Borlänge is an excellent base for exploring central Dalarna. Within an easy drive or bus journey, you can visit historic towns, lakeside villages, artist homes, open-air museums and quiet nature reserves. Whether you want a short cultural outing or a full day beside Lake Siljan, these day trips from Borlänge make it easy to see more of Sweden without changing hotels.
Planning day trips from Borlänge
Borlänge is located in southern Dalarna, close to several of the region’s best-known attractions. Falun is the easiest excursion, while destinations around Lake Siljan take longer but offer some of the most memorable scenery in central Sweden. Smaller places such as Säter and Sundborn are ideal when you want a relaxed day with fewer crowds.
A car gives you the greatest flexibility, especially if you want to combine villages, viewpoints and nature reserves. Public transport is also practical for Falun, Säter, Leksand, Rättvik and Mora, although services can be less frequent outside the main towns. Check current train and bus timetables before travelling, particularly on Sundays and during public holidays.
- Easy half-day trips: Falun, Ornässtugan, Säter and Sundborn.
- Classic full-day outings: Rättvik, Leksand, Tällberg and Nusnäs.
- Longer nature-focused excursions: Färnebofjärden National Park, Fulufjället National Park and the area around Mora.
1. Falun and the Falu Mine
Falun is the most obvious choice for a short trip nearby Borlänge. The two towns are around 20 kilometres apart, and the journey usually takes less than half an hour by car. Trains and buses also connect them, making Falun one of the simplest excursions from Borlänge without a car.
The main attraction is the Great Copper Mountain, better known as the Falu Mine. Copper mining shaped the history and wealth of Sweden for centuries, and the mine is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided underground tours explain the working conditions, technology and dangers faced by miners. The surrounding museum and historic mining landscape are also worth exploring, even if you prefer to stay above ground.
In central Falun, you can walk along the river, browse independent shops and visit the Dalarna Museum. The museum provides useful context about local traditions, art and everyday life. Falun also has cafés and restaurants suited to a relaxed lunch before returning to Borlänge.
Allow at least half a day
A half-day is enough for the mine and a brief walk through the centre, but a full day allows time for the museum and nearby nature trails. Wear comfortable shoes if you join an underground tour, since the mine can be cool and uneven underfoot.
2. Sundborn and Carl Larsson’s home
The small village of Sundborn lies about 30 kilometres northeast of Borlänge and is one of the best cultural day trips in the region. Its main attraction is Carl Larsson-gården, the former home of painter Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin. The house is closely associated with the bright colours, patterned textiles and informal interiors that became symbols of Swedish design.
Visitors can join a guided tour of the house and learn how the Larssons created a distinctive family home that combined art, practical living and strong personal style. The rooms are more intimate than many grand historic residences, which makes the visit especially engaging. Seasonal exhibitions and activities may be available, so check the official opening schedule before setting out.
Sundborn is also pleasant for a walk. Follow the village roads, cross the small bridges and enjoy the river landscape around the church and historic buildings. This is a particularly good choice in spring and summer, when gardens and surrounding farmland are at their most attractive.
Make it a cultural day
Combine Sundborn with Falun if you want a full day of art and history. Visit the Falu Mine in the morning, continue to Carl Larsson-gården after lunch and return to Borlänge in the evening. A car is the easiest option, although seasonal public transport may also be available.
3. Ornässtugan and Lake Runn
For a shorter outing, head southeast from Borlänge to Ornässtugan, a historic timber building beside Lake Runn. The house is connected with the story of Gustav Vasa, who is said to have stayed there while escaping Danish forces in the early sixteenth century. Although parts of the traditional story are debated, the site remains an interesting glimpse into Swedish history and folklore.
The building itself is attractive, with its old wooden construction and lakeside setting. The surrounding area is well suited to a quiet walk, picnic or coffee stop. Lake Runn is one of the most accessible recreational areas near Borlänge, with opportunities for swimming, paddling and cycling during warmer months. In winter, the frozen lake can attract skaters when conditions are safe.
Ornässtugan works well for travellers who do not want to spend an entire day on the road. You can visit in a few hours and still have time for Borlänge’s museums, shopping areas or outdoor activities.
Best for outdoor time
Allow extra time if you plan to cycle or walk by the lake. Conditions change throughout the year, and some facilities have limited opening hours outside the summer season.
4. Säter and Säterdalen
Säter is a small historic town around 25 kilometres south of Borlänge. It is an appealing destination for visitors who enjoy old streets, local history and easy access to green countryside. The town centre has traditional wooden buildings and a calm atmosphere that feels very different from larger Swedish cities.
The nearby Säterdalen nature area is the main reason to include Säter in your plans. The valley has walking paths through woodland and along waterways, with picnic areas and space for children to explore. Depending on the season, you may see wildflowers, birds and signs of local wildlife. It is a good alternative to more heavily visited attractions around Lake Siljan.
