Siljansleden

For a lot of the time,  you will be hiking on the old pasture trails. However, many of the old huts are in higher locations with a wonderful view. Some even have a history that goes back to the medieval period. The countryside here is wild with forests and marshland. In Mora, you can follow the route of the famous Vasaloppet ski race from the town center for 5 kilometers.

This trail will give you a peek into the traditional lifestyle of Swedish farmers, taking you past famous areas and very wild places. This route is, however, not easy – there is lots of climbing, many gravel roads, and deforested land that you need to cross.

The route is marked by orange signs and is divided into four main sections, each centered around a region: Mora, Orsa, Rättvik, and Leksand.

Mora, the starting point for many, is a town famous for the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race and the home of the celebrated artist Anders Zorn. The trails around Mora are through beautiful forests and along the lake’s edge.

Moving north, the trail will go to Orsa, known for its stunning landscapes and the Orsa Bear Park. This section has varied terrain, which will give you a break as you walk along the lake, every once and a while dipping into the forests.

Heading towards Rättvik, the trail will go more toward the eastern shoreline of Lake Siljan, showing panoramic views and leading through villages. Rättvik itself is known for its traditional long pier into the lake and vibrant folk music scene. Enjoy!

The final section towards Leksand is through classic Dalarna countryside, complete with red wooden cottages and landmarks. Leksand is famous for its Midsummer celebrations and is a fitting end to the trail.

The best time to hike this route is in the summer, from June to September. It is also possible to attempt the route in the winter. Many sections are also maintained as cross-country skiing tracks and the roads are cleared all year round, although in some sections you may prefer snowshoes.

You’ll want to pack light for this trail to stay quick on your feet. However, the way you pack will depend on where you plan to sleep. Research ahead of time your exact itinerary to make sure you’re well prepared! You’ll also want to pack plenty of snacks and at least 2 liters of water a day.

Finally, the forests along the trail are used for hunting. Look up the local hunting seasons and be careful; wear high-visibility clothing for safety during these periods.