Dalarna in depth

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » UK/Stockholm

  Fly direct to Sweden's capital this morning. Make your way to the city centre where you'll check in to your cosy, characterful hotel, beside the Royal Garden, in the heart of Stockholm near the old town. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the charms of the city. We recommend visiting the oldest part of the city – Gamla Stan, a wealthy district packed with renaissance architecture. Make sure you also pay a visit to the grand church of Storkyrkan, or perhaps admire the beautiful artworks on show in the City Hall.

  Stay: King's Garden Hotel, Stockholm

• Days 2-3 » Falun

  Following breakfast at your hotel, make your way to Stockholm central station for your train journey to Falun, deep in Dalarna county. With its all-encompassing landscapes, it's little wonder why Dalarna is often described as a “miniature Sweden”. Following a scenic three-hour train journey, you'll arrive in Falun, a delightful city made famous for its historic copper mine. A short walk will see you to your centrally located hotel, within easy reach of its World Heritage sites. After settling in, you'll have a choice of optional activities for the afternoon. Why not visit Dalarna museum and learn the fascinating history of the first region of Sweden. If you prefer to see more of the city, try out a guided stand-up paddle boarding tour of the city centre river. Back at the hotel, you'll have the option to enjoy a complimentary light evening supper.

  Pick up your rental car the next morning and head towards Carl Larsson Gard for a guided tour of this famous Swedish artist of the late 19th-century. Then, it's on to Falun Mine, where you'll learn about a thousand years of history of copper mining through a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy an included lunch at the mine before returning to your hotel in time for dinner. If time permits, we recommend booking a guided sauna experience with a sauna expert beside Lake Runn.

  Stay: Clarion Collection Hotel Bergmästaren
  

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 4 » Rättvik

  Check out after breakfast and take a short drive to the small town of Enviken for a chance to meet the local Siberian huskies. Visit the kennels and spend some time with these friendly animals before challenging yourself to a kickbike tour with the huskies. For the adventurous, we also offer guided walks through the forest – speak to our specialists to find out more.

  Next, you'll head towards the eastern shore of Lake Siljan – Sweden's seventh largest lake – to the picturesque town of Rättvik. Nestled right on the shores of a calm bay, it has been a prime spot for generations of Swedish tourists. In fact, here you'll find Sweden's very first tourist hotel, opened back in 1894. You'll be introduced to the town and its surroundings with an included tour. Weaving through narrow, winding roads, through tiny picturesque villages and passing typical red painted cottages, you'll stop for lunch in a scenic spot before returning to the town to check in to your central hotel. Speak to our specialists if you wish to add on additional excursions on Lake Siljan such as kayaking, SUP tours or a floating sauna experience. Relish an included dinner this evening at your hotel.

  Stay: Hotel Lerdalshöjden
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 » Northern Dalarna

  After breakfast, set off towards the village of Idre in northern Dalarna. After the approximately 3-hour drive, you'll arrive in time for an included guided hike to an extinct volcano, enjoying the spectacular views of Dalarna along the way. After an included lunch, make your way to your accommodation for the night – a private modern mountain cabin, part of the scenic Idre Himmelfjall ski resort, where you'll also find a restaurant, other amenities, as well as plenty of other hiking routes. Your evening is free, so ensure you have eaten dinner locally or self-cater in your cabin. We suggest purchasing food to self-cater for the meals which are not included in the next two days. Speak with our specialists for more options of activities today.

  Stay: Private cabin in Indre Himmelfjall

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 6 » Lake Grövelsjön & Sami culture

  Today starts with a drive to the far north of the Dalarna region – right beside the Norwegian border – towards Grövelsjön. Here, we've included a scenic boat tour across beautiful Lake Grövelsjön on board M/S Sylora, a small traditional boat. Your round trip will take you all the way from Sjöstugan to Sylen on the Norwegian side, where you'll hike the easy 6km Linné path back over the mountains with views far beyond Grövelsjöfjällen. Enjoy lunch at Grovelsjon Mountain Lodge before returning to the lake, where you'll make your way back to Sjöstugan.

  Next, you'll have the chance to experience the Sami culture present in the region with a local reindeer herder. You'll have some time to meet and interact with the reindeers before enjoying an authentic 8-dish Sami dinner in a traditional tipi – inspired by the "eight seasons" of the region – together with stories of life as a reindeer herder. Return to your private cabin for the night.

  Stay: Private cabin in Indre Himmelfjall
  

  Meals: Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7 » Idre

  Take advantage of a free day to explore the surroundings on your own, immersing yourself in the pristine nature. Enjoy the peacefulness of the mountain region, pay a visit to Lilla Fjatfallen – scenic rapids and falls with a suspension bridge that you can walk over – or take a short drive for more hiking opportunities in the nearby forest. It is also possible to hire a skilled guide if you wish to venture out further off the beaten track.

  Stay: Private cabin in Indre Himmelfjall
  

• Day 8 » Return to the UK

  After checking out of your cabin, drive to Fulufjallet for a chance to visit the national park and enjoy its wild and untouched nature, including alpine forests and Njupeskar waterfall - the highest in Sweden. Continue on to Falun where you'll return your rental car before catching the train to Arlanda airport in time for your return flight home.