Holiday apartment in Rättvik: Siljan, nature and culture

Rättvik combines the Siljan Geopark with hiking trails, lakes, historic farms and a diverse culture. The Siljan Geopark is Sweden’s first national geopark. At several geosites with special geological and natural values, visitors have the opportunity to experience the area’s unique environment.

Nature

The Tre toppar hiking trail leads through the lush Dalen nature reserve, which is also known as Vitsippsdalen. The 7.5 km trail is considered moderately difficult and is located in the Rättvik area. The Dalen, or Vitsippsdalen, section features lush flora and abundant birdlife in a unique ravine landscape.

Amtjärnsbrottet is a disused limestone quarry with a unique abundance of fossils from the Cambrian and Silurian periods. The site is reached via Riksväg 70 through the centre of Rättvik towards Mora. North of the centre, turn off at Kullsbergs Kalk and follow the signs to Amtjärnsbrottet after approximately 4 km.

The Rättvik–Dalhalla trail passes through the Enån nature reserve, which has interesting flora and fauna. In northern Rättvik lies Trollmosseskogen, one of the large natural forest areas shaped by forest fires. In the Styggforsen nature reserve, the Enån river plunges through a dramatic ravine and forms a 36-metre-high waterfall. There is also an approximately 1 km circular trail through damp old-growth forest with rare mosses, lichens and orchids.

Hiking and cycling

The hiking section of the Siljansleden trail was selected by the Swedish Tourist Association in 2019 as one of Sweden’s twelve signature trails. The cycling section mainly follows smaller roads through the lowlands around Lake Siljan and along the lakes Siljan, Oresjön, Skattungen and Orsasjön.

Outside the snow season, the Söderås–Vidablick route can be used as a 6 km round trip for running, walking or cycling. Several hiking trails of different lengths begin in the Gärdsjö cultural landscape, passing through a well-preserved, old cultural landscape. The hikes range from short walks to a full day. Information boards along the trails explain the natural and cultural history of the landscape in Swedish, English and German.

The Dalhallarundan is a 26 km cycling loop that is easy to ride and partly hilly. It starts and ends at the travel centre in Rättvik. The route has been specially certified by Trafikverket; the certification confirms its high quality, clear signage and traffic safety.

Water

Lissand Beach in Vikarbyn lies along Västra leden and is suitable for taking a break and swimming. There is also a shelter with a barbecue area and a toilet.

On Långbryggan, you can walk 628 metres straight out into Lake Siljan. The bridge was built in 1895 both as a tourist attraction and as a landing stage for steamships.

Culture and history

Rättviks kulturhus houses a library, an image archive, an art gallery and a natural history museum. Activities for all age groups take place there throughout the year.

The Rättviks Hemslöjd museum displays traditional costumes from Rättvik, Boda and Ore. Rättviks Hemslöjd, at the square by the fountain in Rättvik, offers handmade items made of wood, metal, textiles and ceramics. It also provides materials, patterns and literature for visitors who would like to do handicrafts themselves.

More than 3,500 objects are preserved at Rättviks Gammelgård, including a wool basket from the 12th century decorated with Viking ornaments. The site comprises around 30 buildings from different periods and villages in the municipality and is designed as a typical Rättvik farm from the farming society.

Rättviks kyrka is located on the shore of Lake Siljan, has origins dating back to the 13th century and possesses Dalarna’s oldest set of three church bells. Around the church, 87 historic church stables have been preserved. Some date from the 18th and 19th centuries, while the oldest stable dates from the 1470s.

Seasons and getting there

The artificial-snow trail at Jarlstugan is prepared for both the classical and freestyle skiing techniques. Rättvik can be reached by road and also has direct train and bus connections.

Other places at this level: Rättvik, Bäck, Vikarbyn, Furudal, Böda, Enviken.

Other destinations in the same higher-level area: Avesta, Älvdalen.

To the higher-level travel overview: Dalarna County.