Looking for easy hikes near Falun? The area around this historic Dalarna town is filled with quiet forests, lakeside paths, cultural landmarks and gentle nature trails that suit beginners, families and anyone wanting a relaxed day outdoors. From short walks beside Lake Runn to scenic routes around Lugnet, these hiking trails offer beautiful Swedish landscapes without demanding steep climbs or advanced equipment.
Why Falun is a great base for beginner hikes
Falun is one of the best places in central Sweden for accessible outdoor experiences. The city is surrounded by spruce and pine forest, clear lakes, rolling hills and well-maintained recreational areas. Many routes begin only a short drive or bus journey from the centre, so you can combine a walk with a visit to a museum, café or historic attraction.
The terrain is usually more forgiving than the high mountains of northern Sweden. Even so, the landscape can feel wild and peaceful. Forest paths may include exposed roots, stones and short slopes, while lakeside trails are often flatter and easier to follow. Several areas have picnic tables, shelters, parking and marked routes, making them especially suitable for first-time hikers.
When planning easy hikes near Falun, remember that the word easy can mean different things. A two-kilometre stroll on a firm path is very different from a six-kilometre forest trail with uneven ground. Choose a route that matches your footwear, fitness and the weather on the day.
The best easy hikes near Falun
1. Runn Lake shoreline walks
Lake Runn is one of the most popular places for a relaxed walk close to Falun. The large lake lies between Falun and Borlänge and has a mixture of wooded shores, small bays, jetties and open views across the water. Rather than following one single long trail, visitors can create an easy walk from paths around areas such as Främby Udde, Roxnäs and nearby recreation sites.
These shoreline walks are ideal if you want flexibility. You can walk for 30 minutes, continue for a few hours or stop at a beach or picnic area. The scenery changes with the season. Summer brings swimming spots and green woodland, autumn adds bright colour and crisp air, and winter often transforms the lake into a popular area for skating and other snow activities.
- Best for: Families, casual walkers and sunset views
- Typical distance: Flexible, from 2 kilometres to longer sections
- Terrain: Mostly gentle paths, with some uneven forest sections
- Good to know: Check the exact route and parking information before setting out
Bring a picnic and allow extra time for views over the lake. If you are travelling with children, a shorter out-and-back walk is often easier than committing to a complete loop.
2. Stångtjärn recreation area
Stångtjärn is a peaceful lake and outdoor recreation area just outside Falun. The forest around the water contains several marked walking and running paths, including shorter options that work well for beginner hikes. The atmosphere is quiet, and the combination of dark woodland, rocky shore and reflective water gives the area a distinctly Swedish character.
A circuit around the lake can be a pleasant half-day outing, although the exact experience depends on which paths you choose. Some sections are smooth and easy, while others are more natural and may be damp after rain. Take your time, particularly where roots and rocks cross the trail.
- Best for: Forest scenery, a quiet picnic and a short escape from the city
- Typical distance: Several marked options, including short loops
- Terrain: Forest paths with roots, rocks and gentle slopes
- Facilities: Recreation areas and places to rest, depending on the route
Stångtjärn is especially attractive in late spring and early autumn. In summer, remember that mosquitoes can be present near still water, so insect repellent is useful.
3. Lugnet nature and recreation trails
Lugnet is Falun’s main sports and outdoor area, known internationally for its ski jumping hills and Nordic skiing facilities. Outside the competition venues, the surrounding forest offers a network of hiking trails and walking paths. This makes Lugnet a convenient choice when you want easy hikes near Falun without travelling far from the centre.
The area includes routes of different lengths and difficulties. Beginners should look for the shorter recreational paths rather than assuming that every marked route will be easy. Some trails climb steadily, but the network makes it possible to choose a manageable circuit and take breaks at viewpoints or open areas.
One attraction of Lugnet is the variety of scenery within a small area. You may pass through dense forest, open clearings and sections with views towards Falun. The trails are also used in winter for cross-country skiing, so signs and route conditions can change with the season.
- Best for: Visitors who want accessible trails close to Falun
- Typical distance: Short walks and longer marked routes are available
- Terrain: Well-used woodland paths with some hills
- Tip: Use an official trail map and check seasonal restrictions
If you are staying in Falun, Lugnet can be reached by car, bicycle or local transport. It is also a good option for a morning walk before exploring the city in the afternoon.
