10 best things to do in Dalarna

What is it? Hidden in the forests between Borlänge and Ludvika lies a former iron ore mine that operated for centuries until its closure in 1968. Two decades later, a group of locals began illegally exploring the abandoned mine tunnels and stumbled upon a hidden treasure. Today, Äventyrsgruvan (The Adventure Mine) is a fully legitimate attraction that continues to evolve, offering everything from an underground sauna and diving to via ferrata routes and zipline adventures.

Why go? Ever tried sauna bathing and cold plunging 80 metres below ground? Probably not. This is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Accompanied by a guide, you'll descend into the mine, passing remnants of its industrial past and navigating dark tunnels lit only by headlamps. Then comes the reveal: a sauna beside crystal-clear turquoise spring water, framed by soaring rock walls. A sauna master leads the ritual, punctuated by invigorating dips in the mine's four-degree waters.

Don't miss: Concerts held inside the mine, where the cavern's remarkable acoustics create an unforgettable atmosphere. Special performances take place on Walpurgis Night and St Lucia's Day, alongside other events throughout the year.

Krongruvvägen 50, Idkerberget. The four-hour sauna experience, including a guided mine tour and a cheese and charcuterie board featuring local produce, costs SEK 2,450 per person. adventuremine.se

What is it? Two of Sweden's most celebrated artists, Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn, lived in Dalarna during the same era and were frequent visitors to each other's homes. Today, you can step inside both of their remarkably preserved residences in Sundborn and Mora, offering a glimpse into the lives and work of two cultural icons.

Why go? Anyone familiar with Carl Larsson's paintings will instantly recognise the interiors of his home. Many of his most famous works depict family life unfolding in these very rooms. You'll also discover the designs and textiles of his wife, Karin Larsson, whose influence on Swedish design has gained increasing recognition in recent years.

At Zorngården, meanwhile, you'll see how one of Sweden's most successful artists lived at the turn of the 20th century. The house was remarkably modern for its time and even featured Sweden's first water heater, imported by Zorn from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Next door, the Zorn Museum houses the world's largest collection of his works.

Don't miss: Take time to wander through picturesque Sundborn, a quintessential Dalarna village of red cottages and flourishing gardens. In Mora, stop by Anders Zorn's statue of King Gustav Vasa, located beside the finish line of the Vasaloppet, the world's largest cross-country ski race.

Zorngården, Vasagatan 36, Mora, zorn.se. Carl Larsson-gården, Carl Larssons väg 12, Sundborn, carllarsson.se. 

What is it? Deep in the forests outside Rättvik lies a former limestone quarry with sheer rock walls, turquoise waters and exceptional acoustics. When mining operations ceased in 1990, the site was transformed into something entirely different. Originally conceived as an open-air opera venue, Dalhalla has since evolved into one of Europe's most distinctive concert arenas, hosting everything from classical music to international chart-toppers.

Why go? People come to Dalhalla as much for the setting as for the music. Carved into the limestone landscape, the open-air amphitheatre offers a concert experience unlike any other, surrounded by nature and dramatic rock formations. Despite its remote location, the venue has attracted major international acts including Kiss, Norah Jones, Massive Attack and Lewis Capaldi, alongside many of Sweden's biggest artists. On a bright summer evening, it's easy to see why both performers and audiences are drawn here.

Don't miss: Just a short drive from Dalhalla is Solgårdskrogen, a countryside restaurant known for its high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Before many concerts, the restaurant offers special pre-show dinners, but you'll need to book well in advance.

Dalhallavägen 201, Rättvik. dalhalla.se

What is it? At 93 metres in total height, Njupeskär is Sweden's tallest waterfall. Its 70-metre free fall is the highest in the country, plunging dramatically down the cliffs of Fulufjället National Park in northwestern Dalarna. The waterfall is reached via an easy two-kilometre trail from Naturum Fulufjället, the park's visitor centre. The route forms a loop, so you'll return by a different path.

