The Siljansleden trail
The Siljan Trail circles the lakes Orsasjön and Siljan in Dalarna. No matter which of the 34 miles you choose to hike, your path will be lined with the idyllic Dalarna scenery, traditional mountain farms, and red cottages. One of STF's signature trails runs from Fryksås to Rättvik. Below is a description of the section between Leksand and Gesundaberget.
The Siljansleden trail in short
Map of the Siljansleden trail
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 the Siljansleden trail
The Siljansleden trail passes through the centers of Leksand, Orsa, and Rättvik. It is easy to “hop on” and start your hike here. In Mora, you can walk 5 km along the Vasaloppet track from the center to reach the Siljansleden trail. Alternatively, you can successfully start your adventure anywhere along the trail. There is also a “Siljansleden trail for cycling,” which shares some sections with the hiking trail.
This trail is suitable for both shorter day hikes and multi-day hikes. Along the trail, there are rest and camp sites at convenient intervals. You can also stay overnight in simple fire pit cabins, which feature wooden bunks around a fire pit, although the accommodations are basic.
The Siljansleden trail between Leksand and Gesunda, with sections described below, passes through hilly terrain. A large part of the hike follows old summer pasture paths. Many of the pastures are located at high altitudes with great views, and some have histories dating back to the Middle Ages. Several of the pastures are active, hosting various events during the summer months. Notably, you will pass the pastures of Lundbjörken and Mångberg. The nature has a wilderness character with coniferous forests and marshlands. Additionally, you will pass many lakes and streams.
A tip is to hike the Signature trail Siljan, which is STF’s chosen section along the trail.
See and do along the trail
In Gesunda, you can enjoy both downhill cycling and mountain biking. There is also a high ropes course. If you want to continue hiking, you can head to Sollerön (accessible by car from Gesunda) and hike the 18-kilometer loop around Sollerön.
Don’t miss
Every year in early June, the Leksand Medieval Market is held, where you can experience a journey back in time with jesters, knights, and music.
Transport to the trail
Train to Leksand or drive your own car. You can join the trail at Siljegården.
Trail Markers
Signs and orange markings on tree trunks and wooden posts.
Sections of the Siljan trail Leksand – Gesundaberget
Here you can read about the different sections of the Siljan trail, accommodations, distances, and other hiking information.
You can, of course, hike in the opposite direction to the order in which the sections are presented.
Section 1: Leksand–Brasjön
Approximately 25 kilometers, 8 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Tent by Brasjön
Start your hike at Siljegården in Leksand and head directly south. When the trail turns east, you leave inhabited areas and enter the wilderness. You will pass the northern side of Yxberget, and after 17 kilometers, you reach Trätbodarna in the Mockalberget Nature Reserve, where you walk through old-growth-like coniferous forests. The trail then loops around Bortberget, and after a few more kilometers, you arrive at Brasjön. There is water available in the Limå River, which flows into the lake.
Section 2: Brasjön–Åsengården
Approximately 15 kilometers, 5 hours of hiking.
Accommodation: Åsengården (not an STF accommodation)
Shortly after the start, you will pass the village of Klockarberg. The trail continues between Kollsjön and Limåviken. Next to Limåviken is the Lundbjörken pasture, a village that hosts many enjoyable events during the summer months. A couple of kilometers later, you will arrive at Åsengården, where you can find cabins, a campsite, and rooms for rent.
Section 3: Åsengården–Gesunda
Approximately 12 kilometers, 4 hours of hiking.
On the final day, you will pass the Mångberg pasture about halfway to Gesunda. This pasture has been in use since the 1200s, where farmers from Sollerön used to stay during the spring, summer, and fall. Nowadays, the hard work on the pasture has been replaced by recreation and leisure. The last few kilometers take you over Ekorrberget.
Accomodations along the Siljansleden trail
Discover more
Our signature trails
Sweden offers many different hiking trails in both the mountains and lowland areas.
More about mountain hiking
The Swedish mountain chain stretches from Treriksröset at the farthest north to Dalarna in the south, and offers wonderful opportunities for hiking.
More about lowland hiking
Sweden has many paths and trails suitable for walking, in which you take the time needed to discover the natural world at your own pace.