Looking for day trips from Falun without a car? You can reach lakeside towns, historic villages, museums, cultural attractions and lively city centres by public transport from Falun. Trains and buses make it possible to explore Dalarna without driving, although some routes run less frequently on weekends and outside the summer season. This guide covers the best destinations, how to get there and what to do once you arrive.
Planning day trips from Falun without a car
Falun is one of the most convenient bases in Dalarna for car-free travel. The city has rail connections towards Borlänge, Rättvik, Leksand and Mora, while local buses serve Sundborn and several villages around Lake Runn. Regional buses operated by Dalatrafik connect Falun with nearby towns and attractions, and trains operated by SJ or Tåg i Bergslagen cover longer regional journeys.
Before setting out, check the current timetable in the Dalatrafik, SJ or Resrobot journey planner. Services can change during school holidays, on Sundays and around public holidays. If you are planning to visit a museum, historic house or guided attraction, check its opening hours as well. A destination may be easy to reach but have limited activities outside the main summer season.
- Use the train for Borlänge, Rättvik, Leksand, Mora and Gävle.
- Use Dalatrafik buses for Sundborn and smaller destinations near Falun.
- Allow extra time for connections if you are combining a train with a local bus.
- Buy tickets through the relevant operator before boarding when required.
- Bring a payment card and comfortable shoes, since many attractions are reached on foot from the station or bus stop.
1. Borlänge: the easiest train day trip from Falun
Borlänge is the simplest choice for a relaxed day away from Falun. The train journey is short, usually taking around 15 to 20 minutes, and there are also frequent bus connections. Because the two cities are close together, Borlänge works well for a half-day visit or for travellers who want a flexible itinerary.
What to do in Borlänge
Start at the city centre and explore the shops, cafés and restaurants around the main pedestrian streets. Borlänge is also home to several cultural attractions. The Dalarna Museum has exhibitions about regional history, art and everyday life, while the nearby Kupolen shopping centre offers a wide range of stores and places to eat.
For a more distinctive experience, visit the Framtidsmuseet, a science centre with interactive displays that suit families and curious adults. If you prefer the outdoors, take a local bus or walk towards the banks of the Dalälven River. The river landscape provides pleasant paths and picnic spots, particularly during spring and summer.
How to plan the visit
Because the journey is so short, Borlänge is a good option when the weather is uncertain. You can spend a few hours indoors and return to Falun before the evening. It is also one of the best train day trips Falun offers for visitors who do not want to spend most of the day travelling.
2. Sundborn: art, gardens and village scenery
Sundborn lies a short distance northeast of Falun and is best known as the home of artists Carl Larsson and Karin Larsson. The village is a rewarding destination for anyone interested in Swedish art, design and rural landscapes. Local buses from Falun can take you towards Sundborn, but check the exact stop and return service before leaving, especially at weekends.
Visit Carl Larsson gården
Carl Larsson gården, also known as Lilla Hyttnäs, is the former home of Carl and Karin Larsson. Guided tours explain how the couple created a distinctive home filled with colour, textiles, furniture and personal details. Many of the interiors became influential examples of Swedish design, and the house offers a more intimate experience than a conventional art museum.
The property is usually most active during the warmer months, when visitors can also enjoy the garden and the surrounding village. Opening hours and tour arrangements vary by season, so book or check ahead if the house is a central part of your plan.
Other things to see in Sundborn
Allow time to walk through the village and along the water. Sundborn has a peaceful setting with red wooden buildings, small bridges and green countryside. A café or packed lunch makes the visit more comfortable, particularly when bus departures are spaced apart. Sundborn is one of the best bus excursions from Falun for travellers seeking culture without a long journey.
3. Rättvik: Lake Siljan, beaches and classic Dalarna views
Rättvik is one of the most popular car-free day trips from Falun. Trains normally take roughly 30 to 40 minutes, and buses may also be available depending on the time of day. The town sits on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan and combines scenic views with a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot.
Walk along the lake
The long pier at Rättvik is the town’s best-known landmark. Rättviks Långbrygga extends far into Lake Siljan and gives you broad views across the water. It is an easy walk and a good place for photographs, especially in calm weather. Near the shore, you will find areas for swimming and relaxing during summer.
