Looking for family hikes near Falun? The area around this historic Dalarna town offers a rewarding mix of forest paths, quiet lakes, open viewpoints and cultural landscapes. Many routes are short enough for younger walkers, while older children can enjoy more adventurous trails with rocks, roots and gentle climbs. Here is a practical guide to kid friendly hikes and easy trails near Falun.
Why Falun is a great base for family hiking
Falun is best known for Falu Mine, but the town is also surrounded by excellent walking country. Within a short drive or bike ride, families can reach nature reserves, recreation areas, village trails and lakeside paths. The landscape is varied without being overwhelming, making it easy to choose a walk that suits the weather, the children and the amount of time available.
Most family hikes near Falun do not require specialist equipment. Sturdy trainers are suitable for dry summer paths, although waterproof hiking shoes are more comfortable after rain. A small backpack with water, snacks, extra layers and a simple first aid kit is usually enough for a half day outdoors.
Trail conditions change with the seasons. Spring can bring wet ground and muddy sections, summer offers long bright evenings, autumn is excellent for colourful woodland walks, and winter turns many paths into snowy routes for walking or cross country skiing. Always check local conditions before setting out, especially if a route passes close to water or includes exposed viewpoints.
The best family hikes near Falun
Lugnet recreation area
Lugnet is one of the easiest places to begin exploring the countryside around Falun. The large sports and outdoor recreation area lies close to the town and has a network of paths through woodland and open terrain. Families can choose a short stroll or combine several sections for a longer outing.
The paths around Lugnet are useful for families because they offer variety without requiring a long journey. Younger children can walk a simple loop, while older children may enjoy the changing surface and gentle uphill sections. Some routes pass near the famous ski jumping hills, which give the area an unusual character and provide good opportunities to talk about Falun’s sporting history.
- Best for: a flexible outing close to town
- Typical walking time: about 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the route
- Terrain: woodland tracks, gravel paths and some uneven sections
- Family tip: bring a snack and let children help choose the next trail junction
Lugnet is also a sensible choice when different family members want different levels of activity. One group can take a relaxed walk while others explore a longer route. In winter, parts of the area are used for skiing, so walkers should follow signs and give priority to designated ski tracks.
Stångtjärn and the woodland trails
Stångtjärn is a popular outdoor area near Falun, centred on a peaceful forest lake. The setting is particularly appealing for family hikes because the water, trees and small clearings create plenty of natural interest. Children often enjoy looking for birds, animal tracks, mushrooms and unusual shapes in the surrounding woodland.
A walk around the lake can be adapted to suit your group. Some sections are easy and relatively level, while other parts may be narrow, rocky or root covered. Families with toddlers may prefer a shorter out and back walk rather than completing the entire circuit. Older children can treat the route as a gentle adventure and help identify the safest way over uneven ground.
- Best for: nature watching and a quiet forest atmosphere
- Typical walking time: around one to two hours for a relaxed outing
- Terrain: forest paths, roots, rocks and occasional damp ground
- Family tip: pack a picnic, but keep children close to the shoreline
Stångtjärn is one of the better choices for families who want a genuine woodland experience without travelling far from Falun. After rain, expect slippery roots and puddles. In warmer weather, check children for ticks after the walk and avoid brushing against tall grass whenever possible.
Rottnebyskogen nature reserve
Rottnebyskogen, just outside Falun, is known for its varied forest landscape and peaceful walking paths. The reserve combines mature woodland with open areas, making it a good destination for families who want more than a simple park stroll. The atmosphere is quiet, but the paths are accessible enough for a relaxed daytime walk.
There are several ways to explore the area. Choose a short route for younger children, or connect paths to create a longer hike for confident walkers. The forest is especially attractive in autumn, when the changing leaves add colour and fallen leaves soften the ground. In spring and summer, listen for birds and look for signs of woodland animals.
Rottnebyskogen is not a place to rush. Build in time for small discoveries, such as examining pine cones, following a trail of ants or finding a suitable fallen log for a snack stop. These pauses can make an ordinary walk feel like an expedition for children.
- Best for: families who enjoy wildlife and unhurried exploration
- Typical walking time: from 45 minutes to several hours
- Terrain: natural woodland paths with some uneven surfaces
- Family tip: download or photograph a local map before leaving the main entrance area
Lake Vällan and nearby walking routes
Lake Vällan is another attractive option for family hikes near Falun. The lake and surrounding forests provide a calm setting for a walk, especially when you want to escape busy roads and spend time beside the water. Depending on where you begin, you can make the outing as short or as long as your family prefers.
The terrain varies, so this is a better choice for children who are comfortable walking on natural trails. Some sections can be damp, and a few paths may feel more remote than the recreation areas closer to town. That sense of space is part of the appeal, but it also means families should carry enough water and avoid relying on facilities being available along the way.
For a pleasant half day, plan a moderate walk followed by a picnic at a suitable spot away from the water’s edge. Swimming should only take place where it is permitted and where an adult can supervise closely. Never assume a quiet lake is safe for unsupervised play, even on a warm day.
Falu Mine and the Great Pit surroundings
A visit to Falu Mine can easily be combined with a short outdoor walk. The historic mine site is a UNESCO World Heritage location, and the red and ochre landscape around the Great Pit is unlike a typical forest trail. Families can explore the visitor area, learn about mining history and then continue with a walk through the surrounding cultural landscape.
This is one of the most convenient options for visitors who want history and fresh air in the same outing. The paths near the mine are generally suitable for a gentle walk, but the ground can be uneven and some slopes may not suit a stroller. Stay on marked paths and follow all safety signs because old mining areas can contain steep edges, water and unstable ground.
