Embark on a journey to the place where Swedens’s heart beats the strongest, admist pristine nature and living traditions. Dalarna invites you to explore the rich Swedish cultural heritage, from fascinating folklore to genuine craftsmanship.
The iconic red cottages
Traditional and charming red cabins with white trims, found by forest and lakes, is the image of Swedish scenery. The history behind the red hue is traced back to Falun in Dalarna County where byproducts from the area’s copper mine were transformed into a durable pigment. The paint has colored Sweden red for over 250 years and is still very popular. Authentic Falu Rödfärg (Falun Red) is still made from pigment sourced from Falu Mine and the recipe is fundamentally the same as in the 18th century. When visiting the Unesco World Heritage of Falun you can enjoy a guided tour of the old town and around the Falu Mine and learn more about the special red paint from Falun.
The Dala Horse
Probably the most famous horse in the world comes from Dalarna. Today it is a Swedish icon, and its heritage stretches back to the 18th century. The original Dala horse is hand crafted in the village of Nusnäs, Mora, where you can follow the work of the skilled craftsmen when they crate the colourful wooden horses. Since they are made by hand every piece is unique.
Fascinating folklore
Dalarna has a rich folklore tradition and the most fascinating of them all is the beautiful folk costumes. Today the folk costumes are often used on festive occasions such as Midsummer. The patterns and colors vary depending on where it is from and the history is fascinating.
Sámi culture
In Grövelsjön, in the north end of Dalarna just next to the Norwegian boarder, the southernmost Sámi enclave exists. Here you can experience the Sámi culture, watch the reindeers wander free on the mountains and enjoy the traditional food.