Säter also has a long connection with healthcare history through its former hospital environment. Local museums and exhibitions sometimes focus on this past, but opening hours can vary. Check details in advance if a particular collection is important to your itinerary.
A flexible half-day trip
Säter is easy to combine with a stop at Lake Runn or a drive through the surrounding villages. By car, the journey from Borlänge is straightforward. Buses may be available, but verify the return timetable before beginning a walk in Säterdalen.
5. Leksand and the shores of Lake Siljan
Leksand is one of the most rewarding day trips from Borlänge for travellers who want lakeside scenery, local traditions and a lively small-town centre. It is roughly 50 kilometres northwest of Borlänge, and the route takes you towards the southern part of Lake Siljan.
Begin in central Leksand, then continue to the waterfront and Leksand Church. The church is one of the region’s notable medieval churches, with a long history and a distinctive setting near the lake. The surrounding area offers open views across the water and is especially attractive in summer and early autumn.
Leksand Sommarland, a large family amusement and water park, is a popular seasonal attraction. It is best suited to families planning a full day, as the activities can easily fill several hours. Outside the main summer period, focus instead on the town, local food and walks along the shoreline.
Leksand is also known for its strong connection to Dalarna’s craft and folk traditions. Look for local bakeries and shops selling regional products, including the crispbread associated with the town.
When to visit Leksand
Summer offers the widest range of open attractions, swimming opportunities and events. Spring and autumn are quieter and often better for walking. Public transport connections are generally more useful here than in smaller villages, but a car makes it easier to explore the lake area.
6. Rättvik and the classic Siljan landscape
Rättvik is around 55 kilometres from Borlänge and is one of the most popular excursions from Borlänge. The town sits on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan and is known for its long pier, sandy beaches, traditional buildings and broad views over the water.
Rättvik’s long pier extends far into Lake Siljan and is an easy, memorable walk. From the end, you can look back towards the shoreline and surrounding hills. In warm weather, the lake is suitable for swimming in designated areas, while the waterfront is also enjoyable for a simple picnic.
For a view over the town and lake, drive or walk up towards Vidablick. The observation tower is a well-known local viewpoint, although access and opening times may vary. Rättvik also has several cafés, craft shops and restaurants, making it easy to spend a full day without a tightly packed schedule.
History enthusiasts should consider Rättvik Church and the nearby church stables. These traditional wooden buildings reflect the old custom of villagers staying overnight when attending church from distant farms. The setting provides useful insight into how rural communities functioned before modern transport.
Combine Rättvik with Tällberg
Rättvik and Tällberg can be visited on the same day if you start early. The two destinations are close enough to combine by car, but allow extra time for parking and lakeside stops during the busy summer season.
7. Tällberg’s village roads and lake views
Tällberg is a small village on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan, about 65 kilometres from Borlänge. It is famous for its red wooden houses, craft shops, hotels and panoramic views. The village has become one of Dalarna’s best-known tourist destinations, but its traditional character remains visible in the old farm buildings and narrow roads.
Take time to walk rather than simply driving between viewpoints. Tällberg’s appeal lies in the details: painted doors, flower gardens, timber cottages and glimpses of the lake between the trees. Several hotels and cafés offer meals or coffee with a view, although reservations are sensible in summer and during holiday periods.
Tällberg is also a good base for gentle walks. The terrain around the village is hilly in places, but you do not need a demanding hike to enjoy the landscape. In winter, the area can be atmospheric with snow-covered roofs and frozen lake scenery.
Respect the village setting
Many buildings in Tällberg are privately owned or part of hotels. Stay on public paths, keep noise low and avoid blocking narrow roads. The village is best enjoyed slowly, with time for photography, local food and the views across Siljan.
8. Nusnäs and the Dala horse tradition
Nusnäs, approximately 75 kilometres from Borlänge, is the place to go to learn about Sweden’s iconic Dala horse. The village lies near Lake Siljan and is home to workshops where the colourful wooden horses are carved and painted by hand.
At the larger craft workshops, visitors can often watch the different stages of production. The horses begin as roughly shaped pieces of wood before being sanded, painted and decorated with the distinctive kurbits-inspired patterns associated with Dalarna. Shops sell horses in many sizes, from small souvenirs to carefully finished collector’s pieces.
Nusnäs is a practical cultural stop because you can see the craft process without needing to plan a long museum visit. Combine it with Mora, Lake Siljan viewpoints or a meal in Rättvik for a full itinerary.
Buying a Dala horse
If you want an authentic locally made horse, ask where it was produced and whether it was painted by hand. Prices vary according to size, detail and maker. Workshop opening hours can be seasonal, so check before travelling, especially outside the summer months.
