Siljansnäs pairs well with Leksand, especially if you want a day that combines a town visit with a nature stop.
9. Falun and the Falu copper mine
Distance from Mora: About 95 kilometres
Driving time: Around one hour and 20 minutes
Falun is a longer but rewarding choice for day trips from Mora by car. The city is home to the Falu copper mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sweden’s most significant industrial heritage attractions.
The mine area includes museums, historic buildings and the enormous open mine pit known as the Great Pit. Guided underground tours have traditionally been a major part of the experience, but availability depends on season, safety conditions and current operations. Book ahead when possible, particularly during school holidays.
Falun itself has cafés, shops and historic neighbourhoods to explore. The red paint associated with Falu red colour also has a connection to the copper mining industry and became widely used on wooden buildings across Sweden.
Because of the distance, leave Mora early and plan your schedule carefully. A visit to the mine can take several hours, so avoid trying to add too many other stops. This is one of the best road trips from Mora for travellers who want history rather than a short scenic excursion.
10. Älvdalen and the Österdalälven valley
Distance from Mora: About 40 kilometres
Driving time: Around 40 minutes
Travel north from Mora to Älvdalen for a quieter day surrounded by forests, rivers and traditional communities. The town is situated along the Österdalälven river and is known for its distinctive local culture and dialect. The journey is straightforward, but the surrounding side roads invite slower exploration.
Älvdalen is a good base for outdoor activities. Depending on the season, you can find opportunities for hiking, fishing, canoeing and cycling. The river landscape is particularly attractive in summer, while autumn brings colourful forests and crisp air.
Look for local craft and food producers, but remember that opening hours can be limited outside the main tourist season. A little planning is useful when visiting smaller communities. Bring a picnic if you want to spend time beside the river, and make sure you know where fuel and services are available before heading farther into the countryside.
11. Furudal and Oresjön
Distance from Mora: About 55 kilometres
Driving time: Around one hour
Furudal lies northeast of Mora in a landscape of lakes, forests and small settlements. It is less crowded than the best-known destinations around Lake Siljan, making it suitable for a peaceful day outdoors.
Oresjön is the area’s central lake and offers attractive scenery for walking, fishing and summer recreation. Furudal also has historic ironworks heritage, reflecting the area’s industrial past. Look for local information about the old works and other heritage sites, since some attractions may have seasonal access.
This route is best for travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Take time to stop at viewpoints and small villages, but use a detailed map because mobile coverage can be less reliable in rural parts of Dalarna. The road back to Mora can be combined with Orsa if you want to create a longer loop.
12. A scenic Lake Siljan loop
Suggested route: Mora, Nusnäs, Rättvik, Tällberg, Leksand, Siljansnäs and Mora
Driving time without stops: Approximately three hours, depending on the exact route
If you want one of the most varied road trips from Mora, plan a loop around Lake Siljan. This route brings together several of the region’s nearby attractions, including Dala horse workshops, church villages, lake views, cafés and nature areas.
Start in Mora and drive to Nusnäs for a cultural stop. Continue to Rättvik and walk along the pier before travelling to Tällberg for lunch or a viewpoint. From there, head toward Leksand and consider a short visit to the town or a seasonal attraction. If you still have time, continue to Siljansnäs for Naturum Dalarna and the view from Björkberget before returning to Mora.
Do not try to rush every stop. In summer, parking and queues can add considerable time, and many travellers enjoy this route most when they leave room for spontaneous breaks. You can shorten the loop by leaving out Leksand or Siljansnäs.
Practical tips for driving in Dalarna
Check the season before you leave
Summer is the easiest season for combining several attractions, but it is also the busiest. Spring and autumn can be peaceful, although some museums, cafés and visitor centres have reduced hours. Winter offers snow-covered scenery and winter sports, but daylight is limited and roads may be slippery.
Plan fuel and food stops
There are petrol stations and supermarkets in larger towns such as Mora, Orsa, Rättvik, Leksand and Älvdalen. Smaller villages may have limited services. Fill the tank before heading into remote areas, and carry snacks and water if you are planning a long scenic drive.
Drive carefully on rural roads
Many roads outside the towns are well maintained, but they can be narrow and winding. Watch for wildlife, particularly moose and deer, at dawn and dusk. Follow speed limits and be prepared for cyclists, walkers and agricultural vehicles.
Use official information for attractions
Opening hours, guided tours and seasonal facilities can change. Check official websites before visiting the Falu copper mine, family parks, wildlife attractions, museums or nature centres. This is especially important outside July and August.
Choose the right day trip for your interests
- For Swedish handicrafts, choose Nusnäs.
- For lake views and classic Dalarna scenery, visit Rättvik and Tällberg.
- For nature and quiet roads, consider Siljansnäs, Furudal or Älvdalen.
- For families, look at Orsa Grönklitt or Leksand’s seasonal attractions.
- For history and industrial heritage, make the longer drive to Falun.
How to make the most of day trips from Mora by car
The best itineraries usually combine one main attraction with a few flexible stops. For example, you might plan a morning at Falu copper mine and spend the afternoon in Falun, rather than trying to add several distant villages. Around Lake Siljan, a route through Nusnäs, Rättvik and Tällberg gives you more variety without excessive driving.
Keep an eye on the weather, particularly when planning viewpoints and outdoor walks. A cloudy day can still be enjoyable, but lake panoramas are often most impressive when visibility is good. Pack layers, comfortable shoes and a rain jacket so that a change in conditions does not end your day early.
With a car, Mora becomes a convenient base for exploring Dalarna at your own pace. From short visits to nearby attractions to full-day road trips across the region, the surrounding landscape offers enough variety for several days of travel.