- Best for: combining a walk with a major Falun attraction
- Typical walking time: 30 minutes to 90 minutes, excluding the museum visit
- Terrain: gravel, packed ground and uneven historic landscapes
- Family tip: use the mine story as a treasure hunt by asking children to spot colours, rocks and old structures
Children often enjoy this outing because it feels different from a normal forest hike. The unusual landscape also creates memorable photographs, particularly in soft morning or evening light.
Stabergs bergsmansgård and the surrounding cultural landscape
Stabergs bergsmansgård lies east of Falun and offers a combination of gardens, historic buildings and open countryside. It is a useful destination for families who prefer easy trails with cultural sights along the way. The historic farm environment gives children something to look at while adults enjoy the landscape and local history.
Walks around the site and nearby countryside are generally gentle, although the exact experience depends on the season and which paths are open. In summer, the gardens add colour and make the area especially inviting for a slow family outing. In other seasons, the open landscape provides a different perspective on the mining communities that shaped the region.
Staberg works well as part of a longer day trip. Combine a short walk with a visit to the gardens or a meal in the area, and avoid trying to turn the outing into a demanding hike. The main attraction here is the combination of movement, history and scenery.
Bjursås and the hills north of Falun
Bjursås, north of Falun, is known for its outdoor activities and rolling hills. The area offers routes for families who want more elevation than the flatter woodland walks close to town. In summer, choose a marked walking route and allow plenty of time for breaks. In winter, the area becomes a destination for snow activities.
Hill walking can be exciting for children because every climb leads to a new view. At the same time, even a modest slope can feel tiring when little legs are involved. Start with a shorter route and turn back before everyone is exhausted. A downhill return is not always easy, particularly on loose gravel or wet grass.
- Best for: families with older children who enjoy hills and views
- Typical walking time: one to three hours, depending on the selected route
- Terrain: forest tracks, slopes and open hill sections
- Family tip: check the weather carefully because exposed areas can feel cooler and windier
How to choose kid friendly hikes near Falun
The best kid friendly hikes are not necessarily the shortest ones. Children usually enjoy routes with something to discover, such as a lake, a viewpoint, unusual rocks, bridges or historical buildings. A short walk with frequent points of interest can be more successful than a longer, flat path with no variety.
Consider the youngest walker in your group, not the strongest. If a child can comfortably walk for 30 minutes at home, choose a route with a similar initial distance and plenty of options to turn back. Remember that forest terrain is slower than pavement, especially when roots, mud and rocks are involved.
- Choose a loop or out and back route with an obvious stopping point.
- Look for paths that have picnic areas, shelters or open spaces for breaks.
- Avoid starting with the longest route on the map.
- Let children carry a small backpack with water and one personal item.
- Use games such as a colour hunt, bird spotting or a map reading challenge.
- Leave enough time for the return journey, even if the outward walk feels easy.
For families using a stroller, stay close to maintained gravel paths and recreation areas. Natural trails near lakes and reserves can include roots, soft ground and narrow sections that are difficult to navigate with wheels. A carrier is usually more practical for babies and toddlers on woodland routes.
What to pack for easy trails around Falun
Even easy trails deserve basic preparation. Dalarna weather can change quickly, and a sunny morning may become cool or wet by the afternoon. Dress children in layers and bring an extra pair of socks if the forecast suggests rain. A lightweight waterproof jacket is useful throughout the year.
- Water bottles and simple snacks
- Weatherproof clothing and sun protection
- Comfortable shoes with a secure sole
- Small first aid kit, tissues and hand sanitiser
- Offline map or screenshot of the route
- Fully charged phone and a portable battery for longer outings
- Tick remover during spring, summer and early autumn
- Plastic bags for wet clothing or rubbish
Do not depend on shops, toilets or cafés being open at every trailhead. Facilities vary by season and location. If you are travelling with young children, plan a toilet stop before reaching the countryside and bring more snacks than you think you will need.
Outdoor safety and Swedish access rights
Sweden’s right of public access, known as allemansrätten, makes it possible to enjoy much of the countryside, but it comes with responsibilities. Stay on marked paths where signs request it, avoid disturbing wildlife and leave no rubbish behind. Do not pick protected plants, damage trees or enter private gardens and yards.
Keep dogs under control and follow local rules, particularly during seasons when wildlife and nesting birds may be vulnerable. Near lakes, mine sites and steep slopes, children should remain within sight and reach of an adult. Old industrial landscapes can be fascinating, but they are not playgrounds.
Before leaving, check a current map, weather forecast and any notices from the municipality, reserve or attraction. Mobile coverage can be less reliable in wooded areas. Tell someone where you are going if you choose a longer or quieter route, and make a realistic plan for returning before darkness.
Planning a family hiking day in Falun
A simple itinerary can make family hikes near Falun much more enjoyable. Begin with an easy morning walk at Lugnet, Stångtjärn or a nearby forest area. Have lunch outdoors if the weather allows, then choose a cultural attraction such as Falu Mine or Stabergs bergsmansgård for the afternoon. This gives children a change of pace and prevents the day from becoming one long march.
If the weather is uncertain, choose a route close to town with several exit points. Lugnet and the paths near Falu Mine are practical because you can shorten the walk if rain arrives or energy levels fall. Save more remote lake and woodland routes for days when the forecast is stable and everyone is prepared for natural terrain.
Families staying for several days can vary the experience. Try an easy trail one day, a lakeside walk the next and a hillier route near Bjursås after that. With so many different landscapes nearby, Falun makes it easy to build an outdoor holiday around the interests and abilities of the whole family.