Planning day trips from Mora by train is an easy way to see more of Dalarna without hiring a car. From Mora station, you can reach lakeside towns, historic villages, museums and lively regional centres, with several destinations close enough for a relaxed day out. This guide covers the best train excursions, what to see in each place, how long to stay and what to check before travelling.
Why take train excursions from Mora?
Mora is well connected with central Dalarna by rail. The main railway station, Mora resecentrum, is close to the town centre and provides a convenient starting point for exploring the region. Trains run south towards Rättvik, Leksand, Borlänge and Falun, while seasonal services can also make it possible to travel north towards Orsa.
Travelling by train gives you a comfortable view of forests, farmland and the shores of Lake Siljan. You can avoid parking in busy town centres, enjoy a more relaxed journey and spend your time looking out of the window rather than following a map. Many stations are also within walking distance of museums, cafés, shopping streets and waterfront paths.
Services vary by day, season and operator. Before setting out, check the current timetable with SJ, Dalatrafik or Inlandsbanan, depending on your route. Some connections are less frequent at weekends, and the train between Mora and Orsa may be seasonal. It is also worth checking the return journey before leaving, especially if you plan to visit a museum with fixed opening hours.
1. Rättvik: the easiest lakeside day trip
Rättvik is one of the most straightforward day trips from Mora by train. The journey usually takes less than an hour, making it a good choice for a half-day visit or a gentle full-day excursion. Rättvik sits on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan and is known for its long wooden pier, traditional Dalarna character and attractive views across the water.
Things to do in Rättvik
- Walk along Rättvik pier, one of the town’s best-known landmarks.
- Enjoy a swim or lakeside picnic during the warmer months.
- Visit Rättvik Church and the nearby old church stables.
- Explore local craft shops, galleries and cafés in the town centre.
- Take a short walk through the surrounding countryside for views of Lake Siljan.
Rättvik’s pier extends far into the lake, so it offers a different perspective from the shore. On a clear day, the water, wooded hills and red-painted houses create the classic Dalarna landscape many visitors come to see. The town is also a useful destination for travellers interested in local traditions, as it has strong links to folk music, handicrafts and regional festivals.
Allow around four to six hours if you want a relaxed walk, lunch and time by the lake. A full day gives you more flexibility and may allow time for a longer countryside walk. Check the distance between the station and the pier before travelling, as the walk takes longer than the town-centre route.
2. Leksand: culture, crafts and Lake Siljan scenery
Leksand is another rewarding destination on the railway south from Mora. The journey generally takes around an hour, although the exact travel time depends on the service. This attractive town combines a historic centre with a strong food and craft tradition, making it one of the most interesting nearby towns for visitors who want more than a quick sightseeing stop.
What to see in Leksand
- Visit Leksand Church, an important historic landmark near the centre.
- Explore the area around the old church village and traditional buildings.
- Look for locally made textiles, woodwork and Dalarna handicrafts.
- Walk beside the Österdalälven river and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
- Visit a local bakery or café for regional specialities, including crispbread.
Leksand is closely associated with traditional Swedish crispbread, and food lovers can often find local products in shops and cafés. The town also has a strong connection to midsummer celebrations and Dalarna folk culture. During summer, the streets and waterfront are particularly pleasant, but Leksand can be enjoyable in spring and autumn too, when the pace is quieter.
The station is not directly beside every attraction, so look at a local map before choosing your walking route. If you prefer a short visit, concentrate on the town centre and church area. For a longer day, combine sightseeing with a riverside walk and lunch. Leksand can also work well as part of a planned route that includes a second stop, provided the train timetable gives you enough time.
3. Borlänge: shopping, museums and urban attractions
Borlänge is a practical choice when you want a change from small lakeside towns. It is one of the larger regional centres in Dalarna and is usually reachable from Mora in approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on the connection. The city has a more urban atmosphere, with shops, restaurants, cultural venues and transport links to other parts of the region.
Best things to do in Borlänge
- Visit the Swedish Railway Museum area or other railway-related attractions when open.
- Explore shopping centres and independent shops in and around the city centre.
- See contemporary exhibitions and local cultural events.
- Walk through parks and along nearby waterways.
- Plan a museum visit around opening hours and advance ticket information.
Borlänge is especially useful on a rainy day because it offers indoor activities and a wider choice of cafés and restaurants. Families may also find more child-friendly attractions here than in smaller towns. The city is not primarily a postcard destination, but it provides a useful look at everyday life in central Sweden and works well for travellers who enjoy museums, shopping or a break from rural scenery.
Because the journey is longer than the trip to Rättvik or Leksand, check return times carefully. A day trip to Borlänge is easiest when you choose one or two main activities rather than trying to see everything. The town’s local buses can help if your chosen attraction is beyond walking distance from the station.
4. Falun: a UNESCO-listed mining town
Falun is one of the most rewarding longer day trips from Mora by train. It is usually reached by travelling south via Borlänge, with a total journey of roughly two to three hours depending on the connection. That makes an early start important, but the destination offers enough history and culture to justify the longer journey.