4. Falu Gruva and the Great Pit surroundings
Falu Gruva, the historic copper mine, is one of the city’s most important attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mine area is not a wilderness hike, but the surrounding paths provide an easy way to combine light walking with Falun’s industrial history. You can explore the open-air surroundings, viewpoints and nearby roads before or after joining a guided mine tour.
The landscape around the Great Pit is unusual. Red mine buildings, old industrial ground and green hills create a setting that looks different from the forest trails around the lakes. Information boards help explain how mining shaped Falun and the wider region.
- Best for: History, families and visitors with limited hiking time
- Typical distance: Flexible walks around the attraction
- Terrain: Mainly firm paths and paved or gravel surfaces
- Tip: Combine the walk with the museum, café or mine tour
Wear comfortable shoes, even though this is not a demanding hike. Some surfaces can be uneven, and the area may feel exposed in strong sun or wind. Check opening hours and admission details for the mine before visiting.
5. The path around Hosjön
Hosjön is a lake east of Falun with residential areas, woodland and access to outdoor paths. A walk beside the lake can be a calm alternative to the busier attractions in the city. Depending on your chosen starting point, you can enjoy a short lakeside stroll or connect sections of local paths for a longer outing.
The route is best approached as a flexible local walk rather than a single clearly defined hiking trail. Some sections follow roads or built-up areas, while others feel more rural. This makes it useful for beginners who prefer the option of turning back early.
- Best for: A relaxed local walk and open water views
- Typical distance: Choose a short section or combine several paths
- Terrain: A mixture of pavement, gravel and natural paths
- Tip: Use a current local map to plan a continuous route
Hosjön can be particularly pleasant on bright summer evenings. Be considerate around homes and private property, and stay on public paths.
6. Bjursås and the lake landscape north of Falun
Bjursås lies north of Falun and is known for its hills, forests and outdoor recreation. The area has hiking trails of different lengths, and several lower-level walks are suitable for visitors who want gentle scenery rather than a strenuous mountain route. The landscape is more varied than the flat sections around some of Falun’s lakes, with forested slopes and broad views.
For an easy outing, choose a shorter marked route near the village or recreation facilities. Trail conditions can vary, especially after rain, and some paths become more demanding as they rise into the hills. A map is useful because the area contains routes designed for several activities and seasons.
- Best for: Forest views, families and a day trip outside Falun
- Typical distance: Short and medium-length marked routes
- Terrain: Natural forest trails with some gentle climbs
- Tip: Confirm which routes are open for walking during ski season
Bjursås is also a good choice if you want to make a full day of your visit. Pack lunch, check the forecast and allow more time than you would for a short city walk.
7. Carl Larsson gården and Sundborn countryside
The village of Sundborn, northeast of Falun, is famous for Carl Larsson gården, the former home of artist Carl Larsson and his family. Visitors can combine a cultural visit with a gentle walk through the village and surrounding countryside. The area around the Sundbornsån river has water views, traditional buildings and quiet rural roads.
This is not a single wilderness loop, but it is one of the most enjoyable easy walks near Falun for travellers who like history, architecture and landscape together. Walking between the attraction, the church, the river and village paths gives you a relaxed impression of Dalarna’s cultural countryside.
- Best for: Art, local history, photography and an easy cultural walk
- Typical distance: Create a route of 2 to 5 kilometres
- Terrain: Village streets, firm paths and quiet country roads
- Tip: Check the opening calendar for Carl Larsson gården
Follow local signs and avoid walking across private gardens or farmland. In summer, allow time for the guided house tour, which is often the highlight of a visit to Sundborn.
8. Short walks at Bysjön and nearby forest lakes
The forests around Falun contain many smaller lakes and recreation areas where you can enjoy short, quiet walks. Bysjön and similar local destinations are suitable when you want to leave the city behind without planning a major excursion. Routes may include gravel tracks, woodland paths and simple picnic places beside the water.
These smaller trails are often less formal than the paths at Lugnet or a major visitor attraction. That is part of their appeal, but it also means you should download a map or save your route before leaving. Mobile coverage can vary in wooded areas, and signs may be limited.
