Siljan (lake)
Lake Large Swedish lake formed by meteor impact
A central Dalarna lake formed by a meteorite impact, Siljan draws boaters, anglers and cyclists. Towns on its shore host markets and summer cultural events tied to regional Swedish traditions.
Siljan is a large lake in Dalarna County in central Sweden formed by a meteorite impact roughly 377 million years ago. It is one of the more prominent lakes in the region and gives its name to the surrounding circular geology known as the Siljan Ring.
The shoreline contains several small towns and cultural sites, including piers, island-dotted bays and cycle routes that circle the lake. Recreational activities include boating and freshwater fishing; local communities around the lake offer ferry connections, lakeside promenades and traditional timber architecture.
The basin originated as a Devonian-era impact structure; human settlement around the lake developed in medieval and modern times with timber and fishing economies. Over the 20th and 21st centuries the area has become a mix of permanent settlements and seasonal leisure facilities while retaining its geological significance.
Siljan sits in central Dalarna County, surrounded by low hills and agricultural land with small towns such as Rättvik and Leksand on its shores. The lake lies within inland Sweden, well north of the Stockholm region.
- Rättvik pier: Located on the lake's southern shore, the wooden pier at Rättvik is a popular viewpoint and photo spot at sunrise and sunset.
- Siljan impact ring: The lake occupies the central depression of the Siljan impact structure, one of the largest known impact rings in Sweden.
How to Get to Siljan (lake) #
Siljan is accessible by train and car from Stockholm; the nearest regional rail connections run to Mora and Leksand. Rent a car for maximum flexibility or use local buses that serve lakeside towns.
Tips for Visiting Siljan (lake) #
- Rent a boat from one of the lakeside towns (Rättvik, Leksand) to see the Siljan shorelines and the erratic boulders up close.
- Visit in Midsummer (late June) for traditional Dalarna festivities but expect high demand for accommodation.
- Cycle the Siljan Loop (approx. 90-100 km) for a varied cross-section of small villages and scenic viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Siljan (lake) #
Summer for festivals and boating; autumn for quiet scenery and fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Siljan (lake) #
Siljan (lake)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -10°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (598 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 78 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 (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 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 (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°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 -6°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
