Dalarna County

Regarded as the "soul of Sweden," where red wooden cottages, Dala horses and Lake Siljan make up the classic picture.

Dalarna County lies in central Sweden, bordering Norway, and is famous for its strong folk traditions; many Swedes consider it the most quintessentially Swedish region. Places on the shores of Lake Siljan, such as Mora and Rättvik, are classic spots for Midsummer celebrations, and the red Dala horse originates here. The Falun Copper Mine area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the home of the painter Carl Larsson is also here. Sälen and Idre in the northwest are major ski resorts, and the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race is held every March. Summer suits Midsummer and lake district trips, while winter suits skiing. You can travel by train from Stockholm, and there is an airport near Sälen.

Destinations

• Dalarna & Lake Siljan

Itineraries

• Dalarna & Lake Siljan Folk Culture Loop – Drive from Stockholm around Lake Siljan to see copper mines, Dala horse workshops, and artists' homes
• High Coast, Åre & Dalarna Northern Loop – Drive along the Baltic Sea to the High Coast, head west into the Åre mountains, and return to the capital via Dalarna