Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Walking tours
    • Eat & drink
    • Culture
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    Falun

    Sweden

    Falun

    CityCulture

    The mining town of Falun in Dalarna is famous for the Falu Gruva, the copper mine on the Great Copper Mountain. It was in operation for around a thousand years and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. Dalarna
    9. Falun
    The mining town of Falun in Dalarna is famous for the Falu Gruva, the copper mine on the Great Copper Mountain. It was in operation for around a thousand years and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. Red wooden houses, Kristine Church, and old workers' quarters tell of the heyday of mining.

    Sights in Falun

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Falu Gruva

    The Falu Gruva, Falun's historic copper mine, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. Copper was mined here from the 10th century until 1992; at times, the mine met up to two-thirds of Europe's copper demand. A guided tour descends 67 meters deep through tunnels and shafts, while above ground, the museum displays tools, technology, and the miners' lives.Particularly impressive is the Stora Stöten, the Great Pit: a collapse crater over 100 meters deep, which formed in 1687.Tip: It's about 5 degrees underground, so bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes, even in summer.
    Open in Google Maps

    2Kristine Church, Falun

    The Kristine kyrka on Stora Torget is inextricably linked to the heyday of copper mining. Falun committed to its construction in exchange for city rights in 1641; it was built between 1642 and 1655. It is considered one of Sweden's most magnificent Renaissance structures; its interior features Baroque and Renaissance styles, with Carolingian blue, sandstone red, and gilding. Tip: Note the opening hours, which may be restricted outside of services.
    Open in Google Maps

    3Dalarna museum

    The Dalarna Museum in Falun serves as the region's central cultural history museum, dedicated to Dalarna's rich history and diverse traditions. Here you'll find an impressive collection, ranging from traditional folk art and regional costumes to the history of mining in Falun. Highlights include the exhibitions on the world-famous Dala horses and detailed portrayals of daily life from past centuries. The museum offers a deep insight into the cultural identity of this unique Swedish landscape. Our Tip: Plan your visit for a weekday morning to explore the exhibits at your leisure. Ideally, combine it with a visit to the nearby Falu Gruva to complete the historical picture.
    Open in Google Maps

    4Sanders gammelskog

    Sanders gammelskog is an old coniferous forest on the outskirts of Falun. Long unmanaged, it's developed into a natural forest with thick trees. Narrow paths crisscross it; no developed trails exist, and it's not a nature reserve. Tip: Arrive by bike or bus – no designated parking. Wear sturdy footwear.
    Open in Google Maps

    City walks in Falun

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Falun: Old Town and Copper Mine

    You walk from Stora Kopparbergs kyrka, the city's oldest building, across Stora torget and through the wooden house district Elsborg to Falu gruva. The mining area has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2001; the tour ends at the edge of the mine, which collapsed in 1687.

    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (5)

    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Banken Två rum & kök

    Restaurant in Stadshusgränd 2.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Gott&Reco - Restaurang Falun

    Bakery in Svärdsjögatan 2.
    Show on Google Maps
    3

    Kokukujira-Tairyo

    Restaurant in Åsgatan 18.
    Show on Google Maps
    4

    Banken Bar & Brasserie

    Bar in Åsgatan 41.
    Show on Google Maps
    5

    Restaurang Hong Kong

    Restaurant in Slaggatan 22.
    Show on Google Maps

    Falun's Cultural Heritage and Mining History

    Falun, a city in the province of Dalarna, is inextricably linked to the history of its **UNESCO World Heritage site Falu Gruva**, the Copper Mine. For centuries, this mine was one of the most significant copper mines in the world and played a decisive role in Sweden's economy and its rise to a great power, especially in the 17th century.The city's cultural identity is directly attributable to mining. The distinctive red color, **Falu Rödfärg**, which adorns many traditional Swedish houses, originates from the mine's waste products. This pigmentation significantly influenced architecture not only in Falun itself but throughout the entire country, creating an iconic aesthetic.Historic buildings like the impressive **Kristine kyrka** in the city center bear witness to Falun's wealth and importance during its heyday. The traditions of the miners and their way of life have deeply shaped the social fabric and local identity, with the mine remaining a living monument to this era and making Sweden's history tangible to this day.

    Exploring locally

    BusThere is no subway or tram network; the city and its surroundings are served by the Dalatrafik bus network. The easiest way to buy tickets is via the Dalatrafik app or cashless on board.Walking, Cycling, and TaxisThe city center is compact, and many attractions are within walking distance. Bicycles are ideal for exploring the surrounding area. Taxis are available, but ride-sharing services are less common.

    Accommodations in Falun

    Find perfect stay in Falun

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Campgrounds in Falun

    Find perfect campground in Falun

    Search via Google Maps
    Campgrounds nearby (15km)
    Camping.info
    Find Campgrounds
    Park4Night
    RV Parks & Camping

    Plan your trip to Falun

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to Falun

      Live
      • 1Falu Gruva3 days
      • 2Kristine Church, Falun4 days
      • 3Dalarna museum5 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Falun
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Nearby

    Dalarna

    Dalarna

    Dalarna in Central Sweden is known for its red wooden houses, the Dala horse, and a landscape of lakes, forests, and mountains around Lake Siljan. The region fosters folk art, traditional costumes, and Midsummer festivals, and the Falun Copper Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located here.
    Rättvik

    Rättvik

    Rättvik is located on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan in Dalarna, blending nature with cherished tradition. At 628 meters, the Långbryggan is the world's longest inland lake pier and was built in 1895 as a landing stage for steamships. The medieval Rättvik Church with its historic church stables is a landmark of the town. About eight kilometers north lies Dalhalla, an open-air arena in a former limestone quarry with space for around 6,000 visitors. In summer, the Classic Car Week (always in calendar week 31) and the Musik vid Siljan festival (calendar week 27) take place, and the Midsummer celebrations are also considered particularly beautiful.
    Mora

    Mora

    Mora on Lake Siljan in Dalarna is a hub of Swedish tradition and handicraft. The town is known as the finish line of the Vasaloppet, the world's largest cross-country ski race, which has run over 90 kilometers from Berga by near Sälen to Mora since 1922; in 2027, it takes place on March 7. In nearby Nusnäs, Dalahästar have been hand-carved and painted at Nils Olsson since 1928. The Zornmuseet displays works by painter Anders Zorn, whose home, Zorngården, can be visited on a guided tour. Around Lake Siljan, you can hike and cycle in summer; in winter, the focus is on the Vasaloppet.
    Vasastan

    Vasastan

    Vasastan is a sought-after residential district north of the city center, built mostly between the 1880s and 1920s. Besides Neo-Renaissance apartment buildings, Art Nouveau buildings, especially in Birkastaden, and National Romantic blocks shape the scene. Parks such as Vasaparken and Observatorielunden and numerous cafés make the district a quiet counterpoint to the center.
    Norrmalm

    Norrmalm

    Norrmalm is Stockholm's central business district. Around Sergels torg, created during Nedre Norrmalm's 20th-century redesign, are shopping streets, department stores, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The district also includes Kungsträdgården Park.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI