Lake Siljan
The blue heart of Dalarna, set in the ring of an ancient meteorite crater - a lake of folk tradition, red cottages and midsummer festivity.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
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 an ancient meteorite crater. Ringed by red-cottage villages, painted farms and old churches, it is the home of the Dala horse, midsummer poles and living folk tradition.
What you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
What to pack for Lake Siljan
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
