Looking for the best islands near Falun? Although Falun is inland, it is surrounded by large lakes, wooded shores and peaceful island landscapes that are ideal for a day trip. From the small islands of Lake Runn to the historic island of Sollerön in Lake Siljan, you can enjoy swimming, hiking, cycling, kayaking and boat trips without travelling to Sweden’s coastal archipelago.
The best islands near Falun at a glance
The best choice depends on the kind of island experience you want. Lake Runn is the closest option and offers easy access to a beautiful freshwater archipelago. Sollerön is the best destination for history, cycling and traditional Dalarna scenery. Lake Väsman near Ludvika is a quieter choice for travellers who prefer open water, forest and fewer visitors.
- Lake Runn: The closest island destination, with dozens of islands, beaches and opportunities for paddling.
- Sollerön: A larger, inhabited island in Lake Siljan with Viking history, cycling routes and countryside views.
- Lake Siljan islands: A scenic area for boat trips, lakeside villages and views across one of Dalarna’s most famous lakes.
- Lake Väsman: A peaceful alternative near Ludvika, suited to swimming, fishing, kayaking and quiet nature walks.
1. The islands of Lake Runn
Lake Runn is the most convenient place to experience an island landscape near Falun. The lake lies between Falun and Borlänge, and its many islands create a freshwater archipelago of wooded shores, rocky swimming spots and sheltered bays. Falun is only a short drive from the lake, making it possible to visit for an afternoon or spend a full summer day on the water.
The character of Lake Runn changes with the seasons. In summer, the islands are popular with people travelling by canoe, kayak, small motorboat and sailing boat. The water is often calm in the sheltered sections, while the larger open areas provide impressive views towards forested hills. In winter, the lake can become a destination for long-distance ice skating when conditions are safe and officially checked.
What to do on Lake Runn
- Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the islands at your own pace.
- Pack a picnic and look for a quiet natural swimming place.
- Take a boat trip to enjoy the lake without having to navigate yourself.
- Bring binoculars for waterbirds and forest wildlife.
- Try winter ice skating only when local authorities confirm that the ice is safe.
There is no single island that you must visit on Lake Runn. The appeal is the variety of smaller islands and the freedom to choose a route based on the weather, your boat access and how much time you have. Some islands are little more than forested rocks, while others provide enough space for a relaxed picnic stop.
How to visit the Lake Runn archipelago
Start by choosing a launch point near Falun or Borlänge. Several lakeside areas provide access for paddlers and boat users, although facilities vary. If you do not have your own equipment, check local rental companies before travelling, particularly during July and August when kayaks and canoes may be booked in advance.
Lake Runn is also one of the best places near Falun for a first island adventure because you do not need to plan an ambitious expedition. A short paddle along the shoreline can provide attractive views, while experienced paddlers can spend several hours moving between islands. Always carry a map, a charged phone, drinking water and an extra layer, as conditions on open water can change quickly.
2. Sollerön in Lake Siljan
Sollerön is one of the most interesting islands near Falun for travellers who want more than a beach and a boat ride. Located in Lake Siljan, the island combines forests, farms, traditional red cottages and a long cultural history. It is connected to the mainland by road, so you can reach it by car without arranging a ferry.
The journey from Falun usually takes around one and a half to two hours, depending on your route and destination on the island. That makes Sollerön suitable for a full day trip. You can combine a visit with stops in Mora, Gesunda or other villages around Lake Siljan, although trying to see the entire lake in one day may feel rushed.
History and culture on Sollerön
Sollerön is especially known for its Viking Age archaeological discoveries. The island has several burial sites and historic remains that show how important the area was long before modern tourism arrived. The local heritage museum and cultural sites offer useful background, while the island’s church and traditional buildings add to its strong sense of place.
History is best enjoyed slowly here. Walk through the village areas, look for local information signs and allow time for the landscape itself. The combination of open farmland, woodland and views across Lake Siljan gives Sollerön a distinctly different atmosphere from the smaller, wilder islands of Lake Runn.
Activities on Sollerön
- Cycle along quiet roads through villages and farmland.
- Visit local heritage sites and learn about Viking Age finds.
- Swim from a designated lakeside beach on a warm summer day.
- Take photographs of Lake Siljan from the island’s shoreline.
- Combine the island with a visit to Mora or the Gesunda area.
Sollerön is a good choice for families and independent travellers because it offers roads, accommodation, shops and cultural attractions as well as nature. You are not dependent on a particular boat departure, and a rainy day does not have to ruin the visit. However, the island is spread out, so having a bicycle or car makes it easier to explore beyond the central village.
3. Lake Siljan and its island landscapes
Lake Siljan is one of Dalarna’s signature destinations and a rewarding choice if you want scenic boat trips near Falun. The lake is famous for its unusual rounded shape, extensive shoreline and villages with traditional Dalarna architecture. Sollerön is the main inhabited island, but the wider lake environment includes smaller islands, wooded points and peaceful stretches of water that create an archipelago-like feeling.
