Falun is one of the best bases for exploring central Dalarna. Within a short drive, you can reach historic villages, lakeside viewpoints, museums, nature reserves and some of Sweden’s most distinctive cultural attractions. Whether you have one free afternoon or several days to explore, these day trips from Falun make it easy to see more of the region without changing hotels.
How to plan day trips from Falun
Falun is located in the heart of Dalarna, with good road connections to Borlänge, Rättvik, Leksand, Sundborn and other popular destinations. A car gives you the greatest flexibility, especially if you want to combine several smaller stops in one day. Regional buses also connect Falun with nearby towns, although services can be less frequent outside the main routes and during evenings.
Travel times in this guide are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and your exact starting point. Summer is the busiest season, while autumn is excellent for forests, museums and colourful landscapes. In winter, check opening hours carefully because some attractions operate on a reduced schedule.
1. Sundborn and Carl Larsson-gården
One of the easiest excursions from Falun is a visit to Sundborn, a charming village about 13 kilometres northeast of the city. The main attraction is Carl Larsson-gården, the former home of artists Carl Larsson and Karin Larsson. Their house, Lilla Hyttnäs, is known for its bright interiors, hand-painted details and creative approach to family life.
Guided tours explain how the Larssons influenced Swedish design and helped shape the image of the welcoming, colourful Scandinavian home. The property is more than a museum of one artist. It offers a look at art, architecture, furniture and everyday life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Sweden.
Allow at least half a day for the house, garden and village. You can also walk along the river and enjoy lunch or coffee nearby. Sundborn works particularly well for visitors who want a cultural experience close to Falun without spending the entire day on the road.
2. Borlänge, Ornässtugan and Framtidsmuseet
Borlänge is around 20 kilometres southeast of Falun and is a practical choice when you want a mixture of history, science and shopping. The town’s main museum attraction is Framtidsmuseet, an interactive science centre with exhibits aimed at children, teenagers and curious adults.
For a historical stop, continue towards Ornäs and visit Ornässtugan, one of Sweden’s oldest museums. According to tradition, Gustav Vasa stayed here in the early sixteenth century while fleeing from Danish troops. The building and its story are closely linked to the traditional national narrative surrounding the future king.
A day in Borlänge can also include a walk around the town centre, a meal at a local restaurant or time at a shopping centre. Families may prefer Framtidsmuseet, while history enthusiasts can combine the museum with Ornässtugan and the surrounding rural landscape.
3. Lake Runn and the islands near Falun
Lake Runn lies between Falun and Borlänge and is one of the best outdoor destinations nearby Falun. In summer, the lake is popular for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and cycling. More than a hundred islands create sheltered waters and attractive picnic spots.
Several lakeside areas provide access to the water, including beaches and jetties around Falun and Borlänge. You can rent equipment in the summer season or simply bring a packed lunch and spend a few quiet hours by the shore. A boat trip is another enjoyable way to see the islands without planning a demanding hike.
In winter, Lake Runn can become a destination for long-distance ice skating when conditions are safe and organised routes are open. Always follow local advice before stepping onto natural ice. Weather and ice conditions can change quickly.
4. Bjursås and the Dalarna countryside
Bjursås is approximately 20 kilometres north of Falun and offers an easy escape into the forested countryside. The area is best known for Bjursås Berg & Sjö, a ski and outdoor centre with slopes, trails and accommodation. During summer, the surrounding hills are suitable for walking, mountain biking and scenic drives.
The landscape around Bjursås is typical of Dalarna, with red cottages, wooded ridges and small lakes. It is a good choice if you want a less structured day than a museum visit. Pack food for a picnic or check seasonal opening hours for cafés and activity providers.
In winter, Bjursås is one of the most convenient places to ski near Falun. Families and beginners can enjoy the resort, while more experienced skiers may find longer runs and cross-country routes in the wider area.
5. Säter and Säterdalen nature reserve
Travel south from Falun for about 35 kilometres to reach Säter, a small town with a historic centre and easy access to Säterdalen nature reserve. The town has preserved wooden buildings and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it suitable for a slower day trip.
Säterdalen follows a deep ravine shaped by the Ljusterån river. Walking trails pass through woodland, meadows and dramatic sections of the valley. The scenery changes with the seasons, from fresh green leaves in spring to rich autumn colour later in the year.
