Mora is one of the best bases in central Sweden for exploring Dalarna. Set between Lake Siljan and Lake Orsasjön, the town is close to historic villages, traditional craft workshops, forest trails, museums and scenic viewpoints. Whether you have a car or prefer public transport, these day trips from Mora make it easy to experience more of the region without changing hotels.
Why Mora is a great base for exploring Dalarna
Mora is compact, but its location gives you access to a surprisingly varied selection of excursions from Mora. Within an hour or two, you can visit famous red-painted cottages, walk beside large lakes, explore a UNESCO-listed mining town and discover places connected with Swedish folk art and outdoor life.
The area is beautiful in every season. Summer brings long days, swimming beaches and boat trips on Lake Siljan. Autumn is ideal for colourful forest walks and quiet roads through the countryside. Winter offers skiing and snow-covered landscapes, while spring is a good time for museums, cafés and the first hiking trails of the year.
Several destinations can be reached by bus or train, although a car gives you much more flexibility. Travel times can also vary depending on the season, so check current schedules before setting out. The distances below are approximate driving times from central Mora.
1. Nusnäs and the home of the Dala horse
Distance from Mora: about 15 kilometres, 15 to 20 minutes by car
Nusnäs is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Mora. The small village is widely known as the home of the Dala horse, Sweden’s most recognisable folk symbol. These brightly painted wooden horses have been made in the area for generations and are still produced by hand in family-run workshops.
At Nils Olsson Dalahästar and Grannas A. Olsson Hemslöjd, visitors can see parts of the production process, including carving, painting and decoration. The workshops also have shops where you can find horses in traditional red, blue, black and natural wood finishes. Some locations offer activities for children during the main tourist season.
Nusnäs is more than a place to buy souvenirs. Take time to walk through the village, look at the old wooden buildings and enjoy views over Lake Siljan. A visit usually takes two to three hours, but you can combine it with a stop at Sollerön or a lakeside picnic.
Practical tips for Nusnäs
- Check workshop opening hours before travelling, especially outside summer.
- Allow extra time if you want to watch the carving and painting demonstrations.
- Bring a card and some cash, as smaller businesses may have different payment options.
- Combine Nusnäs with Sollerön for a fuller half-day or day excursion.
2. Sollerön for island scenery and ancient history
Distance from Mora: about 15 kilometres, 20 minutes by car
Sollerön is an island in Lake Siljan connected to the mainland by bridges. It is a peaceful destination with forests, open farmland, small beaches and roads that are pleasant to explore by car or bicycle. The island is particularly attractive when you want to spend time outdoors without travelling far from Mora.
The island has a long history, including Viking Age burial grounds at Bengtsarvet. Information boards explain the archaeological sites, and the surrounding landscape gives you a sense of how people have lived around Lake Siljan for centuries. Sollerön Church, with its distinctive pale exterior, is another worthwhile stop.
For a relaxed summer outing, pack lunch and look for a swimming spot along the shore. There are also walking and cycling routes through the island’s villages and wooded areas. Sollerön works well as one of the more flexible excursions from Mora because you can make the trip as active or as leisurely as you like.
What to do on Sollerön
- Visit the Viking burial grounds and read the local history displays.
- Walk or cycle through traditional villages and forest roads.
- Stop at a lakeside beach for swimming in warm weather.
- Combine the island with a visit to Nusnäs on the same day.
3. Orsa and Orsasjön
Distance from Mora: about 15 kilometres, 15 to 20 minutes by car
Orsa lies just north of Mora on the shore of Lake Orsasjön. The town is a good choice for visitors who want a quieter alternative to the busier parts of Lake Siljan. The waterfront, nearby forests and surrounding villages offer plenty of opportunities for walking, photography and outdoor activities.
Orsa Camping is known for its sandy beach and family-friendly facilities. On a sunny summer day, it is a convenient place for swimming, relaxing by the water or enjoying a casual meal. The lake itself is also popular for kayaking, canoeing and boating.
In the town, you can explore local shops and cafés before continuing into the countryside. Orsa is also associated with traditional music, particularly the Orsa spelmän folk musicians. If you are visiting in winter, the area becomes a useful base for snow activities and cross-country skiing.
