Things to do in Falun: the mine, Carl Larsson and more

1. Falu Gruva (Falun Mine)

This is the heart of Falun. Join a guided tour underground through winding passages and large chambers dating back to the 1600s, then walk around Stora Stöten, the huge open pit, where QR codes along the path tell you what you're looking at. The interactive mine museum covers the story from the Viking Age to 2001, when the site became a World Heritage site, and lets you touch and try things, not just read.

Good to know

• The underground tour takes about an hour and runs year-round in Swedish and English. Book tickets on falugruva.se.
• It's around 6°C underground all year, so bring a warm layer, even in summer.
• It's about a 10-minute walk from the centre, with parking on site. There's a restaurant and café open year-round.
• From late September to the end of April, the visitor centre is closed on Mondays and the mine museum is open on weekends only. Check opening hours before you go.

2. Elsborg's red wooden houses

On your way to the mine, take the route through Elsborg, one of the old neighbourhoods that are part of the World Heritage site. The small red-painted wooden houses give you a feel for how people lived when the mine was at its peak, and it's a lovely, quiet walk.

Good to know

• This is a neighbourhood where people live, so it's free and always open. Keep voices down and respect private gardens.
• Combine it with the mine: walk through Elsborg one way and back through the centre the other.

3. Dalarnas museum

Right in central Falun, this museum shows the whole of Dalarna in one building. Expect Dala horses (a large collection), colourful folk costumes, paintings by much-loved Dalarna artists and gleaming Hagström electric guitars. You can also see Selma Lagerlöf's preserved study. Stay fifteen minutes or three hours, it works either way.

Good to know

• Entry is free for under-18s. Adults pay an entry fee; see current prices on dalarnasmuseum.se.
• It's open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.
• Kids can follow the Mörksugga trail, a playful hunt with questions through the exhibitions, and draw in the children's workshop.
• Restaurant Plock inside the museum serves lunch and fika. Find it at Stigaregatan 2–4.

4. Carl Larsson-gården in Sundborn

Lilla Hyttnäs was the home of Carl and Karin Larsson, Sweden's most famous artist couple. Carl painted everyday family life here, while Karin designed the interiors and textiles that made the house famous. Walking through the rooms feels like stepping into his paintings, and it's a must if you love interiors, craft or Swedish design.

Good to know

• The house can only be seen on a guided tour. Tours run daily year-round.
• Tours are mostly in Swedish. English tours run on weekends at 2:15 pm, so plan around that if you need English.
• Sundborn is outside Falun town, so allow a half day including travel. Check times and book on carllarsson.se.

5. Stabergs bergsmansgård

This is one of the best-preserved mining farms around Falu Gruva, and a calm contrast to the town. Wander through a baroque garden restored to how it looked in the 1700s, with old fruit varieties, then cross to the strange, almost desert-like slag landscape left by the old smelting works. The red timber houses show how mining farmers lived in the 1600s and 1700s.

Good to know

• The farm area and baroque garden are always open.
• Two short walking trails are made for kids: Smörblommas stig (1.5 km) and Korpögas stig (about 2 km, up to Stabergs klack). Maps are at the garden entrance.
• Stabergs Krog, next to the garden, is open year-round for food and fika. Guided tours run in summer.

6. Lugnet

Lugnet is Falun's big sports and outdoor area, and it's not just for athletes. There's a swimming hall with a family pool and a relax area, mountain bike trails for all levels, and the famous ski jumps above town. Falun hosts the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships at Lugnet from 24 February to 7 March 2027.

Good to know

• In summer (15 June to 16 August), Hopptornscaféet next to the ski jumps serves coffee with a great view over Falun.
• Opening hours for the pools, relax and cafés change by season. Check lugnet.se before you go.

Quick tips

• A simple day: morning at Falu Gruva, walk back through Elsborg, lunch at the museum and an afternoon at Dalarnas museum.
• Save Carl Larsson-gården for a separate half day, and book the tour first.
• Many places close on Mondays outside summer, so it's a good day for Staberg or Lugnet.
• Want company? Check upcoming events in Falun on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

• Kärleksbrev – En teaterföreställning om kärlek 9 February 2027 at 17:00 UTC Kulturhuset tio14
• Jesper Rönndahl och Marie Agerhäll 7 April 2027 at 18:00 UTC Kulturhuset tio14
• Fullt Özz! 21 April 2027 at 17:00 UTC Kulturhuset tio14