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.
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 ›- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Time to Visit Falun #
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).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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.
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.
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 #
- Best Western Gustaf Wasa - Central budget-friendly hotel
- Hostel & inexpensive B&Bs - Small hostels and guesthouses listed
- Scandic Lugnet - Modern hotel near sports facilities
- First Hotel Grand Falun - Comfortable historic-style hotel
- Scandic Lugnet (premium rooms) - Largest upscale option with views
- Boutique upscale stays (select listings) - A few premium B&Bs and suites available
Where to Eat in Falun #
- 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 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.
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.