Mora by Lake Siljan: Culture, Crafts and Nature

Mora lies on the north shore of Lake Siljan and can be reached by car, train, bus and also by boat. The M/S Gustav Wasa steamboat operates on Lake Siljan between Mora, Rättvik and Leksand. As services are seasonal, it is advisable to check the dates before travelling. There are several ways to plan your stay, with options including church and art history, traditional crafts, forest trails and seasonal activities.

Cultural history and crafts

The present-day Mora kyrka dates from the late 15th century. The church houses a choir robe and a chasuble donated by the priest Daniel Svinhufvud in the 15th century. In the cemetery is the grave of artist Anders Zorn and his wife Emma, designed by Christian Eriksson.

The Zorn sites also offer different experiences. Zorngården preserves an interior from around the turn of the 20th century; guided visits last about 45 minutes, and booking in advance is recommended. The Zornmuseet is open year-round and has the world’s largest collection of works by the famous artist. Check the current opening hours before visiting. Zorns Gammelgård is an open-air museum with Sweden’s most significant collection of historic wooden houses. Gopsmor was both Anders Zorn’s wilderness studio and fishing hut; access is seasonal.

Another chapter in local history can be explored at the Siljansfors Skogsmuseum. It is set around the ruins of an ironworks that operated from 1738 to 1876. As an open-air museum, it presents various forestry facilities in their natural surroundings. There are also forest and nature trails at Siljansfors, measuring 3 kilometres, 2.5 kilometres and 5 kilometres, as well as a 1,100-metre children’s trail. The different trail lengths can help you factor the scope of a walk into your day’s plans.

Södra Flenarna is considered the best-preserved summer pasture farm in Mora and was listed as a historic building in 1982. Nils Olsson Dalahästar carries on another craft tradition: Dalecarlian horses have been made by hand there, outside Mora, since 1928. Visitors can see the process, from a raw piece of wood to a finished, painted horse, and paint their own Dalecarlian horse. Check in advance for seasonal visiting opportunities.

Forest landscapes and trails

Anjosvarden comprises three treeless subalpine peaks, called varder, and is described as one of Dalarna’s largest roadless areas. An orange-marked trail leads to the summit and is more than 3.5 kilometres each way. The wetlands there are of ornithological importance; among other birds, ruffs and jack snipes can be seen. This also makes the area appealing to travellers who enjoy spending time observing nature.

In Norra Mora Vildmark, the landscape is shaped by vast, undisturbed wetlands and old-growth forests that resemble primeval forest. There are hiking and snowmobile trails, but the area’s cabins are not open to the public. An 11-kilometre trail passes through Norra Mora Vildmark and the Våmhuskölen Nature Reserve, and goes by a wind shelter. When planning, you can compare this longer route with the shorter trails at Siljansfors; the stated distances offer different indications of the time involved, without specifying a walking time.

The Vasaloppsarenan route leads to Mora. Its trails are marked with symbols for skiers, cyclists and hikers. Cycling and hiking are not permitted on private land; follow the local signs. Hiking, cycling and mountain biking are also possible on forest trails in Mora and its scenic surroundings. In winter, activities on offer include downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and skating.

Planning seasonal experiences

Vasaloppet takes place over two intensive weeks, one in summer and one in winter. Almost 100,000 participants take part in its various races, and the dates change each year. So if an event is part of your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant year. This lets you take this special highlight into account when choosing your travel dates.

Tomteland also offers seasonal experiences: in summer, visitors can swim, play or go boating in Lake Aurora. Sagolandet Tomteland is an 18-hectare fairytale world with magical settings and buildings; the programme varies by season. Snickars Brukshästar offers carriage or sleigh rides that end with a simple coffee break. As availability should be checked, it is advisable to enquire before making plans.

If you are looking for a hotel in Mora, use the focus of your stay as a guide: culture and crafts, nature trails or seasonal experiences each lead to different travel plans. The options described range from a guided tour lasting about 45 minutes to trails with clearly stated distances.

Discover more destinations: Gesunda, Gopshus, Venjan, Våmhus, Sollerön, Johannisholm, Mora, Gagnef.

Back to the main travel overview: Dalarna County.