Rättvik’s lakeside setting changes dramatically with the seasons. In summer, the water and beaches create a lively atmosphere. In autumn, the surrounding forests bring strong colours, while winter visitors may find a quieter town and frozen landscapes. Wear suitable shoes because some lakeside paths can be uneven or wet.
Explore the town and local heritage
Rättvik has cafés, small shops and restaurants within walking distance of the station. The town is also associated with traditional Dalarna culture, including music, crafts and folk costumes. If you visit during a local market, concert or traditional event, the town can feel especially lively, but event dates vary from year to year.
For a longer walk, follow local paths towards the church area and older parts of town. You can easily spend a full day combining the pier, a meal and a walk through the surrounding neighbourhoods.
4. Leksand: lakeside walks and Swedish summer traditions
Leksand is another excellent destination on the Lake Siljan route. The train journey from Falun generally takes around 45 minutes to an hour, although the exact time depends on the service. Regional buses provide another option. Leksand is especially appealing in summer, when the town’s parks, lakeside areas and cultural venues are at their most active.
Things to do in Leksand
Begin with a walk through the town centre and towards the Österdalälven River. Leksand has attractive green spaces and waterside paths, making it easy to enjoy the landscape without arranging a complicated excursion. The historic church area is also worth seeing, with traditional buildings and a strong connection to local history.
The Leksand Sommarland amusement and water park is a popular family attraction during the summer season. It is outside the central area, so check the local bus connection before travelling and allow enough time for the return journey. For a quieter visit, explore local cafés, galleries and craft shops instead.
When to visit
Summer is the most convenient time for a first visit because more attractions and seasonal transport services are operating. Midsummer celebrations are particularly important in the region, but they can also bring crowds and limited accommodation. Spring and early autumn offer a calmer atmosphere and are well suited to walking.
5. Tällberg: a scenic village above Lake Siljan
Tällberg is one of the most picturesque destinations near Falun, known for traditional wooden buildings, craft shops, hotels and views over Lake Siljan. Reaching Tällberg without a car requires a little more planning than visiting Rättvik or Leksand. You may be able to use a train to Tällberg station or travel via Rättvik and continue by local bus or taxi, depending on the current timetable.
What to see in Tällberg
The village is best explored slowly. Walk between the red-painted houses, browse craft studios and look for viewpoints over the lake. Several hotels and restaurants welcome day visitors, but reservations may be sensible during summer weekends. A coffee break with a view is one of the simplest ways to appreciate the setting.
Tällberg is hilly, so comfortable footwear is useful. The village is not a place packed with large attractions. Its appeal comes from the atmosphere, architecture and landscape. It works particularly well as part of a Lake Siljan itinerary combined with Rättvik or Leksand, provided the transport connections line up.
Transport advice for Tällberg
Always check the return journey before you go. Some services are infrequent, and the nearest station or bus stop may not be directly beside the main village area. If public transport times do not fit, a pre-booked taxi from Rättvik can provide a practical solution, although it will increase the cost of the day.
6. Mora: a full-day Lake Siljan adventure
Mora is farther from Falun than the other Lake Siljan towns, but it is still possible to visit on a day trip by train. The journey usually takes about one and a quarter to one and a half hours each way, depending on the service. An early departure gives you enough time to enjoy the town without rushing.
Top attractions in Mora
Mora is strongly associated with Anders Zorn, one of Sweden’s best-known artists. The Zorn Museum displays his paintings, drawings and watercolours, while Zorngården, his former home, provides insight into his life and artistic environment. Check tour times in advance, since entry to the historic home may be organised differently from the museum.
The town also has a pleasant location where the Österdalälven River meets Lake Siljan. Walk along the waterfront, visit local shops and look for Dalarna handicrafts. Mora is a good place to learn more about regional traditions, including the famous Dala horse, which is produced in several parts of the province.
Making the journey worthwhile
Choose one or two main attractions rather than trying to see everything. Mora is large enough to fill a full day, but the most central sights can be reached on foot from the station. If you want to add an outlying attraction, check local buses carefully because the return trip to Falun should remain your priority.