Why go? Standing before Njupeskär as torrents of water thunder down the vertical rock face is an unforgettable experience. In winter, the scene transforms completely, with the waterfall freezing into a towering wall of ice that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. But the waterfall is only part of the attraction. Fulufjället offers several hiking trails of varying lengths across its distinctive plateau landscape, including one leading to Old Tjikko — a clonal Norway spruce estimated to be 9,550 years old, making it the world's oldest known tree.

Don't miss: Stay an extra night or two in one of the mountain cabins scattered across the area. Both the County Administrative Board and the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) rent simple wilderness cabins close to excellent fishing waters. At STF Rörsjöstugorna, you can also hire a sauna and a rowing boat.

Njupeskär and Fulufjället National Park are located near Särna in northwestern Dalarna. sverigesnationalparker.se

What is it? What began as a small crispbread bakery in the village of Stora Skedvi has grown into one of Dalarna's most popular food destinations. In summer, the courtyard transforms into a lively marketplace, with weathered shipping containers selling everything from homewares to garden plants. Inside, you'll find a food hall stocked with carefully selected local delicacies, alongside a restaurant focused on seasonal produce from the surrounding region.

Why go? Dalarna sits at the heart of Sweden's crispbread country, and the bread itself is worth the trip. But Skedvi Bröd offers much more than freshly baked knäckebröd. The outdoor café serves homemade ice cream produced at the dairy housed in the same building as the bakery — and if it's available, the crispbread ice cream flavoured with lingonberries is a must-try. The food hall is packed with local cheeses, cured meats and artisanal products, while the restaurant combines high-quality ingredients with a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're dining in the cosy indoor dining room or the eclectic courtyard filled with containers and rag rugs, it's an easy place to linger for hours.

Don't miss: Watch the crispbread bakers at work as they slide trays in and out of the wood-fired ovens — it's the finishing touch to the experience. Baking usually continues until around 3.30pm or 4pm, but restaurant opening hours vary by season, so check ahead before visiting.

Landsvägen 38, Stora Skedvi. skedvibrod.se

What is it? With its sheer ochre- and rust-coloured rock walls, Falu Gruva looks like a miniature Grand Canyon in the heart of Sweden. The vast open pit known as Stora Stöten is only part of the story. Beneath the surface lies more than 30 kilometres of tunnels where copper, as well as gold and silver, was mined for over a thousand years — from the late Viking Age until 1992. During the 17th century, Falun was the world's largest producer of copper. Today, the mine and its surrounding industrial landscape are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why go? Simply standing at the edge of the 100-metre-deep Stora Stöten is impressive enough. If you're lucky, you might spot the eagle owls that nest in the cliff faces or the mouflon sheep that roam the old slag heaps. But the real highlight is heading underground on a guided tour, where you'll discover the tunnels, stories and innovations that once made Falun one of Sweden's most important industrial centres. The site also offers a fascinating insight into the origins of the iconic Falu Red paint, still produced here today.

Don't miss: A visit to the Falu Red paint factory, where you can learn how Sweden's most famous house paint is made from by-products of the mining industry. The mine museum is also well worth exploring for a deeper understanding of the site's remarkable history.

Gruvplatsen 1, Falun. falugruva.se

What is it? With its red cottages and idyllic village setting, Dala-Floda offers the picture-perfect Dalarna many visitors come looking for. But it also happens to be one of Sweden's premier destinations for white-water paddling. Two local operators, Kajaktiv and Far Away Adventures, offer courses for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. If you'd rather tackle the rapids in an inflatable raft, head a little further west to Björbo, where Dala River Adventure runs guided rafting trips.

Why go? Dala-Floda has long been a hub for white-water kayaking, thanks to its combination of suitable rapids, stunning surroundings and highly experienced instructors. Over the course of a day or a weekend, you'll learn the techniques needed to navigate moving water with confidence and control. It's an exciting challenge, but also a great way to experience the area's rivers, forests and rural landscapes from a different perspective. For a more restorative take on adventure, Far Away Adventures even combines some of its weekend courses with yoga.

Don't miss: Stay at the charming Dala-Floda Värdshus, or visit Wåhlstedts Gård, which offers a café, farm shop, traditional summer pasture cabins and an annual circus school during the summer months.

