Dreaming of a Nordic escape where forests meet crystal-clear lakes, where red cottages dot the shoreline and every day feels like a fresh adventure with friends? Welcome to Dalarna, a storied region in the heart of Sweden’s Dalarna County. This is a destination that shines for vacation rentals and holiday rentals, offering a mix of vibrant towns, tranquil lakes, and outdoor playgrounds that make group getaways feel effortless, fun, and wonderfully memorable. If you’re scouting for house accommodation destinations that tick the “active, social, and scenic” boxes, Dalarna delivers—with a touch of traditional charm and a splash of modern ease. To find the perfect accommodations in the area, a quick search on searchandstay.com will open up a curated list of vacation rentals and holiday rentals across the region, from cozy lakeside cabins to stylish townhomes that keep everyone close and the vibe high.
Why Dalarna County is the ultimate playground for group getaways
From the copper-rich hills of Falun to the sun-kissed shores of Siljan, Dalarna County is a magnet for travelers who crave outdoor action, social dining, and authentic Swedish experiences. The landscape invites morning hikes, afternoon canoeing, and evening barbecues by a bonfire on the lake. It’s a place where you can pivot from a scenic bike ride through pine forests to a lively night out in a historic town square, all without long drives between destinations. For vacation rentals and holiday rentals, the region offers diverse options—whether you want a modern house by the water, a rustic cottage with all the comforts, or a stylish city apartment close to cafés and nightlife. And because Dalarna is compact enough to explore in a few days or stretch into a longer itinerary, you can design a trip that balances adrenaline with downtime, ensuring every member of your travel crew gets exactly what they’re after.
Top destinations in Dalarna County for a friends’ getaway
Falun — A cultural and historic hub, Falun anchors your Dalarna adventure with the UNESCO-listed Falun Copper Mine and an inviting town center. Stay in vacation rentals near the city core to be close to museums, cafés, and weekly markets. The mine, once Sweden’s most productive copper source, pairs with modern galleries and a waterfront promenade along the Dalälven river. In summer, guided tours,segway or bike rentals, and family-friendly events line up for days of exploration. In the winter, Falun is a gateway to nearby cross-country trails and sledding hills. For accommodations, look for holiday rentals that place you within a short walk of the city center, ensuring you can pop back to your base after a day on the trails or a museum-packed afternoon.
Mora — Known as the cradle of the Vasaloppet, Mora is a heartbeat for winter sports and a lively summer base with a welcoming lakefront vibe. If your crew loves a Little bit of everything—long-distance runs, morning chats over coffee by the water, and sunset swims—Mora offers vacation rentals with easy access to the lake shoreline and the town’s charming shops. Day trips from Mora can include hiking in nearby hills, boat tours of the Siljan crescent, and visits to the local galleries that showcase Dalecarlian art. Booking a holiday rental here means you’re never more than a short stroll from a café with a view of the water and a crisp Nordic breeze in the air.
Rättvik — A postcard-perfect town on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan, Rättvik is famous for its long wooden pier and scenic views that feel tailor-made for group photos. Here you’ll find cozy cottages and lakeside houses that serve as a social hub for your crew, with easy access to boating, paddleboarding, and summer concerts along the waterfront. The old town center offers artisan shops and traditional eateries where you can sample Swedish favorites and share plates with friends. Holiday rentals in Rättvik often emphasize lakeside living—perfect for afternoon swims and sunset gatherings after a day of exploring.
Tällberg — Tällberg embodies classic Dalarna charm with steep-roofed cottages, cobbled streets, and wood-fired smoke from small bakeries. It’s a destination that resonates with travelers who crave romance, walkable lanes, and intimate evenings with friends over a shared meal. Choose a house accommodation close to the village square for quick access to sunset walks, or pick a hillside villa with panoramic views of Siljan so your crew can feast on twilight colors as the day closes. Tällberg is also a gateway to hikes and easy nature strolls that are ideal for a relaxed pace after a day of exploring galleries and craft shops.
