Our favorite winter Highlights in Dalarna

If you have always dreamed of enjoying beautiful Swedish landscapes but didn’t want to go all the way up North – Dalarna is the region to visit. It’s suitable for both winter and summer trips. Though, keep in mind that the nature of your trip will differ significantly depending on the season. We have chosen this region for our Christmas trip last year and it did not disappoint. Having missed really cold and snowy winters – Dalarna served us just that. So, without further ado, I would like to share with you the 5 places you must see in Dalarna!

Dalarna is a region in the west of Sweden and is situated in the middle of the country. It’s known for its ski resorts and fascinating national parks. As mentioned, Dalarna could be chosen for your skiing or hiking trip depending on the season. In winter, its famous ski resort Idre attracts skiers from Sweden’s major cities. Whereas, in the summer hundreds of hikers flood it to experience untouched Swedish wilderness. Since we went there in the winter, I will focus on the top 5 places of this county during the cold season.

If you are not planning to do mountain or cross-country skiing in Dalarna, make sure to get the right equipment to enjoy the nature there. To be more precise, good winter boots and some sort of ski pants are a must. Otherwise, you won’t be able to walk through the piles of snow in both national parks and forests. Additionally, if you want a full experience you may rent snow shows, which would give you much more accessibility.

5. Grövelsjön

Grövelsjön is a lake that serves as a border between Sweden and Norway. It isn’t among the biggest in the country but it is definitely a fascinating one. Especially when it’s frozen. You may walk on it during the deep winter as well as admire the mountains that surround it. The road leading to the lake is truly magical as well. The tree branches are weighing down from heavy snowfall and the road itself looks like a big fluffy blanket. Bear in mind, that if you are coming there with zero gear (no snowshoes or skies) your accessibility will be rather limited. Though, it’s still nice to admire the view for an hour or two. But, don’t dedicate the whole day to it.

Getting there: I’d suggest parking at Grövelsjön Fjällstation’s (free) parking lot and walking a couple of kilometers to the lake. Otherwise, there is direct access to the lake by car, though you may need to park at the side of the road.

4. Idrefjäll

Idre is the main ski resort in the area where you can enjoy some downhill skiing as well as some entertainment. While Idrefjäll is no Alps, it’s still a nice place for skiing. I’d recommend it even for beginners as the slopes didn’t appear to be very challenging. On top of that, you will not have to wait for hours to get the lift back up.

If you are not a big skier, their mountain station has a beautiful restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or some drinks with a perfect view. Additionally, you may wonder around the area and admire the village of tiny red cabins built on the hill. As well as inspect winter caravan camping, which is a truly unique sight.

Getting there: put ICA Nära Idre Fjäll on your GPS and it will lead you to the supermarket’s parking lot. Otherwise, you may park along the road leading up to this supermarket. This place is the ‘center’ of the ski resort, from which everything else will be easily accessible.

3. Lövåsgårdens Fjällhotell

Halfway through the places, you must see in Dalarna and, another spot, which made it to my top 5 places list in Dalarna is an outdoor hot tub. While not everyone likes it, for us it was a completely unique experience during the wintertime. While the weather outside was crisp and the temperature was below -10°C, we got to enjoy a private hot tub in a hotel’s garden. It was located on a deck surrounded by trees full of snow. We were simmering in this bath with our hats on and admiring the surroundings. It was a unique experience that I would recommend to everyone. For the price of 700 SEK (in total for 4 people), you get access to the whole relaxation area. It includes a private sauna, chill-out zone, showers, and a hot tub. The area can only be booked for 2 hours between 19 – 21h when it’s available for non-hotel guests.

Getting there: put ‘Lövåsvägen 30 790 91 IDRE’ in your GPS and it will lead you to the hotel’s parking lot.

2. Nipfjälet

Nipfjälet is a long stretch mountain, with the highest peak at 1191 meters. It offers a variety of hiking and snowshoeing trails. They are marked with signs all along. Once again, the parts accessible with regular winter shoes are not as extensive as the ones suitable for snowshoeing. However, we had a very pleasant and slightly challenging hike uphill wearing just our regular boots. The scenery is beautiful as you are surrounded by mountain peaks, running streams, and untouched piles of snow. Be sure to stick to the track as the weather changes unpredictably. One minute it might be very clear, whereas the next the visibility may reduce to 50 meters…

Getting there: ”Nipfjällets vinterparkering” is the place to leave your car. The exact address is Bergevägen 790 91, Idre.

1. Fulufjälet national park

By far the most beautiful place which deserves to be at the top of my ‘best places to see in Dalarna’ list. This is surely one of the places you must see in Dalarna. Essentially, it’s a national park with several hiking trails that go through the forest and mountains. However, the highlight of this park is the Njupeskär waterfall. During the wintertime, it’s almost fully frozen, which is a stunning sight to see. You won’t be able to get to it within an arm’s reach, yet it’s fascinating even from a distance. On top of that, it’s visible from various spots uphill. So, you can get a glance at it from different angles. Keep in mind, that due to humidity, the closer you will get to the waterfall the colder it will feel. Be sure to cover your head and face as your hair will otherwise freeze. Lastly, it’s extremely important to have sturdy footwear.

Getting there: drive to Mörkret and afterward follow signs to Fulufjällets national park.