- Best for: Peace, birdwatching and an informal forest outing
- Typical distance: Short walks, depending on the access point
- Terrain: Gravel roads and natural woodland paths
- Tip: Bring water and do not rely entirely on marked signs
Keep dogs under control, especially during spring and early summer when wildlife is active. If you find a good swimming place, check the water and shore conditions before entering.
9. The Varpan lake area
Lake Varpan is close to Falun and offers another convenient setting for gentle walks. The shoreline and nearby roads provide opportunities for short outings with views over open water and surrounding woodland. It is a useful option for travellers who want a simple walk before dinner or a quiet start to the day.
As with several lake areas around Falun, the best route depends on your chosen access point. Some stretches may be on local roads rather than dedicated hiking trails, so wear bright clothing in low light and pay attention to traffic.
- Best for: A short local walk and peaceful lake scenery
- Typical distance: Flexible out-and-back walks
- Terrain: A mixture of roads, gravel and woodland paths
- Tip: Check access and parking before arriving
How to choose the right trail
If you are new to hiking, start with a route where you can easily turn around. Lakeside paths around Runn, the cultural walk in Sundborn and the accessible sections at Falu Gruva are good choices for a first outing. Lugnet and Stångtjärn offer more of a traditional forest experience, but their uneven surfaces require slightly more care.
Consider these questions before setting off:
- How much time do you have, including travel to and from the trail?
- Do you prefer pavement, gravel or natural forest paths?
- Will you be walking with children, a dog or someone with limited mobility?
- Are toilets, cafés, shelters or picnic tables important for your visit?
- Could rain, snow or ice change the difficulty of the route?
Distances on maps can look short, but roots, mud and hills may slow your pace. Allow more time than you think you need, especially if you want to stop for photographs or lunch.
What to bring on beginner hikes around Falun
You do not need specialist equipment for most easy hikes near Falun. Comfortable shoes with a firm sole are usually enough for dry, maintained paths. Choose waterproof footwear if rain is expected or if you plan to walk on natural forest trails.
- Water and a small snack, even for a short walk
- A light waterproof jacket and an extra warm layer
- A charged phone with a saved map or offline navigation
- Insect repellent in summer
- A headlamp during the darker months
- A small first aid kit and blister plasters
- Sun protection and sunglasses on bright days
Swedish weather can change quickly, particularly in spring and autumn. A sunny morning does not guarantee a dry afternoon, so a flexible clothing system is more useful than one heavy garment.
When to go hiking near Falun
Late spring, summer and early autumn are the easiest seasons for most visitors. In May and June, the forests become bright green and the days are long. July and August are popular for lake walks, swimming and picnics, although trails can be busier and insects more noticeable. September and early October bring cool air, colourful woodland and excellent conditions for walking.
In winter, many hiking trails near Falun are used for cross-country skiing or become covered in snow and ice. You can still walk in some areas, but check local information first and use traction aids when conditions are slippery. Short lakeside walks and firm urban paths may be more practical than forest trails after heavy snowfall.
Practical tips for a responsible walk
Stay on marked paths where possible and respect signs about private land, skiing and seasonal access. Sweden’s right of public access allows people to enjoy nature, but it also comes with responsibilities. Do not disturb wildlife, leave gates as you find them and take all rubbish with you.
Fires are only permitted in suitable places and may be restricted during dry weather. Use an established fire site if one is available, and always check current fire regulations. Keep dogs close when livestock or wildlife may be nearby.
Before leaving, check the weather, trail updates and transport information. Local visitor centres, municipal websites and official recreation pages are useful sources for current details. Conditions can change after storms, flooding or winter maintenance, so a route that was easy last season may need extra care today.
Getting to the trails from Falun
Several easy walks can be reached from central Falun by bicycle, local bus or a short car journey. Lugnet and Falu Gruva are among the most convenient options for visitors without a car. Runn, Stångtjärn, Hosjön and the smaller lake areas are easier to reach with your own vehicle, although public transport may be available for some access points.
Parking arrangements differ from place to place. Avoid blocking residential roads, forest gates or emergency access points. If you are travelling during a busy summer weekend, arrive early at popular lake areas and have a second route in mind in case the main parking area is full.
With gentle lake paths, accessible forest trails and culturally rich countryside, Falun is an excellent destination for beginner hikers. Pick a route that matches your pace, check the conditions and leave room in your day to enjoy the landscape rather than rushing from one viewpoint to the next.