Sälen — If your group thrives on winter sports, Sälen is Sweden’s premier family and friends’ ski region. With vast ski areas, gentle slopes for beginners, and challenging runs for seasoned snowboarders, it’s a magnet for action-loving travelers. Off-piste days can include dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cozy evenings spent in a mountain lodge converted into a chic vacation rental. In the summer, Sälen transforms into a hiking and mountain-biking paradise with alpine meadows and breathtaking viewpoints. For a group, renting a large house or a cluster of vacation rentals near the slopes makes après-ski socializing effortless and memorable.
Sundborn and the Carl Larsson World — A short ride away, Sundborn invites art lovers and culture seekers to step into the intimate spaces of Carl Larsson’s family home. A day trip here blends culture with nature, and the surrounding countryside invites relaxed picnics and gentle strolls. Stay in a nearby vacation rental to balance mornings at Larsson’s studio with afternoons by the lake or in a nearby forest reserve. It’s an ideal addition to an itinerary focused on authentic Dalecarlian heritage and scenic landscapes.
Seasonal experiences and activities
Spring and Summer — The snow melts, the forests come alive, and the lakes shine. In Dalarna, the warm months are ideal for lake-based adventures, canoeing along quiet inlets, stand-up paddleboarding on the Siljan shoreline, and cycling along scenic routes that wind past farmland, red cottages, and small ferry crossings. Your vacation rentals and holiday rentals can be chosen for direct access to hiking trails and easy day trips to Falun, Mora, or Leksand. Don’t miss the farmers’ markets and local craft fairs where you can pick up Dala horses, hand-painted gifts, and textiles that speak to the region’s heritage. For groups, a house accommodation with a shared kitchen and outdoor seating makes group dinners after a day of exploration feel effortless.
Autumn — The forest shifts to gold and crimson, and the days become crisper. Autumn is perfect for scenic drives around Siljan, visits to historic sites, and quieter trails where you’re likely to encounter a deer or two. This season is also an excellent time to book vacation rentals that offer a fireplace, a balcony with forest views, and ample living space for board games and late-night chats with friends over hot beverages.
Winter — Snow blankets the landscape, turning Dalarna into a winter wonderland. Sälen becomes a hub for ski enthusiasts, while cross-country skiers find miles of groomed trails across the region. Ice fishing on frozen lakes, snowshoeing through pine forests, and husky or reindeer experiences offer a mix of adrenaline and charm. When the sun dips early, a cozy holiday rental with a fireplace, a hot tub, or a sauna becomes the social anchor of your day. For winter getaways, look for accommodations with easy access to slopes or a short drive to the nearest ski lifts and Nordic centers.
Across seasons, you’ll see a common thread: Dalarna favors social, shared experiences. Vacation rentals and holiday rentals in this area are often designed with families and friend groups in mind—spacious living rooms, open-plan kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor spaces for gatherings. The region’s natural light, generous landscapes, and welcoming communities create a backdrop where every day feels like a celebration.
Local experiences you won’t want to miss
When you’re not lounging by a lake, Dalarna offers authentic experiences that elevate a holiday rental trip into a story to tell. Consider these activities to weave into your itinerary:
- Dalecarlian craft workshops — Try painting a Dala horse or hand-painting a wooden keepsake. Local studios across Dalarna County host short workshops where you can create your own piece of traditional décor to bring home from your vacation rental stay.
- Copper Mine tours in Falun — Learn how the region’s mineral wealth shaped its history, with guided tours that reveal mining techniques, geology, and the UNESCO site’s conservation story.
- Waterside picnics and sunset cruises on Lake Siljan — Many vacation rentals offer access to private docks or adjacent parks where you can unwind with friends as the sun sinks behind pine silhouettes.
- Visiting Sundborn’s Carl Larsson home — A cultural day trip that blends art, design, and countryside magic. Pair this with a lakefront lunch and a stroll through nearby forest paths.
- Vasaloppet trail experiences — Even outside race season, the area around Mora has museums and trails inspired by the famous long-distance cross-country race, offering a unique Nordic heritage lens.
- Winter activities in Sälen — From downhill runs to snowshoeing and festive après-ski, Sälen creates a playful, high-energy backdrop for group holidays and social evenings at a well-equipped holiday rental.
- Local gastronomy and markets — Explore farms, bakeries, and family-owned eateries that celebrate regional ingredients, from fresh dairy to smoked fish and forest mushrooms.