Adding Orsa Grönklitt
For nature and wildlife, continue to Orsa Grönklitt, around 30 minutes north of Orsa. The resort is best known for skiing in winter and outdoor activities during the warmer months. The nearby predator park has historically been a major attraction, but facilities and opening arrangements can change, so check the current information before planning your visit.
Orsa and Orsa Grönklitt can fill a full day, particularly if you want to hike, swim or take part in an organised activity. In winter, allow extra travel time because of snow and icy roads.
4. Rättvik and the view from Vidablick
Distance from Mora: about 40 kilometres, 40 to 50 minutes by car
Rättvik is one of the most popular day trips from Mora and an excellent introduction to the Lake Siljan region. The town stretches along the lake and is known for its long pier, historic church and lively summer atmosphere.
Start at Rättvik pier, which extends far into Lake Siljan. The walk offers wide views across the water and is especially beautiful in the early morning or late evening. In summer, you may find boat excursions departing from the harbour, along with cafés and seasonal events.
Rättvik Church is one of the oldest stone churches in Dalarna and stands beside a traditional churchyard with old wooden buildings. The nearby Gammelgård open-air museum presents rural life and local architecture. Opening hours vary, so check before visiting.
For a panoramic view, drive or hike to Vidablick, a lookout tower on the hills above Rättvik. From the top, you can see Lake Siljan, forested slopes and the villages around the shoreline. The climb to the tower may be restricted at certain times, but the surrounding viewpoint is still worthwhile.
How to spend a day in Rättvik
- Walk along the pier and visit the harbour area.
- See Rättvik Church and the traditional buildings nearby.
- Have lunch in town or enjoy a picnic beside the lake.
- Finish with the view from Vidablick.
5. Leksand, Siljansnäs and the countryside around Lake Siljan
Distance from Mora to Leksand: about 65 kilometres, 55 minutes to 1 hour by car
Leksand is south of Mora and offers a mixture of local history, lakeside scenery and family attractions. The town is strongly associated with Dalarna’s food traditions, especially crispbread, and the surrounding countryside is filled with red cottages, farms and birch-lined roads.
One of the main attractions is Leksand Sommarland, a large seasonal activity park with water attractions, rides and entertainment. It is aimed mainly at families and can easily occupy a full day. Confirm opening dates before travelling because it operates primarily during the summer season.
For a more peaceful visit, continue to Siljansnäs, a scenic area west of Leksand. The Naturum Dalarna visitor centre at Björkberget provides information about local nature and has viewpoints over the surrounding landscape. Short walks lead through forest and open terrain, making it a good stop for travellers who want an easy introduction to Dalarna’s natural environment.
Leksand and Siljansnäs are best suited to visitors with a car. Public transport is possible in parts of the route, but connections may require careful planning and may be less frequent outside peak season.
6. Falun and the Great Copper Mountain
Distance from Mora: about 95 kilometres, 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes by car
Falun is one of the most important cultural day trips from Mora. The city grew around the Great Copper Mountain, whose mining history shaped Sweden’s economy and influenced the development of the surrounding region. The mining area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most memorable attractions in Dalarna.
At Falu Gruva, guided tours take visitors underground into the old mine. The temperature is cool throughout the year, so bring warm clothing and wear comfortable shoes. Tours can sell out during busy periods, making advance booking a sensible choice.
Above ground, the visitor centre and museum explain how copper mining affected workers, technology and everyday life. The red pigment known as Falu red was also produced here and became closely linked with the traditional red wooden houses found across Sweden.
After the mine, explore central Falun, including the historic wooden neighbourhoods around the mining district. The city also has cafés, restaurants and the Dalarnas Museum, which presents regional art, folk culture and design. If you are interested in Swedish heritage, Falun deserves a full day rather than a quick stop.
Getting to Falun without a car
Train and bus connections can make Falun possible as a public transport excursion from Mora, but journey times and changes vary. Check the route carefully and reserve a place on the mine tour after confirming your arrival time. A car is more convenient if you also want to visit other destinations around Falun.
7. Lake Siljan viewpoints and scenic drives
If you prefer a flexible day in nature, create your own route around Lake Siljan. The roads between Mora, Nusnäs, Sollerön, Rättvik and Leksand pass through some of the most characteristic landscapes in Dalarna. You will find forests, pastureland, old farms and broad views over the water.
