Falun - The Capital Of Sweden's Most Swedish County

As the capital of Dalarna's county, Falun is a city with plenty to offer both Historically and culturally.

The main attraction in Falun and what put it on the map Historically is the copper mine. Having operated between the 10th and the 20th century, Falun's copper mine has a thousand years of History and at one point during the 17th century it was even the biggest copper mine in the whole World. This mining area was so important that it deeply influenced mining technology all over the World.

Sweden has a lot to thank Falun for, since by the 14th century and onwards it was so successful that it brought in a large amount of Sweden's revenues. Copper extracted from the mine in Falun was used to make coins and it provided the materials to build many castle roofs around Europe. The mine's activity became so successful that at one point it was producing enough to satisfy as much as 2 thirds of the copper needs in Europe.

Nowadays the copper mine is part of UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites and it is visited by many tourists who go there to see what is considered one of the best-preserved ancient mines in the World.

Plan your visit to this remarkable landmark and buy your tickets here.

Faluns coper mine

Apart from the mine itself, the surrounding areas are also of interest. Having also been included in UNESCO's list, the red wooden houses in the surrounding neighborhoods provide a vivid picture of what life was like in the city of Falun when mining was its main activity.

Another interesting Museum to visit in Falun is Dalarna's Museum, where visitors can see around 60.000 objects related to the History and culture of the county, like folk paintings and costumes that are so typical for that region. And a plus: it's free entrance!

Standing nearby, Faluns stora torget (the main square of Falun) is another place of interest, with the majestic Falu Kristine kyrka (Kristine Church) standing tall at its center.

In the areas surrounding the main square, visitors can find cozy shopping streets where locals often gather to socialize over a meal at one of the restaurants or to take a Fika at one of the cozy cafés on a cold winter day.

Christmas shopping in Falun on the shortest day of the year

When you are done exploring the beautiful city of Falun, you might want to head to the outskirts of the city to see a big sport complex called Lugnet. There, visitors will find indoor halls for practically any indoor sport but the most striking and famous feature is found outdoors. At a height of more than 50 meters, the ski-jumping towers have become a landmark of Falun that can be seen from afar, dramatically marking the city's skyline.

Visitors can catch the funicular and go all the way up to the top of the towers, where they will be able to admire uninterrupted views of the surroundings as well as they will get the opportunity to visit the World Ski Championships Museum - tickets can be bought here.

The ski-jumping towers in Falun

If you still have some time over and the weather is inviting, allow yourself to freely explore the areas on the outskirts of the city and enjoy the great outdoors that it has to offer. With water always close-by and unspoiled forests all around, it is a perfect way to exercise your Allemansrätt (the Freedom to Roam) - everyone's right to walk, run, ride, cycle, ski or camp in any land in Sweden (as long as it is not a private garden, near a dwelling house or a cultivated land).

Enjoying Nature in Falun