With a full day planned, our entourage packed into two vehicles and set out to see what more Dalarna had to offer…we were not disappointed. First stop, Tällberg…a small village located on the southern shores of Lake Siljan, Sweden’s sixth largest lake. The area was initially home to a number of family farms, but with it’s growing popularity in the early 1900’s, turned into one of Sweden’s top, year-round tourist destinations. All the homes and buildings are built with the traditional wood construction, with customary decorations (especially around the holidays). This village also has 8 hotels, with 1000 beds to accommodate the 250,000 annual visitors.
We toured through a set of galleries and shops selling a large variety of local art and craft items.
After strolling through the shops, we took a break for a mid morning snack, then headed towards Rättvik, one of Sweden’s oldest holiday resort towns. We did make a couple of stops along the way…
First up, a climb up the Vidablick view tower (not sure why I didn’t take a picture of it). Apparently, the 28m (~90ft) platform was built by an enterprising 17 year old for the sole purpose of enjoying panoramic views of Lake Siljan and the surround countryside. Mission accomplished!
Up next, bobsledding. Wait…what? Bobsledding? This we had to see.
Called a SommarRodel, one of the ski resorts has this 725m-long, stainless, curvy chute, that you hurtle down on a seated frame with wheels. You can reach speeds of 35 mph if you’re brave enough to leave the brake handle alone!
But before the ride, you have to be dragged up the hillside, backwards!
The SommarRodal was a blast, we each went twice.
In a shocking development, we opted for a buffet lunch. And as usual, the food was great.
Stomachs full, and a little rested, we headed for the small community of Nusnäs to see the famous Dalahäst (or Dala horse) museums and gift shops. People have been carving horses for toys and decoration for 100’s of years, but the Dala horse didn’t become the quintessential symbol of Sweden until a large one was displayed at the World’s fair in New York in 1939.
As we worked out way back to Saxdalen, Ann-Marie treated the whole group to ice cream at a local stand…what a nice surprise!
We finished up the day with dinner at Gerd’s, local pizza for the kids, and some yummy pies for the rest of us.