Visit the Falu copper mine
Falun is famous for the Great Copper Mountain mining area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Falu copper mine shaped Sweden’s economy and helped create the distinctive red paint associated with traditional Swedish wooden houses. Guided tours explain the history of mining, the lives of workers and the technical challenges of extracting copper underground.
Tour availability can change with the season, and underground visits may require advance booking. Wear practical shoes and warm layers because underground areas remain cool even during summer. If you do not want to take a mine tour, the outdoor mining landscape, visitor centre and exhibitions still provide a worthwhile visit.
More things to do in Falun
- Walk through the historic mining district around the World Heritage Site.
- Visit the Dalarnas Museum to learn about regional art and folk culture.
- Explore Falun’s central streets, cafés and public squares.
- Take a walk around Lake Runn or visit nearby green spaces if time allows.
- Look for local design, crafts and food in independent shops.
Falun is a good destination for history lovers, photographers and anyone interested in how industry influenced Swedish society. Plan your visit around one major attraction, then leave time for lunch and a walk through the centre. With a long rail journey in both directions, it is usually better to choose fewer activities and enjoy them properly.
5. Orsa: a short trip north from Mora
Orsa lies north of Mora and is one of the closest nearby towns to visit. Travel options can vary more here than on the southern railway, so check whether a passenger train is operating on your chosen date. Inlandsbanan services may be seasonal, while buses can provide an alternative when trains are not available. If a suitable rail connection is running, Orsa makes a pleasant and short train excursion from Mora.
What to do in Orsa
- Walk through the town centre and visit local cafés and shops.
- Enjoy views of Lake Orsa and the surrounding forests.
- Visit Orsa Church and learn more about local history.
- Plan a visit to the nearby Orsa Predator Park if transport and opening hours work for you.
- Combine the town visit with a nature walk or lakeside stop.
Orsa is best suited to travellers who want a quiet day close to nature. The town itself is compact, while the surrounding area offers forests, water and opportunities for outdoor activities. The predator park is outside the central area, so it needs separate planning and may be easier to reach by local bus, taxi or organised transfer than on foot.
If you are travelling by Inlandsbanan, remember that this is more than a simple commuter route. Services may operate according to a summer timetable, and some trains require a reservation or have limited departures. Confirm the full itinerary before relying on the train for a same-day return.
6. Nusnäs and other places near Mora
Nusnäs is one of the most popular small places to visit near Mora, particularly for travellers interested in the famous Dala horse. However, Nusnäs does not have a regular railway station serving the village centre. It is therefore better reached by bus, taxi, bicycle or car rather than counted as a train-only day trip.
You can still combine a train journey with a visit to Nusnäs if you arrange onward transport from Mora or another suitable stop. Workshops and visitor centres may show how the hand-painted wooden horses are made, but opening hours differ between businesses. Check in advance if you want to see a particular workshop or buy a Dala horse directly from the maker.
Other attractions around Mora, including parts of the Siljansleden walking network and rural villages around Lake Siljan, also require a bus, bicycle or taxi connection. The train is an excellent base for exploring the region, but not every famous Dalarna attraction lies beside a railway line.
How to plan day trips from Mora by train
Check the whole timetable
Start by searching for both the outward and return journeys. Some routes have only a handful of services each day, particularly outside the summer season. Allow extra time for changes in Borlänge when travelling to Falun, and avoid booking an activity that starts immediately after your scheduled arrival.
Use the station as your starting point
Mora resecentrum is the main hub for trains and local buses. Arrive a little early, especially if you need to collect tickets or find a bus connection. In smaller destinations, the station may be a short walk from the centre, but not necessarily from attractions on the edge of town.
Pack for changing weather
Dalarna weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket and a reusable water bottle are useful on almost every excursion. Even a town visit may include several kilometres of walking between the station, lakefront, museums and cafés.
Check accessibility
Ask the railway operator about step-free boarding, accessible toilets and assistance at stations if these services are important for your journey. Historic buildings and rural platforms may have uneven surfaces, while some trains require assistance to be booked ahead.
Bring food for less frequent routes
Major towns such as Borlänge and Falun have plenty of cafés and restaurants, but smaller destinations may have limited options outside the main season. A packed lunch is useful if you are travelling to Orsa, planning a long walk or taking a train with no onboard catering.
Choosing the right excursion for your day
- For lake views: choose Rättvik or Leksand.
- For a short and simple outing: choose Rättvik, subject to the current timetable.
- For shopping and indoor activities: choose Borlänge.
- For Swedish history: choose Falun and the Falu copper mine.
- For a quiet nature-focused visit: choose Orsa if a suitable train service is running.
- For Dala horse workshops: travel to Nusnäs by bus, taxi or bicycle from Mora rather than expecting a direct train.
The best day trips from Mora by train depend on the season and your interests. Rättvik and Leksand are easy choices for Lake Siljan scenery, Borlänge suits visitors looking for city facilities, and Falun rewards anyone willing to spend longer on the train for a major cultural attraction. Orsa offers a close-to-home escape when rail services align with your plans.
With a little timetable research, these train excursions make it possible to explore several of Dalarna’s most appealing nearby towns while keeping Mora as your base. Check transport details, book popular attractions where necessary and leave enough time to enjoy the journey as well as the destination.