When you plan accommodations in Dalarna County, consider a “house accommodation” approach with a place to gather: a kitchen for shared meals, a spacious living room for movie nights, and outdoor spaces for summer bbq sessions. The region’s varied landscape makes it easy to tailor an itinerary to your group’s pace—whether you want a high-energy itinerary full of activities or a relaxed schedule built around lakeside lounging and long conversations by a crackling fire.
Practical tips for finding the best vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Dalarna
To maximize your time and ensure the best possible stay, keep these practical tips in mind when selecting accommodations in Dalarna County:
- Choose a base that reduces driving time between your must-see spots. Town-center or lakeside rentals provide walking access to dining and shops while keeping you connected to nature.
- Prioritize properties with a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable sleeping arrangements for your group, and outdoor spaces for social evenings.
- Look for proximity to outdoor activity hubs—ski centers in Sälen for winter or boat launches around Siljan in summer.
- Consider a mix of vacation rentals and short stays in nearby villages to experience both vibrant town life and tranquil countryside.
- Check access to local experiences, such as craft studios, guided hikes, or cultural tours, which can be arranged through local operators or through your chosen accommodations.
For a streamlined planning process, searchandstay.com provides a curated selection of accommodations in the Dalarna region, highlighting vacation rentals and holiday rentals that are well suited for groups. The site’s listings help you compare house accommodation options, check amenities, read guest reviews, and find places that fit your travel style—whether you want a modern house by the water, a rustic cottage with a wood stove, or a luxury apartment in the heart of a town. Using a trusted platform makes it easier to string together a multi-location itinerary across Dalarna County while keeping your group’s comfort and budget in mind.
Sample 5-day itinerary for a friends’ vacation in Dalarna
Day 1: Arrival and lakefront welcome. Check into a lakeside vacation rental or a spacious house accommodation near Siljan. Gather for a sunset walk along the shore, followed by a group dinner at a nearby eatery or a DIY cookout at your rental with local ingredients.
Day 2: Falun exploration. Visit the Falun Copper Mine, stroll the old town, and enjoy lunch by the river. In the afternoon, choose a cultural stop—museums or galleries—and end with a casual evening in the city center, sampling regional specialties.
Day 3: Mora and the Vasaloppet connection. Head to Mora for a day of exploration along the lake, visit a museum about the race’s history, and take a scenic boat ride. Return to your rental for a relaxed dinner and game night.
Day 4: Rättvik and Tällberg. Explore the long pier in Rättvik, enjoy a scenic drive to Tällberg, and stop for a Dalecarlian craft workshop or a cozy café. Sunset viewpoints provide a perfect backdrop for photos and memories with friends.
Day 5: Sälen or Sundborn day trip. If winter, a day of skiing or snow activities in Sälen; if summer, a gentle hike and a visit to Sundborn for Carl Larsson’s home. End your trip with a farewell feast near your rental’s outdoor space, sharing favorite moments from the week.
This kind of itinerary balances adventure with downtime, and it’s easy to tailor any of these days to your group’s pace. By choosing vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Dalarna County with generous common spaces, you’ll have a natural social hub that supports everything from group cooking to late-night storytelling under starry skies.
Conclusion: Dalarna is a versatile backdrop for vacation rentals and holiday rentals
Whether you’re planning a full-on active escape or a laid-back retreat with friends, Dalarna County offers an abundant mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and social gatherings. The region’s towns, lakes, and forests come together to create a destination where you can live like a local, savor regional flavors, and build lasting memories with your favorite people. From the historic streets of Falun to the tranquil shores of Siljan and the snowy thrills of Sälen, there are countless ways to design a trip around your preferred pace and interests. For those seeking convenient and reliable options for staying in Dalarna, searchandstay.com is a helpful resource to discover vacation rentals and holiday rentals that suit your group’s needs—whether you want a modern house with a view, a traditional cottage by the water, or a centrally located apartment that keeps you close to the action. As you plan, remember that the best experiences often come from blending nature, culture, and shared moments—exactly what Dalarna County does best.
Ready to start your search? Visit searchandstay.com to explore accommodations across Dalarna’s most beloved destinations, compare options, and book a stay that aligns with your ideal vacation rentals and house accommodation strategy. The region awaits, ready to deliver unforgettable holidays with friends in a setting that feels both timeless and endlessly fun.