Planning day trips from Borlänge by train is an easy way to explore Dalarna without hiring a car. From Borlänge station, you can reach historic Falun, lakeside towns such as Rättvik and Leksand, and several smaller destinations with museums, cafés, nature walks, and local culture. This guide covers the best train excursions, what to see in each place, how long the journeys usually take, and how to plan a relaxed day out.
Why take train excursions from Borlänge?
Borlänge is one of the most useful transport hubs in central Dalarna. The town sits on railway routes connecting several popular destinations, making it a practical base for exploring the region. Many journeys are short enough for a full day trip, and the stations are often within walking distance of the town centre or connected by local buses.
Travelling by train also lets you enjoy the landscape. The route passes forests, farmland, lakes, and traditional red cottages, especially as you travel towards Lake Siljan. You can read, enjoy a coffee, or simply watch the scenery instead of concentrating on the road.
Train times and connections change according to the day and season. Check the latest departures with SJ or Tåg i Bergslagen before travelling. Some destinations also require a local bus for the final part of the journey, so allow time for transfers when planning your itinerary.
1. Falun: the easiest day trip from Borlänge
Falun is the most convenient choice for day trips from Borlänge by train. The journey usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the service, and trains run regularly on many days. This makes Falun suitable for a short outing as well as a full day of sightseeing.
What to do in Falun
The main attraction is the Falun Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sweden’s most important historic industrial locations. Guided tours take visitors underground, where you can learn about the miners, the difficult working conditions, and the mine’s role in the development of the region. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a warm layer, as the underground temperature is cool throughout the year.
Above ground, the mining landscape includes historic buildings, paths, and viewpoints. In the centre of Falun, you can visit Dalarnas Museum, which introduces the province’s art, folk traditions, and history. The museum is a good place to learn about Dalarna’s famous painted horses, textiles, and regional customs.
Falun also has a pleasant centre with cafés, shops, and squares. If you want some greenery, walk towards Lake Runn or visit one of the nearby parks. A typical day could combine the mine in the morning, lunch in the centre, and the museum or a lakeside walk in the afternoon.
- Typical train time: about 15 to 25 minutes.
- Best for: history, museums, architecture, and an easy first excursion.
- Planning tip: reserve a mine tour in advance during summer and school holidays.
2. Leksand: lake views and Dalarna traditions
Leksand is one of the most appealing nearby towns for visitors who want a combination of scenery and local culture. The train journey from Borlänge commonly takes around 35 to 50 minutes. Leksand lies beside Lake Siljan, one of the best known landscapes in Dalarna.
Things to see in Leksand
Start with a walk through the town centre and towards the church. Leksands kyrka is a large medieval church with a distinctive position near the lake. The surrounding area is peaceful, with traditional buildings and walking routes that show the character of the town.
For a deeper look at local history, visit Hildasholm, a historic house surrounded by gardens. The property is associated with Axel Munthe and his wife Hilda, and its interiors and gardens offer a more refined contrast to the region’s farmsteads and village museums. Check opening dates before travelling, as access can be seasonal.
Leksand Sommarland is a popular family attraction in the warmer months. It is not directly at the train station, so you may need a local bus or taxi. During winter, the town has a quieter atmosphere and can work well as a food and culture stop rather than a full day of outdoor activities.
Do not leave without trying a local crispbread product. Leksand is strongly associated with knäckebröd, and shops in the area often sell regional varieties that make useful souvenirs.
- Typical train time: about 35 to 50 minutes.
- Best for: Lake Siljan scenery, local food, churches, and family activities.
- Planning tip: check local transport if you want to visit attractions outside the centre.
3. Rättvik: one of the best Lake Siljan excursions
Rättvik is a strong choice for travellers looking for lake views, traditional Dalarna culture, and an easy walking day. Trains from Borlänge often take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The journey itself is part of the experience, as the landscape becomes increasingly shaped by Lake Siljan and its surrounding hills.
