This lakeside town in central Sweden is the finish line for the 90km Vasaloppet ski race. Local artisans still make the red-painted Dala horses, a symbol of Swedish folk art.
In Mora, you can watch craftspeople carve the iconic red Dala horses in Nusnäs, ski the 90-kilometer Vasaloppet trail, or explore Anders Zorn's art collection and preserved home. This central Swedish town sits on the shore of Lake Siljan, where you can swim in summer, golf with lake views, or cycle around Sweden's sixth-largest lake.
Getting to Mora
The train journey from Stockholm to Mora takes about four hours, with trains arriving at either Mora Central Station or Mora Strand Station. Regional buses connect Mora with other Swedish cities, with MasExpressen running regular service from Stockholm. By car, take highway E45 (Inlandsvägen) and connect via route 26, or follow route 70 from Rättvik.
Craftsmanship in Mora
Visit the workshops in Nusnäs, 10 kilometers from central Mora, where you can watch artisans carve and paint Dala Horses. These red wooden horses have become Sweden's most recognized symbol. Stop by the Morakniv factory shop to see how local craftspeople make the knives used by woodworkers and outdoor professionals worldwide.
Anders Zorn's Art and Home
Walk through the rooms of ZorngĂĄrden, where painter Anders Zorn lived in the early 1900s. The house remains exactly as it was, down to the furniture arrangement and personal items. Next door at the Zorn Museum, you'll find Sweden's largest collection of his paintings, along with changing temporary exhibitions.
Vasaloppet: Cross-Country Skiing
Each March, thousands of skiers race 90 kilometers from Sälen to Mora in the Vasaloppet, following the route of Gustav Vasa's 1521 escape from Danish troops. Visit the Vasaloppet Museum by the finish line to learn about the race's history since 1922. In summer, the trail transforms into Cykelvasan, a popular cycling route.
Lake Siljan Activities
Swim at the public beaches along Lake Siljan's shore during summer. Play golf at two 18-hole courses - one in Sandängarna and another on Sollerön island - both with views across the water. The lake sits within Europe's largest meteor impact crater, creating distinct hiking paths and cycling routes through the surrounding landscape.
Cultural Celebrations
Join the Midsummer festivities where locals in folk costumes raise the maypole and perform dances accompanied by live music. Throughout winter, you can watch ice hockey at the FM Mattsson Arena, where the local team Mora IK faces off against their rivals from nearby Leksand.
