Lake Siljan
Siljan
Sweden's sixth-largest lake, a ring-shaped basin formed by a meteorite impact about 377 million years ago. Driving around the lake, boat cruises, and the church boat festival at midsummer are the highlights of a Dalarna trip.
Lake Siljan covers about 290 square kilometers and is Sweden's sixth-largest lake. The Siljan ring structure, in which the lake sits, was formed by a meteorite impact about 377 million years ago. It is about 50 kilometers across and is the largest impact crater in Europe. Rättvik, Leksand, Mora, and the island of Sollerön in the lake are spread around its shores. The road around the lake is about 150 kilometers and links historic wooden churches, red farmhouses, and Dala horse workshops. In summer, the historic steamboat Gustaf Wasa cruises between Leksand, Rättvik, and Mora (roughly late June to August; check the schedule for the year). Around midsummer, villages hold church boat rowing races. The best lake views are from the long pier at Rättvik, the Vidablick viewing tower, and the Tjärberget hillside. In winter the lake freezes over, and when conditions allow, there is a long natural ice trail.
Opening hours
Open all day (boat cruises run in summer only)
Nearby sights
- Nusnäs Dala Horse Workshops
- Sollerön
- Tällberg
- Hildasholm
- Leksand Church
- Gesundaberget
- Rättvik Church
- Vasaloppet Museum (Vasaloppets hus)