Boat services and sightseeing cruises vary by season and departure town. Mora, Rättvik and Leksand are among the places where visitors may find organised lake cruises, sightseeing boats or boat connections during the summer. Timetables can change from year to year, so check current information before planning your day around a particular departure.
Why choose Lake Siljan for boat trips?
A boat trip on Lake Siljan is less about island-hopping and more about seeing the scale and character of the lake from the water. The broad views make the surrounding hills and villages look entirely different from the road. A cruise can also be a comfortable way to experience the lake if you are travelling with children, older relatives or someone who does not want a demanding outdoor activity.
For a more active day, look for kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard rentals near the lake. Sheltered bays can be suitable for beginners in calm weather, but Lake Siljan is large enough for wind and waves to build quickly. Follow local safety advice and use a buoyancy aid whenever one is provided or recommended.
4. Lake Väsman near Ludvika
Lake Väsman is a quieter alternative to the more familiar Lake Runn and Lake Siljan. It lies near Ludvika, south-west of Falun, and offers a spacious freshwater setting with forested shores, open views and small islands in the lake environment. The journey is generally manageable as a day trip, especially if you are already exploring southern Dalarna.
This is a destination for slowing down rather than ticking off major attractions. Bring a picnic, find a peaceful shoreline and enjoy the reflections on the water. Depending on the exact area you visit, you may find swimming places, fishing access and opportunities to launch a small paddlecraft. Facilities are more limited than around the larger tourist centres, so plan to carry the essentials with you.
Who will enjoy Lake Väsman?
- Travellers looking for a less busy lake destination.
- Families who prefer a simple picnic and swimming day.
- Photographers interested in forests, open water and changing light.
- Kayakers and canoeists who want to explore without following a fixed tour.
- Visitors combining nature with a stop in Ludvika.
Lake Väsman may not offer the same concentration of visitor attractions as Sollerön, but that is part of its appeal. It feels more local and unhurried. Check access rights and local signs before landing on small islands, as some areas may be privately owned or particularly sensitive during the nesting season.
Choosing between the best islands near Falun
If you have only a few hours, choose Lake Runn. Its proximity to Falun means you can spend more time on the water and less time travelling. It is also the easiest destination for a spontaneous picnic, short paddle or simple summer swim.
If you want culture and a full day out, choose Sollerön. The island has enough history, scenery and activities to fill a day, and its road connection makes logistics straightforward. It is particularly suitable for visitors who want to combine nature with museums, local food and traditional Dalarna landscapes.
If you are mainly interested in sightseeing by boat, plan around Lake Siljan. Look at current departure points and timetables in Mora, Rättvik or Leksand, then build in extra time for lakeside walks. For peace and quiet, Lake Väsman is a strong option, especially outside the busiest weeks of the summer holiday.
Practical advice for island trips from Falun
When to go
Late spring, summer and early autumn are the best seasons for most island visits. June and August can offer a pleasant balance of long daylight, warmer water and fewer visitors than the peak weeks of July. Summer is the main season for boat trips, swimming and equipment rentals, while autumn brings colourful forests and quieter shorelines.
Winter is a separate experience. Lake Runn is well known for outdoor ice activities when the weather permits, but frozen lakes are never automatically safe. Ice thickness can vary around islands, inlets, bridges and areas with moving water. Follow official local updates and never travel onto the ice without appropriate knowledge and safety equipment.
What to pack
- Waterproof clothing and a warm layer, even on a sunny day.
- Drinking water and food if you plan to spend time on an undeveloped island.
- Sun protection, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes.
- A paper map or downloaded map for areas with weak mobile coverage.
- A dry bag for phones, cameras and spare clothing when paddling.
- Buoyancy aids and suitable safety equipment for every person on the water.
Respecting the lakes and islands
Sweden’s right of public access gives visitors many opportunities to enjoy nature, but it also comes with responsibilities. Leave no rubbish, avoid disturbing birds and wildlife, and keep a respectful distance from private homes and holiday cottages. Use established fire sites where available, and check local fire restrictions before lighting any fire.
Do not assume that every island has a toilet, rubbish bin, drinking water or marked path. Small islands in particular may be completely undeveloped. A little preparation makes the experience more comfortable and helps protect the fragile shoreline for future visitors.
Getting to the islands from Falun
A car is the most flexible way to reach Lake Runn, Sollerön, Lake Siljan and Lake Väsman, particularly if you are carrying a kayak, picnic equipment or bicycles. Public transport can work for larger towns such as Borlänge, Mora and Ludvika, but the final distance to a beach, harbour or launch point may require a local bus, taxi or rental bicycle.
For organised boat trips, check the departure harbour rather than searching only for the lake name. Some cruises operate from town centres, while others leave from a specific marina or lakeside attraction. Arrive early in high season, and confirm whether tickets can be bought online, whether bicycles are accepted and whether the service runs in poor weather.
For most visitors, the best islands near Falun are not about finding one famous viewpoint. They are about choosing the right lake for your pace. Pick Lake Runn for a close and flexible archipelago adventure, Sollerön for history and cycling, Lake Siljan for memorable boat trips, or Lake Väsman for a quieter day beside the water.