Hiking in Dalarna offers a wide variety of nature experiences – from easily accessible forest trails and culturally rich paths to mountain landscapes with sweeping views. There are hiking routes for all levels, whether you're traveling with children, planning a day trip, or looking for a longer multi-day adventure
In this guide, you'll find inspiration, practical tips, and an overview of different types of hiking in Dalarna. You'll also get answers to common questions about the Right of Public Access, respecting nature, and how to plan a safe and memorable hike.
Hiking in Dalarna for families with children
Hiking with children in Dalarna is both safe and inspiring. Many trails are short, clearly marked, and run through varied environments that help keep children engaged along the way. Areas around ski resorts are especially family-friendly, as they offer easy hikes and other activities during the summer season.
What characterizes good hiking for families:
- Short hikes with minimal elevation gain
- Trails through forests, along water, or across open meadows
- Rest areas, barbecue spots, or shelters
- Opportunities for swimming, play, or nature experiences along the way
Family-friendly hiking tips:
- Stensjön, Sälenfjällen, 3 km
- Gränjestjärn, Idre, 5 km
- Stugstigen, Lugnet, Falun, 5 km
- Wilderness playground, Säfsen, 3.2 km
- Njupeskärsleden, 3.9 km
- Rädsjön runt, Grönklitt, Orsa, 5 km
For families, hiking in Dalarna is rarely about covering long distances—it’s about discovering together. With well-planned routes, clear destinations, and time for breaks, hiking becomes an experience for both young and old.
Day trips – easily accessible hiking in Dalarna
Section hiking – multi-day hike in Dalarna's nature
If you want to get closer to nature, section hiking in Dalarna allows you to hike for several days in a row. Trails are divided into stages, making it easy to adapt your journey to your time, experience, and ambition level.
Benefits of section hiking:
- More time in nature
- Greater landscape variety
- Accommodation options along the trails
There are routes suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Many people start with one or two stages and then extend their journey over time.
Suggested trails with multiple stages:
- Romboleden – a pilgrim trail from Köping to Trondheim passing through Dalarna, combining nature experiences with history and tranquility
- Signature Trail Siljan – a quality-assured multi-day hike between Fryksås and Rättvik, with views of the Siljan region, summer farm landscapes, and cultural heritage sites.
- Bruksleden – a long-distance trail through Bergslagen extending into southern Dalarna, with stages suitable for both day hikes and longer trips.
Mountain hiking in northern Dalarna
In northern Dalarna, you’ll find mountain hiking with wide open landscapes, alpine heaths, and a strong sense of tranquility. Hiking ranges from easy accessible trails near mountain resorts to more demanding routes where weather, equipment, and experience play a bigger role.
Important to keep in mind:
- Adapt your hike to weather and experience
- Be properly equipped
- Respect nature and wildlife
Mountain hiking tips:
- Grövelsjön - hiking on the border with Norway
- Sälenfjällen - accessible mountain hiking for the whole family
- Idrefjällen - a wide and varied range of hiking options
Themed hikes and guided tours
Dalarna is rich in both cultural history and natural experiences, and hiking with a guide adds another dimension. You not only experience the place itself but also the stories, context, and details that bring it to life.
This is especially suitable if you want to:
- Combine nature and culture
- Learn more about Dalarna's history
- Discover places beyond the main trails
Suggested guided hikes:
- Fäboden - The Mountain Pasture – a UNESCO heritage experience, guided tour on Sollerön
- Husky Hiking – walk with sled dogs in Falun's beautiful nature
- Forest hike in old-growth forest outside Säter
- Nortic-style lunch hike in Tällberg
- Hike to the Brudslöjan waterfalls near Särna
Plan your hike in Dalarna
A successful hike starts with good planning. Choosing the right trail based on your group, the weather, and your experience will make the experience both safer and more enjoyable.
Things to consider:
- Check the trail's length and difficulty
- Review the weather forecast
- Bring a map, water and extra clothes
- Inform someone about your planned route
Tips before your hike:
- Use visitdalarna.se and Naturkartan to find hiking trails, filter by area or difficulty and get a better overview.
- Many trails pass through nature reserves and reindeer grazing areas - read up in advance to understand local regulations.
FAQ - Right of Public Access, consideration and safe hiking
What is the Right of Public Access mean?
It gives everyone the right to move freely in nature, regardless of land ownership. It is based on the principle “do not disturb – do not destroy” and involves both freedom and responsibility.
You may:
- Walk, cycle, and spend time in nature
- Pick berries, mushrooms, and flowers (with some exceptions)
- Camp temporarily on land that is not private property
Read more: Are you aware of what applies in nature?
What should I keep in mind when hiking?
- Keep your distance from homes and farms
- Close gates behind you
- Do not walk across cultivated land
- Always take your litter home
Show respect for nature, landowners, and other visitors—it improves the experience for everyone.
Can I light a fire?
Fires are only allowed when it is safe and no fire ban is in place. Use designated fire pits whenever possible and always extinguish the fire properly.
What is common sense?
In mountain areas, you may encounter reindeer. Show consideration by:
- Keep your distance
- Not disturbing or chasing the reindeers
- Keeping the dog on a leash
Read more: Travel with care – clean sense
Is hiking in Dalarna safe?
Yes, hiking in Dalarna is generally safe—if you plan according to the conditions. Follow marked trails, keep track of the weather, and adapt your hike to your experience level, especially in mountain terrain.