Highlights in Rättvik
Rättvik’s long pier, known as Långbryggan, extends into Lake Siljan and is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. A walk along the pier gives you broad views across the water and towards the wooded shore. The atmosphere changes with the season, from bright summer evenings to quiet autumn days.
The town is also known for its connection to traditional music and crafts. Visit local galleries and handicraft shops, and look for events at venues such as the old open-air theatre Dalhalla, which is built in a former limestone quarry outside the town. Dalhalla hosts concerts during the summer, but it is not next to the railway station. Concert transport or a pre-booked taxi is usually necessary.
Rättvik church and the nearby old church stables provide a glimpse of historic rural life. These small buildings were once used by church visitors who travelled from surrounding villages. Depending on the season, you may also find markets and local events in the centre.
Allow time for a meal or coffee by the lake. Rättvik is particularly attractive when you avoid rushing between several sites and simply combine the pier, the old church area, and a relaxed lunch.
- Typical train time: about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Best for: lake walks, traditional culture, music, and photography.
- Planning tip: book transport to Dalhalla early when attending a concert.
4. Mora: a full day in the heart of Dalarna
Mora is one of the most rewarding longer train excursions from Borlänge. The journey generally takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the connection. It is still practical as a day trip, but an early start gives you more time to explore.
What to see in Mora
Mora is closely linked with the painter Anders Zorn. At the Zorn Museum, you can see his paintings, drawings, and examples of his international career. The nearby Zorngården, his former home, provides a more personal look at his life and artistic environment. Guided visits may have fixed times, so check the schedule before setting out.
The town is also associated with the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race. The Vasaloppet Museum explains the history of the event and its importance to Swedish sports culture. Even outside the ski season, the museum helps visitors understand why Mora attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the country.
Take time to walk through the town and along the shores of Lake Siljan. Mora’s location between Lake Siljan and Lake Orsasjön gives it a strong connection to the surrounding water and forests. The centre has cafés, restaurants, and shops selling Dalarna handicrafts.
One practical option is to plan one major museum visit, one local walk, and a long lunch. Trying to cover every attraction in a single day can make the trip feel rushed, particularly if you are travelling outside the summer season.
- Typical train time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Best for: art, sports history, regional culture, and longer day trips.
- Planning tip: check return departures carefully, especially on weekends.
5. Ludvika: lakes, industrial history, and a quieter pace
Ludvika is a useful choice if you want to discover a less touristy part of central Sweden. Depending on the service, the train from Borlänge usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The town is surrounded by forest and lakes and has a strong industrial heritage.
How to spend a day in Ludvika
Begin with a walk around the town centre and the waterfront. Lake Väsman is close to Ludvika and offers pleasant views, particularly in clear weather. Paths near the water are suitable for a gentle stroll, although conditions can be wet and uneven during spring and autumn.
Ludvika is connected to the history of mining, iron production, and engineering in Bergslagen. Local exhibitions and heritage sites explain how natural resources shaped the towns of the region. Because opening hours can be limited, it is sensible to check local information before you travel.
The town’s cafés and restaurants make it easy to take a slower lunch break. Ludvika can be especially appealing if you have already visited Falun and want to compare two different industrial landscapes. Falun is famous for its copper mine, while Ludvika reflects the wider mining and engineering traditions of Bergslagen.
- Typical train time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Best for: lakeside walks, industrial history, and a quieter atmosphere.
- Planning tip: research museum opening hours because some attractions operate seasonally.
6. Avesta: art, heritage, and the Dalarna countryside
Avesta can usually be reached from Borlänge in roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour, often with a connection depending on the timetable. It is a good destination for travellers interested in industrial history, public art, and small town museums.
Places to visit in Avesta
Avesta’s history is closely tied to iron production. The old ironworks area, Avesta gamla by, includes historic buildings and offers insight into how the community developed around industry. The environment combines traditional architecture with the river and green spaces around the settlement.
Art lovers can look for Verket, an art and cultural centre housed in a former industrial setting. Exhibitions vary, and the building itself is part of the experience. Avesta is also known for the Avesta Art exhibition, which usually takes place during a limited part of the year, so confirm dates before travelling.
