Rättvik by Lake Siljan: Culture and Landscape

Rättvik lies on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, cultural history, exhibitions and trails through the landscape offer different starting points for planning your trip. Highlights include the long Långbryggan pier, the historic buildings of Rättviks Gammelgård, cultural venues and routes through the landscape. This can help you decide whether to focus on history, exhibitions or outdoor activities during your trip.

History and culture in Rättvik

Långbryggan is 628 metres long. It was built in 1895 as a landing stage for the steamer S/S Rättvik, which operated on Lake Siljan from 1895 until the 1950s. The pier therefore connects two periods: its construction in 1895 and the steamer’s subsequent service over several decades.

Rättviks Gammelgård comprises around 30 buildings from different periods and villages in the parish. The oldest object is a unique wool basket with Viking ornaments from Västbjörka, dating to the 13th century. Visitors can walk among the buildings; access to individual buildings may vary by season. At the site, Café Nyfiket uses local and predominantly organically produced ingredients for fika and lunch. The café may operate seasonally.

Rättviks kulturhus brings together a library, picture archive, art gallery and natural history museum. Rättviks konsthall mainly hosts exhibitions of contemporary art and crafts by Swedish and international artists. The natural history museum’s presentation of Rättvik and the Siljansbygden spans the formation of the Earth to the present day; its main exhibition tells the story of how the region around Lake Siljan was formed.

Folkmusikens hus in Rättvik produces professional concert and dance programmes. If a particular concert is important to your trip, check the dates in advance. Nittsjö keramik has a 100-year pottery tradition. Today, it makes various products from stoneware and earthenware, and also sells seconds.

Dalhalla is an open-air venue in an old limestone quarry. Visits are only possible as part of guided tours or concerts; independent walks around the site are not permitted. Check the venue’s information before your trip.

Trails and landscape

The Rättvik–Dalhalla hiking trail passes through the Enån Nature Reserve, which has interesting flora and fauna. A hiking trail also runs near the reserve from the Jarlområdet in the southwest to Springkällan. It is a little over four kilometres each way. This information can help you factor the distance into your day’s plans.

The Jarlstugan–Ensro section of the Siljansleden passes through heathland of national interest and by ponds with crystal-clear water, the Enån/Draggån watercourse and Springkällan. The Enåns kanotled canoe route is marked in the water on both sides of the waterside path with canoe signs. Rättvik also has a 1,200-metre sandy beach.

The Dalhallarundan starts and ends at Rättvik travel centre. Rättviks golfbana is an 18-hole parkland and woodland course; check its current operating status before making specific plans.

Getting there and planning your trip

Rättvik can be reached directly by train or bus. Check the timetables before travelling. Dalhalla’s concert buses depart from Rättvik. If you are planning your stay around a concert or a particular arrival time, coordinate your plans with the specific dates and departure times.

Discover more destinations: Boda Kyrkby, Bäck, Vikarbyn, Böda, Furudal, Enviken.

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