Panoramic views across Lake Siljan and an open cultural landscape define Bäck. The village is one of the villages in the Söderås cultural landscape [W 86], which is designated an area of national cultural-historical interest. Hiking is also part of getting to know the area: the Fäbodstigen trail leads to Prästbodarna, and on the Böle–Rättvik (Enåbadet) section of the Siljansleden trail, the path turns uphill into the forest at Bäck. The landscape, cultural heritage and hiking trails give you specific points to consider when assessing Bäck as a destination while looking for a holiday apartment.
Cultural Landscape and the History of Finds
Bäck is situated prominently in an open cultural landscape with panoramic views across Lake Siljan. The listed village cultural landscape contains clearance cairns. This shows that the cultural area is reflected not only in its national designation, but also in features of the agricultural landscape.
A find connects the village to another period in history: in 1965, a mammoth tooth was discovered in Bäck, in Söderås, at the exit from Rättvik towards Falun, during earthworks for a garage driveway. The find site is thus specifically linked to Bäck and Söderås; the year and circumstances are part of its history.
Hiking Around Bäck and Prästbodarna
The Elljusspåret in Bäck or the slalom slope in Lerdal are listed as the start and finish points for the Fäbodstigen trail to Prästbodarna. The route is approximately 42 kilometres long. This distance makes it an extended hike, not a short local walk. As is advisable for a route with an approximate distance, check the route information again before setting out.
In Rättvik Municipality, hiking along a Fäbod trail takes you through different Fäbod environments. You may see remnants of wooden fences, trail markers and house foundations, as well as springs, old deciduous trees and meadow flowers. The potential sights therefore include both traces of Fäbod use and natural features along the trails.
The Siljansleden is another hiking option. On the Böle–Rättvik (Enåbadet) section, the trail turns uphill into the forest at Bäck. This also makes it possible to place the village in the context of a specific section of the long-distance trail; by contrast, the Fäbodstigen to Prästbodarna is described by its approximate total length.
Prästbodarna: History and Access
Nearby Bäck, Prästbodarna is located above the village of Dådran. There are about 80 houses there, most of which are used for Fäbod farming, as well as hunting, fishing and berry picking. Prästbodarna’s origins date back at least to the 16th century. Access is via a 1,500-metre-long Fäbod path or a four-kilometre road.
These details give Prästbodarna its own place in your travel planning: the location combines a long history with houses mainly used for specific activities in the surrounding area. Together with the Fäbodstigen, this allows you to take both the hike and the neighbouring village’s cultural-historical significance into account, without presenting the two destinations as a single visit.
Getting Here: Directions
Coming from Falun, Bäck lies along the sequence of villages Mårtanberg, Söderås, Bäck, Altsarbyn and Gärdebyn. This sequence helps with a general sense of the geography; check the current route before travelling. When choosing your destination, you can also consider whether you are most interested in the open cultural landscape, traces of Fäbod use, or one of the hiking options described.
Discover more destinations: Furudal, Vikarbyn, Böda, Enviken, Rättvik.
Back to the main travel guide: Rättvik.
