Falun is a place where a thousand years of history meet culture, nature, and everyday life—and where many experiences are close to one another. You can often walk or cycle between the attractions, making it easy to fill an entire day (or several) with a sense of World Heritage.
What is the Falun World Heritage Site?
The Falun World Heritage Site is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and includes the mine, the town, and the surrounding mining landscape. A World Heritage Site is a place that uniquely bears witness to the history of the Earth and humanity, and is therefore preserved for future generations.
1. Falun Mine - the Heart of the World Heritage Site
Start where the story truly begins: at the Falu Mine. Explore the area around the Stora Stöten open pit, and take the walking trail around it to discover more history along the way. Then join a guided tour 67 metres underground and be amazed by the mine tunnels, vast chambers, and deep shafts.
2. Guided tour – experience history on site
A guided tour brings the World Heritage Site to life and makes it easy to understand. You gain context, stories, and details you might otherwise miss—and it suits both curious first-time visitors and returning guests alike. A tip is also to visit the Dalarna museum, where the exhibition The Town and the World Heritage Site presents parts of Dalarna’s industrial heritage and some of the people who lived here.
Find guided tours and city walks in the Falun World Heritage Site
Visit the Dalarna museum in Falun
3. Walk in the historic mining landscape – where history meets nature
Beyond central Falun lies the traditional mining district, with grand farmsteads, cultivated landscapes, ponds, and waterways—a cultural landscape shaped by mining. A great way to experience the connection between nature and history is to walk along trails that follow traces of historical water systems and smelting sites.
Tips for walks in the Falun World Heritage Site:
Walk along the trail The Water’s Way to the Mine
Walk with children in town – follow The Lovely Tour or The Gruff Tour
4. Carl Larsson‑gården and Stora Hyttnäs in Sundborn
Take a day trip to Sundborn and experience the well-known artist’s home, Carl Larsson-gården, and the nearby mining homestead Stora Hyttnäs. Here, you’ll encounter a softer side of the World Heritage Site—with culture, aesthetics, and a tranquil environment that many remember for a long time.
Read more about Carl Larsson-gården in Sundborn
Read more about Stora Hyttnäs in Sundborn
5. Stabergs bergsmansgård – gardens and history
In the historic mining landscape, you’ll find visitor sites that show how the wealth of the mining farmers was expressed in their homes and gardens. Staberg Mining Homestead is one such site open to the public, offering a clear sense of the area’s history.
Discover the area around Staberg Mining Homestead
6. The Wooden Town of Falun – red houses and a living cultural heritage environmen
Stroll through what was once the miners’ quarters. In the districts of Elsborg, Gamla Herrgården, and Östanfors, you’ll experience red-painted wooden houses and streets that bear traces of the mining industry’s importance. Here, history is part of everyday life, and many environments are well preserved.
Read more about the Wooden Town of Falun
7. Eat and fika – flavours in the heart of the World Heritage Site
Falun offers a wide range of cafés and restaurants, and it’s easy to find cosy stops as you explore the town on foot. Enjoy lunch at Banken Bar & Brasserie, stop by Falu Bröd & Patisserie, or discover several hidden gems near the Falu River.
Find Falun's restaurants and cafés here
8. Cycle or paddle – experience the World Heritage Site in motion
Want to combine culture with outdoor activities? Cycling or kayaking is a perfect choice. Follow the Runn Runt cycling route to Staberg Mining Homestead for a scenic ride along the lake, or, if you’re looking for more speed, head to Lugnet and explore the MTB trails quality-assured by Biking Dalarna.
By kayak or SUP, you can experience the World Heritage environments from the water. In the lakes Varpan and Runn, as well as the Sundborn River, there are paddling maps to follow. There are opportunities to rent bikes, kayaks, and SUP boards.
Cycle Runn Runt starting in Falun
Explore Biking Dalarna at Lugnet
Where to paddle in the Falun World Heritage Site
9. Linné’s Wedding Cottage – a cultural-historical gem
In the historic mining landscape, there are visitor sites open to the public, including Linné’s Wedding Cottage. It is a small place with a big story—perfect for those who appreciate peaceful stops with a focus on cultural history.
Visit Linné’s Wedding Cottage outside Falun
10. Activity and relaxation at Lugnet
At the Lugnet national arena in Falun, there is space for both activity and relaxation. Here you can add a moment of movement, a scenic view, or simply unwind—a great complement to the cultural environments of the World Heritage Site. There are trails for both hiking and mountain biking, you can enjoy the view from the ski jumping hills, or relax in the spa area with a clear World Heritage theme.
Explore the relaxation area at Lugnet in Falun
Plan your trip to Falun
An easy way to travel is by train. Falun Central Station is located right in the town centre, and many experiences, restaurants, and hotels are within walking distance. There are also excellent campsites and motorhome pitches—perfect if you want to experience the Falun World Heritage Site as part of your journey through Dalarna.
Find experiences and accommodation in the Falun World Heritage Site
FAQ – The Falun World Heritage Site
What is the Falun World Heritage Site?It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the mine, the town, and the surrounding mining landscape. A World Heritage Site is a place of unique value to humanity and is preserved for future generations.
Why is Falun a World Heritage Site?
UNESCO’s justification is: The historic industrial landscape around the Great Copper Mountain and Falun constitutes one of the foremost areas for mining and metal production. Mining operations ended at the close of the 20th century, but over many centuries they had a strong influence on technological, economic, social, and political development in Sweden and Europe.
Can you experience a lot on foot?
Yes—many attractions are located close to the town centre, so you can experience a great deal even without a car.
How do I get to Falun without a car?
You can travel by train: Falun Central Station is located in the town centre, and you step straight into everything the city has to offer.
How deep does the guided tour at Falu Mine go?
The guided mine tour takes you 67 metres underground.
Can you combine culture and outdoor activities here?
Yes—the World Heritage Site can be combined with activities such as cycling, hiking, and paddling.