7. Gävle: a city break on the east coast side of Dalarna
For a change from lakes and rural villages, consider Gävle. The journey from Falun generally involves a train connection and may take around one and a half to two hours, depending on the route and waiting time. It is a longer day out, but the city offers museums, shopping, restaurants and a different urban atmosphere.
What to do in Gävle
Gävle’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot from the railway station. The Gävle Konstcentrum presents contemporary art, while the Swedish Railway Museum is a highlight for visitors interested in trains and industrial history. The riverside areas are pleasant for a walk, and the old neighbourhoods contain colourful wooden buildings.
The city is famous for its seasonal straw goat, the Gävle Goat, which is traditionally erected before Christmas. It is not present all year, but the town has attractions in every season. Cafés and restaurants make Gävle a useful destination when poor weather makes an outdoor excursion less appealing.
Who should choose Gävle?
Gävle suits travellers who want a proper city day rather than a countryside walk. It is less convenient than Borlänge or Rättvik, so check the return timetable before committing. If the connections are awkward, choose a closer destination and enjoy a longer visit there instead.
8. Lake Runn and nearby outdoor escapes
You do not need to travel far from Falun for a day surrounded by water and forest. Lake Runn lies between Falun and Borlänge, and several local bus routes can take you towards lakeside areas. Exact access depends on the season and destination, so use a journey planner for the specific beach, jetty or nature trail you want to visit.
In summer, Lake Runn is suitable for swimming, kayaking, cycling and picnics. Some islands and beaches are easiest to reach by boat, and boat services may operate only during the warmer months. In winter, the lake can become a popular area for skating or walking when conditions are safe, but always follow local ice safety advice.
Pack food and water if you are heading to a quieter shore. Rural bus stops may have few facilities, and services back to Falun can be limited. This is one of the best options for independent travellers who prefer a flexible outdoor day over museums and organised attractions.
Choosing between train day trips and bus excursions
Train day trips from Falun are generally easiest when you want a predictable journey and a central destination. Borlänge, Rättvik, Leksand and Mora all have stations close to the town areas, although walking distances vary. Trains are particularly useful when you want to travel farther without changing vehicles several times.
Bus excursions are more useful for smaller villages and attractions that do not have a railway station. Sundborn is the clearest example, while local buses can also help you reach beaches, residential areas and trailheads around Falun and Lake Runn. Buses may take longer than trains, but they can bring you closer to the exact place you want to visit.
- Choose Borlänge for the easiest short trip and indoor attractions.
- Choose Sundborn for art, design and village scenery.
- Choose Rättvik for Lake Siljan views, the long pier and an easy lakeside walk.
- Choose Leksand for green spaces, local heritage and summer activities.
- Choose Tällberg for traditional buildings, craft shops and viewpoints.
- Choose Mora for museums and a longer, more comprehensive Lake Siljan day.
- Choose Gävle for a city break with museums and restaurants.
- Choose Lake Runn for swimming, walking and seasonal outdoor activities.
Practical tips for a car-free day from Falun
Check both directions
It is easy to focus on getting to a destination and forget about returning. Look up the final departure before leaving Falun, then plan your activities around it. This matters most for Tällberg, Sundborn and rural areas around Lake Runn, where services may be less frequent.
Travel early for popular attractions
Summer weekends can be busy around Lake Siljan. An early train gives you more time for a museum, a long walk or lunch by the water. It also gives you a better chance of adjusting your plans if a bus connection is delayed.
Plan for walking
Public transport takes you close to many attractions, but not always to the entrance. A day in Rättvik may involve substantial walking along the lake, while Tällberg has slopes and uneven paths. Comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket are useful in every season.
Keep your itinerary realistic
Trying to combine several towns can leave you spending most of the day waiting for transport. Pick one main destination, or combine places only when the train route makes the connection straightforward. Rättvik and Tällberg may work together, for example, but only after checking the exact services for your travel date.
Use seasonal opening hours to your advantage
Many museums, historic homes and cultural attractions have longer opening hours in summer. In winter, focus on cafés, town walks, museums with year-round schedules and scenic viewpoints that remain accessible. Always verify details before travelling because local businesses can change their hours.