Lake Siljan

Lake Siljan lies in the heart of Dalarna, the region Swedes think of as the folk soul of the country, its waters filling part of the ring of a meteorite crater formed some 377 million years ago, about 52 kilometres across and the largest known in Europe outside Russia. Siljan is Sweden's seventh largest lake, up to 134 metres deep. Ringed by red-cottage villages, painted farms and old churches, it is the home of the Dala horse, midsummer poles and living folk tradition.

Highlights

• The lakeside villages - Rattvik, Leksand and Mora with their red cottages and old churches.
• Church boats - the long rowing boats that carried villagers to church across the lake.
• Midsummer - the region's famous maypole celebrations on the shores.
• The crater ring - the lake set in the arc of an ancient meteorite impact.

When to go

Midsummer for the most famous folk celebrations in Sweden; high summer for the lake, villages and long light. Autumn is quiet and colourful.

Before you go

Its appeal is gentle, tradition, villages and lake rather than dramatic scenery, so it rewards a slow, cultural visit. Midsummer is wonderful but crowded and books up far ahead. It is a region to tour by car around the lake rather than a single sight.

Nearby

The Dala horse workshops at Nusnas and the Dalhalla quarry stage are close; the Fulufjallet falls lie to the north.

Key facts