9. Mora and Zorn’s artistic heritage
Mora is roughly 100 kilometres north of Borlänge and makes a longer but worthwhile day trip. Located at the northern end of Lake Siljan, Mora combines outdoor scenery with some of Dalarna’s most important cultural attractions.
The Zorn Museum and Zorngården introduce the life and work of Anders Zorn, one of Sweden’s most internationally recognised artists. Zorngården was the artist’s home and studio, while the museum houses paintings, drawings and other works. Guided visits and seasonal schedules may apply, so reserve time in advance if art is your main reason for visiting.
Mora is also closely associated with the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race. The town’s Vasaloppsmuseet explains the history of the event and its importance to Swedish sports culture. In summer, walking trails and lake activities provide a different way to experience the area.
Is Mora suitable as a day trip?
Yes, particularly by car or direct train, but the journey means you should plan your stops. Choose one or two main attractions rather than trying to see every village around Lake Siljan. A morning departure gives you more time for the museum quarter and a walk through central Mora.
10. Färnebofjärden National Park
For a nature-focused adventure, consider Färnebofjärden National Park, around 100 kilometres southeast of Borlänge depending on your chosen entrance. The park protects a varied landscape around the lower Dalälven River, with wetlands, forests, islands and quiet waterways.
Färnebofjärden is particularly interesting for birdwatchers. The combination of river habitats, shallow water and mature woodland attracts many species, and several trails lead to observation points. The landscape is generally peaceful rather than dramatic, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy slow walks and wildlife watching.
Bring food, water, suitable footwear and insect repellent. Facilities are more limited than in urban parks, and mobile coverage may be uneven. Choose a marked trail that matches your time and fitness level, and check current conditions before setting off.
Getting the most from the park
Arrive early, especially during summer weekends. A car is strongly recommended because the park has several access points and public transport options are limited. Treat the area as a full-day excursion from Borlänge rather than trying to combine it with several distant attractions.
11. Fulufjället National Park for a longer adventure
Fulufjället National Park is farther from Borlänge than the other destinations on this list, but it is possible as a long day trip for experienced drivers and hikers. The park is known for its high plateau, waterfalls and extensive wilderness. The most famous attraction is Njupeskär, one of Sweden’s highest waterfalls.
The walk to Njupeskär is a popular choice, but mountain weather can change quickly. Wear proper walking shoes, carry extra layers and allow more time than the distance alone suggests. Other paths lead across open terrain and through mountain birch woodland, offering a stronger sense of wilderness than the lakeside towns closer to Borlänge.
This excursion requires careful planning. Check road conditions, visitor centre opening hours and trail information before leaving. In winter and during shoulder seasons, snow, ice and limited daylight can make the journey unsuitable for casual visitors.
Choose Fulufjället when nature is the priority
If your main goal is a relaxed cultural day, choose Falun, Sundborn or Rättvik instead. Fulufjället is best for travellers who are prepared to spend many hours driving and walking in changing outdoor conditions.
How to choose between these Borlänge day trips
For history, choose Falun and the Falu Mine, or combine Sundborn with a visit to Carl Larsson’s home. For traditional Dalarna scenery, Rättvik, Tällberg and Nusnäs provide the strongest concentration of lakeside views, wooden buildings and local crafts. For families, Leksand Sommarland is the most activity-focused option in summer.
Nature lovers should look at Säterdalen, Lake Runn, Färnebofjärden or Fulufjället depending on how far they want to travel. If you prefer an easy, unhurried day, Säter or Ornässtugan may be more satisfying than a long drive around Lake Siljan.
- Best short trip: Falun.
- Best for Swedish art and design: Sundborn.
- Best lake views: Rättvik and Tällberg.
- Best traditional craft: Nusnäs.
- Best family attraction: Leksand Sommarland in summer.
- Best quiet nature outing: Säterdalen.
- Best serious hiking day: Fulufjället National Park.
Practical tips for excursions from Borlänge
Summer is the easiest season for sightseeing because attractions stay open longer and daylight lasts late into the evening. It is also the busiest period, especially around Lake Siljan. Spring and autumn offer fewer visitors and attractive colours, but some museums, cafés and craft workshops operate reduced hours. Winter is excellent for snow landscapes and skiing, although road and trail conditions need closer attention.
Swedish weather can change quickly, even on short day trips. Bring a waterproof layer, comfortable walking shoes and a refillable water bottle. If you plan to swim, hike or visit a national park, pack more food and clothing than you think you will need. Confirm opening hours for museums, historic houses and seasonal attractions before travelling.
With its central position and good road connections, Borlänge works particularly well as a base for exploring Dalarna. Start with the closest attractions, then choose a full-day route around Lake Siljan or into the countryside when you have more time. The variety of destinations nearby Borlänge means you can build an itinerary around culture, nature, food or traditional Swedish landscapes.