Västerdalarna is the western part of Dalarna, at the border to Norway. The region contains the tallest mountains of the province, and is less populated than Siljansbygden and Dalabergslagen.
The coldest and most mountainous part of Svealand, this is a region for outdoor life and winter sport not too far from the more populated regions of southern Sweden.
Municipalities
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- 1 Älvdalen is norternmost part of Dalarna and Svealand.
- 2 Malung is a forested municipality which contains Sälen.
- 3 Vansbro
Other destinations
[edit | edit source]- 4 Sälen in Malung municipality is one of Sweden's busiest ski resorts.
- 5 Idre, a ski resort in Älvdalen municipality
Understand
[edit | edit source]The settlements in western Dalarna are few and far between. While most of the forests are used for logging, the region is great to see Eurasian fauna including bears, elks and deer.
Get in
[edit | edit source]Driving is the most practical mode of transport in the region. Public transportation is scarcer than in the more populated parts of Dalarna.
- 1 . An airport opened in 2019, useful for transit to Hedmark in Norway as well.
- Regional Dalatrafik buses [1][dead link]
- Combined travel train and bus, usually change in Borlänge or Mora. See [2][dead link] sj.se
Get around
[edit | edit source]Driving is a practical way to get around, as well as hiking.
Södra kungsleden is a north-south hiking trail.
See
[edit | edit source]The region is great for Eurasian wildlife.
Dalarna as a whole is known as a caretaker of Swedish folk culture, and while the most iconic destinations are around Lake Siljan, the western forests have a rich heritage including the Elfdalian language.
Do
[edit | edit source]Västerdalarna is mostly visited for outdoor life and winter sport. The region has several alpine resorts, and contains the starting points of two legs in the Swedish Classic Circuit: The Vansbro Swim in Vansbro, and Vasaloppet in Sälen.
Eat
[edit | edit source]Drink
[edit | edit source]Nightlife is restricted to the resorts, in particular Sälen.
Stay safe
[edit | edit source]Cold weather and winter conditions are concerns here, well into April and May.
Go next
[edit | edit source]Cross the border to Värmland or Hedmark in Norway.