Leksand lies on the shore of Lake Siljan and combines a remarkable Midsummer tradition with historic farmsteads, musical heritage and trails through natural and cultural landscapes. The Via Sacra, a short pilgrimage route along the church peninsula, begins at the bell tower. The municipality’s valleys are home to villages and summer farmsteads whose history and local traditions have developed over centuries. This gives you different ways to discover Leksand, rather than limiting your visit to a single place.

Midsummer and long-standing traditions

The Midsummer celebration in Leksand brings together church boats, folk musicians, ring dances, traditional dress and dancing around the maypole. It takes place every year; the individual programmes vary. Around 30,000 visitors come to the town centre each year, although the approximate number can fluctuate from year to year. Gropen, also known as Sammilsdal, has particular significance for the celebration. This well-known kettle hole was formed as the inland ice melted—here, a geological feature meets an important part of the Midsummer tradition.

Leksand’s valleys also tell a story of a long history of settlement. They are home to distinctive villages and summer farmsteads with roots in the Middle Ages. Traditional wooden houses standing close together, local stories and traditions that have developed over centuries shape the cultural character of these places.

Farmsteads, architecture and music

Leksand’s local heritage farmsteads are located near the church, above the steep banks along the Österdalälven. The farmsteads include numerous wooden buildings dating from different centuries; they are considered the oldest local heritage farmstead in Dalarna. There are six local heritage farmsteads in the municipality in total. They are open to visitors in summer, and guided tours are offered daily at some of them. As opening arrangements vary by season, check the latest information before your visit.

Hildasholm in Leksand offers another perspective on local history. It preserves a house dating from 1910, as well as gardens shaped by the Arts and Crafts movement and associated with Axel and Hilda Munthe. Guided tours of the house and garden are offered seasonally. At Alfvéngården, Hugo Alfvén’s home has been preserved, and it also houses the largest collection of his art. In summer, Alfvéngården hosts concerts and offers summer guided tours. The concert programme changes each year.

At Käck & Hedbys Smide, visitors can watch the production process in the forge, which has been preserved in its original condition. Check the opening arrangements before your visit. For another introduction to local crafts and regional products, visit the bakery shop and café at Leksands Knäckebröd. It sells crispbread as well as locally produced cheese, milk, sausages, smoked delicacies, jams and fruit drinks; the range may change. The Knäckerian serves seasonal pizzas made with its own crispbread.

Experience the Siljan landscape and nature

There are 33 nature reserves in Leksand municipality, 15 of which were designated by the municipality. The number may change as new reserves are designated or existing designations are revised. The Siljan Geopark also helps explain the geology of the landscape: it is Sweden’s first national geopark and includes 24 priority geosites, some of which are in Leksand municipality.

For hiking trails, cycling routes, and natural and cultural landscapes, the municipality directs visitors to the Naturkartan app. In the Siljansnäs Nature Reserve, you can explore the landscape on footpaths. One woodland trail is about 1.6 kilometres long and leads through spruce forest and across a meadow with views of Siljansnäs. On Björkberget stands a 32-metre-high tower, inviting you to imagine the forces that shaped the landscape of the Siljansbygden region.

Naturum Dalarna has exhibitions about nature in Dalarna, wolves, the formation of Lake Siljan by a meteorite impact, and the Dalälven River. There is also a free observation tower with views of Lake Siljan. The exhibition topics and views across the landscape offer different ways to focus on nature, geology and the surrounding region.

Cycling routes and other experiences

The Leksandsturen comprises cycling loops that start and finish at Kyrkallén in central Leksand. Depending on the route, they are 30 to 40 kilometres long. The eastern Leksandsturen is about 30 kilometres long, passes through open natural and cultural landscapes, and is designated as a family-friendly route. Siljansnäs also has four cross-country cycling trails with varied terrain. They pass through old-growth forest and cultural landscapes and offer views of Lake Siljan. The cycling loops there start and finish at the Siljansnäs Skid- och löparklubb hut, about 300 metres from the village church.

Leksand Sommarland offers 48 attractions and activities, including a water park and carousels. The mix may change between seasons. Alongside historic farmsteads, trails and cultural discoveries, there are also activities with a different focus. You can choose which themes to explore further based on your interests.

Discover more destinations: Insjön, Leksand, Siljansnäs, Tällberg, Hjortnäs, Djura, Borlänge, Falun.

For the main travel overview: Dalarna County.