White-water kayaking courses typically cost between SEK 2,500 and 6,000 depending on duration and content. farawayadventures.com, kajaktiv.se

What is it? Every summer, from May to September, the historic ironworks known as Verket in Avesta is transformed into one of Sweden's most distinctive art venues. Set among towering blast furnaces, rusting pipes and blue-hued slagstone walls, Avesta Art combines industrial heritage with contemporary art. Each year brings a new exhibition featuring Swedish and international artists, all housed within the preserved 19th-century ironworks.

Why go? Few art spaces are as atmospheric as this. The vast industrial halls provide artists with an extraordinary canvas, and the works are often created in dialogue with the building itself. The setting remains largely untouched: raw, rugged and dimly lit, with uneven floors, steep staircases and surprises around every corner. Exploring the exhibition feels as much like discovering a forgotten industrial monument as visiting an art gallery, making the experience memorable even for those who don't usually seek out contemporary art.

Don't miss: Take a break at the café, which serves locally sourced treats, including coffee roasted in nearby Säter. Downstairs, you'll find Verkets Kreativa Verkstad, a free creative workshop where visitors of all ages can try their hand at making something of their own.

Kanalvägen 1, Avesta. verket.se

What is it? Dalarna is famous for its crafts — and no, we're not just talking about the iconic Dala horse. Around Lake Siljan, you'll find some of Sweden's finest makers still practising traditional techniques today. Visit Nittsjö Keramik outside Rättvik, where beautiful handmade ceramics are produced and sold on site. In Leksand, Käck & Hedbys creates everything from gates to candlesticks in its working forge, while nearby Jobs Handtryck continues the centuries-old tradition of hand-printing textiles and homewares with colourful Scandinavian patterns.

Why go? These workshops offer more than just shopping. Visiting in person gives you a glimpse into the craftsmanship, skill and heritage behind every piece. You can watch artisans at work, learn about their techniques and often pick up unique pieces at factory prices. At Nittsjö Keramik, for example, you'll find a large selection of second-quality ceramics at heavily reduced prices — often with imperfections so minor you'll struggle to spot them. The journey itself is part of the appeal, taking you through the heart of Dalarna's countryside, with red cottages, lakes and rolling farmland along the way.

Don't miss: Need a coffee break between Jobs Handtryck and Käck & Hedbys? Stop by Josephines Kafferi, a charming café tucked inside a garage in a residential neighbourhood in Leksand. Before heading on to Nittsjö, make sure to drive through Tällberg, one of Dalarna's prettiest villages and a postcard-perfect showcase of traditional Swedish countryside life.

Nittsjö Keramik: Keramikvägen 31, Nittsjö, nittsjokeramik.se. Jobs Handtryck: Västanvik Jobsbacken 4, jobshandtryck.se. Käck & Hedbys: Gamla Siljansnäsvägen 20, Leksand, kackhedbys.se.

What is it? Rättvik's ski slopes don't go quiet when the snow melts. Instead, they transform into a summer playground centred around a metal alpine coaster track. Inspired by the winter sport of luge, riders sit in small sleds and speed down a winding course carved into the hillside. Don't be afraid to pick up speed — after a run or two, you'll quickly get the hang of the controls and discover that the bends are less intimidating than they first appear.

Why go? The ride begins before you've even reached the top. As you're pulled uphill, facing backwards, you'll enjoy sweeping views across Lake Siljan, with Rättvik's church, famous long pier and red wooden houses scattered across the landscape below. The track is the only parallel summer toboggan run in the Nordic region, allowing you to race side by side against friends and family. From 2027, the attraction will become even more exciting with an extended track and a world-first addition: a custom-built 360-degree loop designed to push gravity to its limits.

Don't miss: After a few adrenaline-fuelled runs, cool off with a swim in Lake Siljan or grab an ice cream by Rättvik's iconic long pier, which stretches 628 metres into the water.

Slalomvägen 36, Rättvik. Children aged 3 and up can ride with an adult, while children aged 8 and above may ride alone. rattviksbacken.com