Borlänge: Nature, Culture and Trails by Lake Runn

In Borlänge, natural attractions range from wetlands rich in birdlife to a roadless wilderness area. Historic sites, museums and trails add further interest. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on exploring landscapes, visiting cultural sites or choosing activities according to the season.

Nature areas and landscapes

There are 22 nature reserves in the municipality, nine of which are municipally managed and owned. These nine areas are destinations for outings and everyday exercise. Holmsjöarna shows how varied these landscapes can be: the area includes reeds, marshland, shore meadows, pastures and fields, as well as lakes, waterways, and deciduous and coniferous forests. The variety of habitats provides a home for a rich diversity of birdlife; visitors can use birdwatching towers and boardwalks.

In the Holmsjöarna Nature Reserve, a marked trail about three kilometres long runs between two car parks. Detours lead to birdwatching towers and a picnic area. The trail, birdwatching towers and picnic area are accessible year-round. As maintenance of the boardwalks may affect conditions, check local notices before your visit.

Frostbrunnsdalen is a steep, deep ravine with lush vegetation and a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The area also has several trails and picnic areas, as well as a café that is open in summer. Gyllbergen offers a different kind of landscape: this high-altitude, roadless wilderness area has cabins, wind shelters and marked summer and winter trails. Many kilometres of trails allow for long hikes and ski tours away from roads and traffic noise.

Historic sites and museums

Ornässtugan is a wooden building dating from the early 16th century, standing in its original location on Lake Runn between Borlänge and Falun. The Ornässtugan Museum opened in 1758 and is described as Sweden’s second-oldest museum. Ornässtugan’s café makes baked goods on site and also offers options for people who avoid gluten, milk or eggs; the selection may change.

Gammelgården is an open-air museum with 35 buildings and thousands of objects that represent Borlänge’s historical roots. Midsummer celebrations, Christmas markets, dance evenings and open-air church services take place there; dates vary. There is also a café serving lunch that is open in summer. Torsång Church is considered the oldest church in Dalarna and has largely retained its original appearance. It is located at a historic meeting point on the headland between the outlets from Lake Runn and Lake Ösjön into the Dalälven. At the time, the waterways were important transport routes.

Trails for walking, cycling and skiing

Bysjörundan is a cycling route just over ten kilometres long in northern Borlänge. It passes through Kvarnsveden and Sör Amsberg and can also be walked. Red posts with white crosses mark the route; there are 17 information boards along the way, as well as four picnic areas. Route details may change, so it is advisable to check for up-to-date information before setting out.

The Runn Runt cycling route runs through the scenic surroundings of Lake Runn between Falun and Borlänge. It is mostly on asphalt, with some gravel sections. For mountain biking, the Bjusanleden starts in Plättbacken and runs to Bjusan. Details for these routes may also change; check for current information before setting out.

For winter sports, Romme Alpin is located 13 kilometres outside Borlänge. The area has 34 ski runs and 14 lifts; skiing is possible in all four cardinal directions, and there is a large beginners’ area. Snow conditions and operations are seasonal, and the number of lifts and runs may change. Check current operating details before your trip.

Science and underground experiences

At the 2047 Science Center, visitors can explore natural sciences and technology through hands-on activities. Attractions include a climbing wall, a steel exhibition, a car racing track and a planetarium. Exhibition content may change.

The Äventyrsgruvan in Tuna Hästberg offers an underground visitor experience in a former mine that closed in 1968. No prior experience is required, but a normal level of fitness is. The ascent and descent are compared to walking up and down a 25-storey building. Check booking and safety requirements before visiting.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Borlänge, Idkerberget, Backgården, Malung-Sälen, Älvdalen, Gagnef, Rättvik, Falun.

Return to the main travel overview: Dalarna County.