The town is famous for its large Dala horse, a colourful symbol of Dalarna that makes a fun photo stop. Avesta also has access to nature areas and the Dalälven river, making it possible to add a short outdoor walk to a museum-focused itinerary.
- Typical train time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the route.
- Best for: industrial heritage, art, local history, and unusual photo stops.
- Planning tip: confirm connections and opening dates before booking your day.
7. Gävle: a longer urban day trip
Gävle is farther from Borlänge than the other destinations in this guide, but it can work as a full day out for visitors who want a larger town with museums, shopping, and waterfront walks. The journey often takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on connections.
What to do in Gävle
Gävle has a compact centre with shops, cafés, restaurants, and historic streets. The Gävle Goat is the city’s most famous symbol, particularly during the Christmas season, although its location and display may vary from year to year.
The Swedish Railway Museum is a highlight for anyone interested in transport and engineering. Its collection includes historic locomotives, carriages, and railway objects. Check its current location and opening arrangements before travelling, since museum facilities and access information can change.
For art and culture, visit Gävle Konstcentrum or explore the city’s public sculptures. A walk along the river Gavleån adds a calm contrast to the urban centre. If you prefer nature, Boulognerskogen park is within reach of the town and offers paths, lawns, and wooded areas.
- Typical train time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Best for: museums, shopping, urban culture, and a change of scenery.
- Planning tip: compare return connections carefully, as the day is longer than a trip to Falun or Leksand.
8. Stockholm or Uppsala for an ambitious rail day
Stockholm and Uppsala are possible as ambitious day trips from Borlänge by train, although they are less relaxed than the destinations in Dalarna. Stockholm commonly takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes or more, while Uppsala may take around 2 hours depending on the connection. These journeys require an early departure and careful planning.
Uppsala is usually the more manageable option. Its cathedral, university quarter, castle, botanical gardens, and riverside paths are relatively close together. The city works well for visitors who want history and architecture without covering long distances between attractions.
Stockholm offers far more to see, including Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, the Royal Palace, and the islands of the central archipelago. However, a day trip allows time for only a small selection. Choose one neighbourhood and one major attraction rather than trying to see the whole capital.
These longer routes are best for travellers who have already explored nearby towns or who are making a special visit to a major museum. For a slower and more distinctly regional experience, Falun, Rättvik, Leksand, and Mora are usually better choices.
How to plan day trips from Borlänge by train
Check the route and ticket rules
Search the full journey from Borlänge C to your destination rather than assuming a direct train operates. Tåg i Bergslagen serves many routes in Dalarna, while SJ operates longer-distance services. Some journeys involve a change at Falun, Mora, Avesta Krylbo, or another regional station.
Compare return times before buying a ticket. Regional services may be less frequent in the evening, on Sundays, and during public holidays. If you are visiting a seasonal attraction, make sure its opening hours match your train itinerary.
Use the station as your starting point
Borlänge station is close to the town centre, so you can buy food or coffee before departure. If your destination is outside the centre, look up the local bus connection in advance. This matters for places such as Dalhalla, Hildasholm, and some nature reserves.
Pack for changing weather
Dalarna’s weather can change quickly, particularly near the lakes. Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a small bottle of water are useful throughout the year. In winter, daylight hours are short and platforms can be cold, so plan outdoor walks around the middle of the day.
Choose the right destination for your interests
- For the shortest and simplest outing, choose Falun.
- For Lake Siljan scenery, choose Rättvik or Leksand.
- For art and regional history, choose Mora.
- For industrial heritage, consider Falun, Ludvika, or Avesta.
- For a larger city experience, choose Gävle, Uppsala, or Stockholm.
With regular checks of the timetable and a little attention to local connections, Borlänge is an excellent base for exploring central Sweden. The best train excursions are often the ones that match your pace: a quick museum visit in Falun, a lakeside walk in Rättvik, or an entire day discovering Mora’s art and traditions.