Some paths include uneven ground, slopes and steps, so sturdy shoes are useful. Families should check current information about trail conditions before setting out. Säterdalen is especially appealing to visitors who want nature and local history rather than a busy list of attractions.
6. Rättvik and the shores of Lake Siljan
Rättvik is one of the most popular day trips from Falun, roughly 50 kilometres northwest of the city. The town sits on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan and is known for its long wooden pier, lakeside beaches and views across the water.
Rättvik’s 628 metre pier extends far into Lake Siljan and is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Walk to the end for a broad view of the shoreline, or visit in summer when boats and other water activities add movement to the lake.
The town also has cafés, craft shops and small museums. If you are visiting by car, consider driving to Vidablick, a lookout tower south of Rättvik, for views over the lake and surrounding countryside. The area is particularly attractive in late spring and summer, although autumn provides beautiful colours and fewer visitors.
7. Leksand and Hildasholm
Leksand is about 50 kilometres from Falun on the southern shore of Lake Siljan. It is a useful destination for combining cultural attractions with lakeside scenery. Hildasholm, the former home of physician and writer Axel Munthe’s wife Hilda, is surrounded by an attractive garden and offers guided visits during the open season.
Leksand’s town centre includes shops, cafés and traditional buildings, while the surrounding area has walking routes and swimming places. Families may also enjoy Sommarland, a seasonal water and amusement park, although you should set aside most of the day if that is your main activity.
The road between Leksand and Rättvik makes it possible to combine both towns, but doing so may feel rushed if you want to visit several museums. Choose one main attraction and leave time for the lake, a meal or an unplanned stop along the way.
8. Tällberg and classic Dalarna views
Tällberg is around 60 kilometres from Falun and is one of the region’s best-known villages. Traditional wooden houses, craft shops, hotels and restaurants line the hillside above Lake Siljan. Many locations have open views across the water and towards the wooded landscape beyond.
A walk through Tällberg is an easy way to experience the village. Look for hand-painted details, carved wooden features and gardens filled with flowers during summer. The village is also a good place for lunch or afternoon coffee, although reservations are sensible at popular restaurants and during holiday periods.
Tällberg is most rewarding when treated as a scenic and cultural stop rather than a destination with one major museum. Combine it with Leksand or Rättvik if you want a full day around Lake Siljan.
9. The Zorn Museum in Mora
Mora is approximately 95 kilometres northwest of Falun, making it a longer but worthwhile day trip. The town is associated with artist Anders Zorn, and the Zorn Museum contains a large collection of his paintings, watercolours, drawings and etchings.
Nearby Zorngården was the artist’s home and studio. A guided visit provides more context about Zorn’s life, his international career and his connection to Mora. The property is usually visited as part of a timed tour, so check arrangements before travelling.
Mora also offers access to Lake Siljan and Lake Orsasjön, along with shops selling traditional Dalarna crafts. If you want to see both the museum and the house, allow several hours. Mora is less suitable as a quick stop, but it is one of the strongest choices for art lovers looking for excursions from Falun.
10. Nusnäs and the Dala horse tradition
Nusnäs is a village near Mora, around 105 to 115 kilometres from Falun depending on your route. It is famous for the production of the Dala horse, the brightly painted wooden horse that has become one of Sweden’s best-known symbols.
Several workshops allow visitors to see parts of the carving and painting process. Each horse is made and decorated by hand, so designs and colours can vary. Many workshops have shops where you can buy a traditional horse directly from the makers.
Nusnäs works well as part of a longer Lake Siljan itinerary. Combine it with Mora or Lake Orsasjön, rather than travelling there for only a short visit. The village is also a useful stop if you are interested in Swedish folk art, woodworking and regional traditions.
11. Avesta and the Verket art centre
Avesta is about 55 kilometres south of Falun and has an industrial heritage that sets it apart from many other destinations in Dalarna. Verket is a former ironworks area transformed into an art and cultural centre. Exhibitions are presented in an atmospheric industrial setting, with brick buildings, machinery and historic spaces forming part of the experience.
The Avesta Art exhibition is held seasonally and brings contemporary art into the old industrial environment. Verket also explores the town’s ironmaking history and the working lives connected to the site.
