Falun Travel Guide

City City in Dalarna known for its copper mine

Falun’s copper mine (Falu Gruva) and its ochre-red paint shaped Sweden’s industry; the mine and mining museum draw visitors. Hike around lakes and pine forests, and catch Midsummer and folk music in Dalarna’s village life.

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Costs
Typical daily budget: $110-$160
Moderate Swedish prices; cafés, museums and day trips keep costs reasonable with planning.
Safety
Very safe and calm
Very safe with low violent crime; standard urban precautions suffice.
Best Time
Best months: Jun-Aug
June-August gives long daylight, festivals and accessible hiking; winter offers skiing nearby.
Time
Weather
Population
37,291
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good local transport, tourist information, walkable centre and English widely spoken.
Popularity
Attracts cultural tourists, families and outdoor enthusiasts rather than mass international crowds.
Known For
Falu Gruva (copper mine), UNESCO site, mining museum, red-painted cottages, outdoor activities, cross-country skiing, cultural festivals, local cuisine
Falun is home to the Great Copper Mountain (Falu Gruva), a UNESCO-listed historic mine central to Sweden's industrial history.

Why Visit Falun? #

Known for its mining heritage and folkloric energy, this Swedish town attracts visitors interested in industrial history and Dalarna traditions. The Falun Mine (Falu Gruva) and the distinctive Falu red paint that originated here are must‑see cultural markers, while local museums explore the town’s copper-era past. Folk costumes and midsummer customs bring the region to life, and hearty local fare such as falukorv (a sausage named after the town) complements walks around the historic centre and surrounding forests.

Top Things to Do in Falun

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Falu Copper Mine (Falu Gruva) - Historic copper mine complex and museum explaining Sweden's mining heritage and processes.
  • Falu Church and old town - Red-painted timber houses, quaint streets, and the town church near the centre.
  • Falu Mine Museum tunnels - Guided underground tours demonstrating historic mining workings and industrial exhibits.
Hidden Gems
  • Falu rödfärg painted cottages - Rows of classic red-painted wooden houses illustrating Dalarna's rural aesthetic.
  • Kopparhallen local galleries - Small contemporary galleries and craft shops highlighting regional artists.
  • Lugnet sports complex trails - Trail networks around the sports park for easy walks and local scenery.
Day Trips
  • Lake Runn and Siljan Circle - Scenic lakeside route with traditional Dalarna towns, shore trails, and beaches.
  • Sundborn (Carl Larsson's home) - Artist Carl Larsson's home and museum showcasing quintessential Swedish interior art.

Best Time to Visit Falun #

Head to Falun in summer for long daylight, warm weather, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. Winters are snowy and cold, great for skiing but short on daylight; shoulder seasons change quickly.

Winter
December - February · -10642
Deep cold and short daylight create striking snowy landscapes and excellent skiing, but expect very chilly temperatures, frozen lakes, and limited daylight hours for sightseeing.
Spring & Autumn
March - May & September - November · 06124
Quick transitions mean muddy trails and fluctuating temperatures; vibrant spring blooms and autumn colours reward flexibility and layered clothing during unpredictable weather.
Summer
June - August · 126547
Long, bright days make hiking, fishing, and outdoor festivals ideal; warm but occasionally rainy conditions call for insect repellent and light waterproofs for unexpected showers.

Best Time to Visit Falun #

Climate

Falun's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (579 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-30°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -2°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -1°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.4h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
17.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
18.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
17.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.4h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.7h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-3°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.2h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8° -1°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.5h daylight

How to Get to Falun

Falun is well connected to Stockholm and other Swedish towns by rail and bus, with Falun resecentrum near the town centre. For international arrivals, Stockholm Arlanda plus a train or bus is the common route.

By Air

Borlänge / Dala Airport (BLE): The nearest small airport is Borlänge (Dala Airport), about 20 km from Falun; commercial services are limited and seasonal.

Stockholm Arlanda (ARN): For more international options, fly into Stockholm Arlanda and travel to Falun by train from Arlanda or Stockholm Central. By rail the total journey time from Arlanda/Stockholm to Falun is around 2½-3 hours.

By Train & Bus

Train: Falun station (Falun resecentrum) is served by SJ and regional operator Tåg i Bergslagen. Stockholm ↔ Falun typically takes 2½-3 hours by regional or intercity trains; book via SJ for best fares.

Bus: Long-distance buses (FlixBus and regional operators) link Falun with Stockholm, Borlänge and other regional towns. Local Dalatrafik buses cover the city and surrounding municipalities; single fares are modest and integrated tickets are available for zones.

How to Get Around Falun #

Falun’s centre is compact and comfortably walkable; most sights cluster around Stora Torget and the old mining areas. Cycling is common and useful for short trips within town. Regional buses and trains link Falun with nearby Borlänge and other Dalarna towns; taxis operate but are less frequent. For visiting the mine area or surrounding countryside, a bike or car is handy.

Where to Stay in Falun #

Budget
City centre - SEK 500-900/night
Falun has several budget hotels and guesthouses close to the centre. Expect clean, functional rooms and easy access to museums and public transport.
Mid-Range
Lugnet / City centre - SEK 900-1400/night
Mid-range options in Falun are solid: well-known chains near the town centre and Lugnet sports area, good for sightseeing and events.
Luxury
Lugnet / Cathedral area - SEK 1400+/night
Falun's luxury inventory is limited. For the best rooms, book premium suites at larger hotels or boutique upscale B&Bs well in advance.

Where to Eat in Falun #

Local Food
Falun's food scene favors hearty Dalarna ingredients-forest berries, game, and fish-served in cosy bistros and classic Swedish konditorier (cafés).
  • Falun restaurants (map search) - Local cafés and Swedish bistros listed
  • Forest-to-table & local produce (map search) - Wild mushrooms, berries, and game
  • Konditori & bakeries (map search) - Traditional Swedish cafés and pastries
Cafés & Casual Eats
Look for intimate cafés and market stalls in Falun, and restaurants that highlight local produce and traditional Swedish comfort foods.
  • Cafés in Falun (map search) - Coffee culture and light lunches
  • Local food markets (map search) - Seasonal stalls and artisan producers
  • Top restaurants in Falun (map search) - Contemporary and traditional dining choices

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Falun's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Kebab
Burger
Salad
Chinese
Falafel
Asian
Grill
Gyros
Sushi
Mexican
Regional
Steak House
Thai
Greek
Pirog
Indian
Suishi
Hot Dog
Italian

Nightlife in Falun #

Falun’s nightlife is modest: a collection of local bars, student-oriented pubs and occasional live-music nights rather than a wide club scene. Cultural venues host concerts and events seasonally. If you want late-night options, nearby larger towns provide more choices.

Shopping in Falun #

Shops concentrate around the central square and pedestrian streets, with a mix of mainstream chains and local boutiques. Look for souvenirs and crafts linked to the mining heritage and Dalarna traditions. There are also specialty food shops and small markets selling regional produce during market days.

Nearby Cities #