Rättvik between Geopark, Trails and Culture

Rättvik combines geological features with hiking trails, cultural sites and insights into the region’s history. Several geosites in the Siljan Geopark invite you to explore the area’s geological and natural features. The park is Sweden’s first national geopark. You can shape your trip around nature experiences, local history or visits to cultural sites.

Landscapes and geological features

The 7.5-kilometre, moderately difficult Tre toppar hiking trail passes through the Dalen Nature Reserve, also known as Vitsippsdalen. Lush flora and abundant birdlife characterise this stretch of the ravine landscape. At the Styggforsen Nature Reserve, you can experience a different natural setting: the Enån River plunges through a dramatic ravine, forming a 36-metre-high waterfall. A circular trail of about one kilometre runs through a damp old-growth forest where rare mosses, lichens and orchids can be found.

Amtjärnsbrottet also tells the story of the area’s geology. The disused limestone quarry is known for its abundance of Cambrian and Silurian fossils. The access road follows Riksväg 70 through the centre of Rättvik towards Mora. North of the centre, turn off at Kullsbergs Kalk; after about four kilometres, follow the signs to Amtjärnsbrottet.

Hiking and cycling

Several hiking trails of varying lengths start in the Gärdsjö cultural landscape. They pass through a well-preserved historic cultural landscape and range from short walks to full-day hikes. Information boards along the trails explain the landscape’s natural and cultural history in Swedish, English and German. In 2019, the hiking section of the Siljansleden was selected by the Swedish Tourist Association as one of Sweden’s twelve Signature Trails.

For a cycling loop, consider the Dalhallarundan: it is 26 kilometres long, starts and ends at the Resecentrum in Rättvik, and is described as easy to ride but hilly in places. The Swedish Transport Administration has specially certified the route; the certification confirms its high quality, clear signage and traffic safety. The cycling section of the Siljansleden, meanwhile, runs mostly along smaller roads through the lowlands around Lake Siljan and along Lakes Siljan, Oresjön, Skattungen and Orsasjön. Outside the snowy season, the six-kilometre Söderås–Vidablick route can be used for running, walking or cycling as an out-and-back trail.

Culture, crafts and places by Lake Siljan

Rättviks kulturhus brings together a library, picture archive, art gallery and natural history museum. Activities for all age groups take place there throughout the year. The natural history museum explains the development of the Siljansbygden, from the formation of the Earth and the meteorite impact to the present day. The Rättviks Hemslöjd Museum displays traditional costumes from Rättvik, Boda and Ore. At Rättviks Hemslöjd, by the fountain in the square, you can find handmade items in wood, metal, textiles and ceramics; materials, patterns and literature are also available for your own handicrafts.

Rättviks Gammelgård comprises around 30 buildings from different periods and villages in the municipality and is arranged as a typical farmstead from the farming community. The collection includes more than 3,500 objects, including a wool basket decorated with Viking motifs from the 12th century. Rättviks kyrka, on the shore of Lake Siljan, also brings together several historical details: its origins date back to the 13th century, and it has Dalarna’s oldest trio of bells. Eighty-seven historic church stables have been preserved around the church; some date from the 18th and 19th centuries, while the oldest stable dates to the 1470s.

The 628-metre-long Långbryggan extends straight out into Lake Siljan. It was built in 1895 both as a tourist attraction and as a landing stage for steamships. In Vikarbyn, Lissand beach lies along Västra leden. It is a good place to rest and swim; there is also a shelter with a barbecue area and a toilet. Check the condition of the facilities before your trip.

Dalhalla is an open-air arena in a former limestone quarry in the forest outside Rättvik; limestone extraction there ended in 1990. The arena can only be accessed on guided tours, which cover Dalhalla’s history and geology, from the meteorite impact to today’s concert venue. Check the current tour options before your visit. Rättviks Marknad takes place every spring and autumn; the exact dates vary from year to year. Rättvik is accessible by road and by direct train and bus connections. For specific travel dates, it is worth checking the timetables.

Discover more destinations: Rättvik, Bäck, Vikarbyn, Furudal, Böda, Enviken, Hedemora, Leksand.

For the regional travel overview: Dalarnas Län.