Signature trail Siljan
Signature Trail Siljan runs from Fryksås to Rättvik, bordered by idyllic Dalarna landscapes, summer farms, and red cottages. Signature Trail Siljan is a small part of the 340-kilometer-long Siljansleden, which circles around the lakes Orsasjön and Siljan in Dalarna. Here, we describe the section from Fryksås to Rättvik.
Signature Trail Siljan is one of STF’s signature trails.
Signature Trail Siljan in short
Map of Signature trail Siljan
Navigate past map or other external content.This map is a planning tool and should not replace a physical map and compass. The service “Naturkartan” is operated by a company called “Outdoor map”. Please note that trail information is owned and updated by the respective trail administrator (e.g. municipality or county administrative board).
Discover Siljanleden
Fryksås Fäbodar are situated with a magnificent view on the heights north of the lake Orsasjön and is the largest preserved collection of summer pasture huts in Sweden. From here, there is a beautiful hike down to Orsa where you spend the first night. On the remaining days, you hike along Dalkarlsvägen (the same section as Siljansleden to Rättvik). This route was used by local people migrating in search of work in the 16th century. They simply walked to well-to-do men in Stockholm who could give them work. We are reminded of this history throughout the entire hike. On the first night, you can pitch your tent in the summer pasture at Brunnvasselbodarna, which dates back to the 17th century. Between Granmor and Nittsjö, the trail runs along Kyrkvägen, a route from the Middle Ages that is rich in cultural heritage. The last day of the hike takes you past the 13th century church in Rättvik, which is well worth a visit.
See and do along the trail
At the museum Rättviks naturmuseum, you can learn more about the geology of the area around Siljan, and at Siljansfors Skogsmuseum, you can learn everything about Swedish forestry.
Don’t miss
Siljansleden also has a very beautiful section for bicycles, marked with blue markers. It is 310 kilometres long.
Transport to the trail
Trains go to Mora, then a bus to Fryksås with Dalatrafik (dalatrafik.se). Cars can be parked in a long-stay car park in Mora, take a bus to Fryksås and also a bus back at the end of the hike.
Trail markers
Signs and orange markings around tree trunks and wooden poles.
Sections of the Signature trail Siljan
Below are descriptions of the different sections of the Signature Trail Siljan with distances, accommodations, and other relevant hiking information.
Of course, it is perfectly fine to hike in the opposite direction from how the sections are presented.
Section 1: Fryksås-Orsa
17,7 kilometres, 7–8 hours of hiking.
Accomodation: STF Orsa Hostel
This section starts at Fryksås Fäbodar, which is situated at a high point with a view over the lake Orsasjön. The hike is on footpaths with both uphill and downhill sections through lush woodland. The section ends in the middle of Orsa. There is no water or food available along this stage. STF Orsa Hostel is in the middle of town, by the indoor skating rink.
Section 2: Orsa Church-Brunnvasselbodarna
13,9 kilometres, 6–7 hours of hiking.
Accomodation: Pitch your tent at the Brunnsvallsbodarna summer pasture.
From day two, the hike follows Dalkarlsvägen, which takes the same route as the Siljansleden to Rättvik. Between Orsa and Viborg, the trail goes through towns and villages. After Viborg, it continues through varied surroundings such as forests, farmland and built-up areas. You are on footpaths for most of the time, but there are also minor roads and gravel roads. Water can be taken from streams along the trail, but no food is available. At the end of the stage you can take water from the stream Brunnvasselån.
Section 3: Brunnvasselbodarna-Tammeråsen
10 kilometres, 3–4 hours of hiking.
Accomodation: Pitch your tent at Tammeråsen.
After Brunnsvallsbodadarna, the trail splits and Dalkarlsvägen and Siljansleden run parallel to one another for two kilometres, after which they join up again. Tammeråsen is located high up in a secluded, south-facing spot. Be sure to fill up with water when you pass the stream Ickån as there is no access to water at the end of the stage. Limited access to water along the trail, no food available.
Section 4: Tammeråsen-Rättvik
18,3 kilometres, 7–8 hours of hiking
The trail continues on footpaths through a varied landscape. After five kilometres you reach the village of Röjeråsen, in the summer months it is possible to fill up with water here. On your way to Rättvik, you pass Rättvik Church from the 13th century. No food is available on this section. There are shops and restaurants at the end of stage in Rättvik.
Accommodation along the Signature trail Siljan
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