Discover Falun through its mining-related World Heritage: the site includes the mine, the town of Falun and the surrounding mining landscape. At Falu Gruva, guided tours lead underground through vast halls, winding passageways and deep shafts. Above ground, the impressive Stora Stöten open pit is surrounded by historic Falun-red buildings. The mine is one kilometre from the centre—a useful point of reference when considering Falun as a place to stay.
Mining History and Culture in Falun
Dalarnas museum is in the centre of Falun, right by the Faluån river. As Dalarna’s provincial museum, it focuses on cultural history. Its permanent exhibitions explore different aspects of the region: traditional dress and textiles, Dalarna paintings and Dala horses, as well as the World Heritage city of Falun and its industrial landscape. Other exhibition themes include Hagström 4ever, Selma Lagerlöf, and art, crafts and design.
Individual historic buildings also give the city’s history a tangible setting. Thunströms Köpmansgård at Slaggatan 31 is an authentic merchant’s house with an adjoining living area dating from the mid-19th century, in the centre of Falun. Vass Britas Gård is Falun’s only surviving loft building; its origins date back to the late 17th century. At Styraregatan 28, a house dating from the mid-18th century is now home to a café that opens in summer and an exhibition about Ernst Rolf. The house also has a green courtyard with seating.
Routes Through the Mining Landscape
A 15-kilometre cycling route runs around Lake Varpan, north of the centre. Along the way are several miners’ farmsteads, slag heaps and remains of former smelting works. The circular route combines cycling with a glimpse into Falun’s mining history.
For hiking, “Vattnets väg till Gruvan” offers just over 30 kilometres in total, spread across four different circular trails. Sights include medieval smelting sites, miners’ farmsteads, dams and dam houses in a distinctly Nordic landscape. Check local trail information before setting out. The distance of just over 30 kilometres refers to the trails combined; the cycling route around Varpan, by contrast, is a single 15-kilometre loop.
Stabergs bergsmansgård is a cultural reserve and is also part of the Falun World Heritage site. At Staberg, Smörblommas stig is a 1.5-kilometre circular trail for children. The different distances can help you choose: a single cycling loop, four hiking loops totalling just over 30 kilometres, or the short circular trail at Staberg, which is specifically described as a children’s trail.
Activities for Every Season
The Lugnet area has marked, well-maintained mountain bike trails for cross-country and downhill riding. Check local operating information before your ride. Lugnet Skidstadion has cross-country ski trails of various lengths. They can be used from the first snowfall in autumn well into spring; snow conditions, grooming and operating periods vary.
Another ski trail is GruvspĂĄret. This local cross-country trail is in the centre of Falun and starts at the Falu Gruva World Heritage site. The winter sports options mentioned therefore differ in location: the ski stadium offers trails of various lengths, while GruvspĂĄret is a local trail starting at the mine. Seasonal conditions are an important factor for both.
Water activities are also available in summer. At Sjöboden by Roxnäs udde, a range of kayaks and fishing kayaks for one to three people, Canadian canoes for two to four people, and SUP boards for juniors and adults with a capacity of one to five people are available to rent. Guided tours are also offered there in summer. Check their dates before your trip. Falun thus offers a choice of different activities: cultural and historical sites, routes through the mining landscape, and seasonal activities on the water and in the snow.
Discover more destinations: Enviken, Sundborn, Bjursås, Linghed, Svärdsjö, Sågmyra.
Back to the main travel guide: Falun.