One option is to drive south from Mora to Nusnäs, continue across Sollerön and then follow the lakeshore towards Rättvik. Stop at viewpoints, village cafés and beaches along the way. Another route heads through Mora and Nusnäs before continuing north towards Orsa and the open landscapes around Orsasjön.
Scenic driving is particularly rewarding in late spring and early autumn, when the roads are quieter. In summer, start early if you want to visit popular attractions and find parking easily. Always allow more time than the basic driving distance suggests, since small roads and spontaneous stops are part of the experience.
Tips for a scenic Lake Siljan route
- Download maps in advance if you expect weak mobile coverage in forested areas.
- Use marked parking areas and respect private land around homes and farms.
- Bring food and water, as cafés may be seasonal or closed between meal periods.
- Check ferry, museum and attraction times before leaving Mora.
8. Fulufjället National Park for a longer nature adventure
Distance from Mora: approximately 150 kilometres, around 2 hours by car, depending on your destination
Fulufjället National Park is a demanding but rewarding option for experienced visitors looking for a longer excursion from Mora. The park is home to dramatic mountain scenery, open plateau landscapes and Njupeskär, one of Sweden’s highest waterfalls. The route is considerably longer than the other destinations in this guide, but it can be worthwhile if you start early.
The trail to Njupeskär is one of the park’s best-known walks. Conditions can be wet, rocky or slippery, and weather changes quickly in the mountains. Wear proper walking shoes, bring extra layers and carry enough food and water. In winter and early spring, some routes may be affected by snow and ice.
Fulufjället is not the best choice for a rushed itinerary. Check weather forecasts, road conditions and visitor centre information before leaving. If you want a more relaxed experience, consider staying overnight in the area rather than treating the park as a very long day trip.
9. Siljansfors Forest Museum
Distance from Mora: about 35 kilometres, 30 to 40 minutes by car
Siljansfors Forest Museum is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in forestry, rural industry and the relationship between people and the Dalarna landscape. The open-air museum includes historic buildings, tools and displays connected with timber work and iron production.
Walking paths lead through the grounds, and the setting beside the forest makes the museum pleasant even when you are not usually a museum visitor. It is a good choice for families and for travellers who want to understand how forests shaped local communities.
Because the museum is seasonal, opening hours are important. Combine it with a visit to Sollerön or Nusnäs to create a varied half-day itinerary. This is one of the quieter places nearby Mora, so it can be a good alternative when major attractions are busy.
Planning your day trips from Mora
Travelling by car
A car is the easiest way to reach smaller villages, viewpoints and nature areas. Distances in Dalarna can look short on a map, but rural roads may be slower than expected. Keep the fuel tank reasonably full and check parking arrangements at popular attractions.
Using public transport
Mora has rail and bus connections to several towns in Dalarna. Rättvik, Leksand and Falun are among the more realistic destinations for travellers without a car, although you should check direct routes and return times. Smaller locations such as Nusnäs, Sollerön and Siljansfors may require local buses, taxis or a bicycle for the final section.
Choosing the right season
Summer provides the widest choice of open attractions, boat trips and outdoor activities, but it is also the busiest period. Spring and autumn are quieter and excellent for walking, photography and museums. Winter is ideal for snow sports and peaceful landscapes, but short daylight hours and road conditions require more careful planning.
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes for village streets, forest paths and viewpoints.
- Layers and a waterproof jacket, even during summer.
- Swimwear and a towel if you plan to visit a lakeside beach.
- Water, snacks and a reusable coffee cup for longer drives.
- Offline maps and a portable charger for rural routes.
Which excursion from Mora should you choose?
For a short and easy outing, choose Nusnäs and Sollerön. They are close to town and combine craft, history and lake scenery. Rättvik is the best all-round choice for a classic Lake Siljan experience, while Orsa is ideal for a relaxed day beside the water and access to outdoor activities.
Choose Falun if you want history, museums and a major cultural attraction. Leksand and Siljansnäs work well for families and visitors interested in local nature. If hiking is your main priority, Fulufjället National Park offers the most dramatic landscape, but it requires the longest journey and the most preparation.
With so many varied places nearby Mora, you can build an itinerary around your interests rather than simply following a standard tourist route. Spend one day visiting traditional villages, another exploring Lake Siljan and a third learning about the mining and forest industries that helped shape Dalarna. Mora’s central position makes all of these experiences possible while keeping the town as a comfortable base.