Avesta is a good option when the weather is uncertain because much of the visit takes place indoors. You can also see the nearby old ironworks district and the large Dalahästen statue, another local connection to Dalarna’s craft traditions.
12. Färnebofjärden National Park
For a full day in nature, drive south towards Färnebofjärden National Park. The park is farther from Falun than the other destinations on this list, but it offers a different landscape of wide river channels, wetlands, old forests and islands.
Färnebofjärden is shaped by the Dalälven river and is known for birdlife, fishing waters and quiet walking trails. Several entrances and visitor areas serve the park, so choose your route before leaving Falun. Bring food, water and suitable outdoor clothing because services are limited in many parts of the park.
Spring and early summer are good for birdwatching, while late summer and autumn are pleasant for hiking. Mosquitoes can be common near wetlands during warmer months. Follow national park regulations and keep dogs under control where required.
13. Lugnet and outdoor activities in Falun
Not every day trip from Falun needs to leave the city. Lugnet, the large sports and recreation area north of the centre, is an excellent choice for an active day nearby Falun. The site hosted events during the 2015 Nordic World Ski Championships and includes ski jumps, trails, sports facilities and viewpoints.
In summer, walking and cycling routes lead through forest and over hilly terrain. In winter, the area is used for cross-country skiing when snow conditions allow. You can also visit the ski jump area for a different perspective on Falun.
Lugnet is easy to combine with the UNESCO listed Falun Mine, central Falun or a meal in town. It is especially practical for families and visitors without a car who want outdoor activities within easy reach.
14. The Great Copper Mountain and Falu Mine
The Falu Mine is located just outside central Falun, but it deserves a full place on any list of excursions from Falun. The copper mine shaped the city’s history and helped make Falun one of Sweden’s most important industrial centres. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property that also includes central Falun and historic surrounding areas.
Guided underground tours take visitors into parts of the mine, where you can learn about mining methods, working conditions and the importance of copper to Sweden’s economy. The underground environment is cool throughout the year, so bring warm clothing even in summer.
Above ground, the mining landscape includes the Great Pit, historic buildings, a museum and walking paths. Allow several hours for the visit. It is one of the most accessible historical attractions in the region and a natural starting point for planning other day trips from Falun.
15. Gagnef and the Västerdalarna landscape
Gagnef lies west of Borlänge and offers a quieter look at rural Dalarna. The area is known for villages, farm landscapes, forests and the meeting point of the Västerdalälven and Österdalälven rivers. It is a suitable destination for visitors who prefer scenic driving and local atmosphere over major attractions.
Plan a route through the surrounding villages, stop at a café when one is open and look for walking paths along the river. Local events and markets are more common during summer, so check the area’s calendar before visiting.
Gagnef can be combined with Borlänge or Lake Runn, although the best experience comes from allowing time to explore without rushing. It is one of the more relaxed excursions from Falun for travellers who want to see everyday countryside.
Practical tips for travelling from Falun
- Check opening hours: Museums, historic homes and workshops often have seasonal schedules. Confirm tour times before setting off.
- Use a car for remote areas: Public transport is useful between Falun, Borlänge, Rättvik and Mora, but a car makes villages, nature reserves and lakeside stops much easier to reach.
- Book popular activities: Guided tours at Carl Larsson-gården, Zorngården and the Falu Mine may have limited places, particularly in July.
- Pack for changing weather: Dalarna’s weather can shift quickly. Bring a rain jacket, comfortable shoes and an extra layer for underground or lakeside visits.
- Plan around daylight: Winter days are short, while summer offers long evenings. Start early for longer drives to Mora, Nusnäs or Färnebofjärden.
- Respect nature: Stay on marked trails, follow fire regulations and leave no litter. Check local rules before swimming, fishing or walking on ice.
Choosing the right day trip
For art and design, choose Sundborn, Leksand or Mora. For history, the Falu Mine, Ornässtugan, Avesta and Säter are strong options. Rättvik, Tällberg and Lake Runn provide some of the best scenery, while Bjursås, Lugnet and Färnebofjärden are better suited to active days outdoors.
If you have only one free day, start with Sundborn and the Falu Mine because both are close to the city. With two or three days, add Lake Siljan destinations such as Rättvik, Leksand, Tällberg or Mora. This mix of culture, nature and traditional villages shows why Falun is such a rewarding base for exploring Dalarna.