Vikarbyn on Lake Siljan: Hiking, Swimming and Paddling

Vikarbyn on Lake Siljan offers several specific ways to combine time by the water with outdoor activity. The small boat harbour, Lissand swimming beach and hiking trails each offer something different. When it comes to the routes, it is worth distinguishing between trail length, destination and access: Siljans strandvandring passes through Vikarbyn, while the access route to Siljansleden goes via Granmor. If you are looking for a hotel in Vikarbyn, these differences can help you choose your destination based on the beach, hiking or paddling.

Harbour, beach and outdoor activity

Vikarbyn’s small boat harbour has guest berths. Lissand swimming beach is about 1.5 km to the west; it is a good place to relax and swim. The condition of the beach facilities may depend on local maintenance. There is also an outdoor gym with nine exercise stations at Lissand. This gives you a choice between taking a swimming break and exercising outdoors.

Hiking with different starting points

Siljans strandvandring is an easy 10 km hiking trail. It passes through Vikarbyn and follows the shore of Lake Siljan to Rättvik, which is about 7 km away. Trail length and distance to the destination are different measurements: 10 km refers to the hike, while approximately 7 km is the distance to Rättvik. Check the route details locally before setting out.

Siljansleden mainly follows old summer-pasture paths through a striking, very hilly landscape. There are designated rest and camping areas at suitable intervals. From Vikarbyn, the easiest way to reach Siljansleden is via 3 km of gravel road to Granmor. These 3 km describe the access route to Granmor; access details may change with local conditions. Check the route locally before setting out. If you appreciate old paths and hilly terrain as hiking features, you can assess Siljansleden on the basis of these characteristics.

The two hikes therefore cannot be compared solely by their kilometre figures: Siljans strandvandring is listed as a 10 km hiking trail, while the 3 km for Siljansleden refers to the access route along the gravel road to Granmor. This is an important distinction for planning.

Paddling on Lake Siljan

A paddling trip on Lake Siljan can start at the Vikarbyns Båtklubb jetty and follow the shoreline. The jetty is the starting point for the trip; water conditions depend on the weather. Take the weather into account when planning and check local conditions before setting out. For paddling, the starting point at the jetty and the route along the shore are key; for hiking, the focus is on trail length or access. This allows you to distinguish the activities by their routes and points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Rättvik, Bäck, Furudal, Enviken, Böda

Return to the main travel overview: Rättvik.