Visiting the Falu mine - a Unesco World Heritage Site

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Visiting the Falu mine is interesting and educational, and at the same time a bit of an adventure. We went on a guided tour underground and learnt the gruesome story of Fet-Mat's fate. We tell you about our visit!

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Falu mine

Falu mine is a historic copper mine, which is one of Sweden's 15 World Heritage Sites on UNESCO's prestigious list. Today, the mine is a popular tourist destination, with experiences both underground and above ground.

The Falu mine is located in Falun in Dalarna.

Falu mine - with a long history

Falun mine has a long history and at the height of mining in the mid-17th century, almost all the copper in Europe came from Falun, Sweden. At that time, Falun was one of the most important cities in Sweden, with world-leading expertise in technology and engineering.

The last miner finished his shift in 1992, and in 2001 the mine was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with Falun and Kopparbergslagen.

One of the most famous events in the mine's history is the Great Collapse of 1687, when miners heard alarming noises and suddenly the walls between the two large open-cast mines above ground collapsed. Amazingly, no one died during the Great Collapse, as it occurred during midsummer weekend, when workers were off work.

The collapse resulted in Big shocks, which today is a large hole with a circumference of 1.6 kilometres and a depth of 95 metres.

By the way, did you know that Falu red colour was created by using by-products from the mine?

Visiting Falu mine - guided tour underground

When visiting Falu mine, you can choose between booking The underground package or Above ground package. The underground package is for those who are willing and able to go down into the mine - you must be at least three years old and able to climb stairs.

The tour covers approximately 750 metres and 400 steps, taking you down to a depth of 67 metres.

The tour, which took about an hour, was very interesting. It's fascinating that this deep mine could be created without any modern technology. Being a miner in the past, on the other hand, huh, that must have been tough...!

The gruesome story of Fet-Mats

The guide showed several interesting places and told several exciting stories. However, the most impressive was the gruesome story of Fet-Mats.

The miner Mats died during his shift in the mine in 1677. A full 42 years later, he was found, incredibly well preserved due to various substances in the mine. His wife, still alive but of course 42 years older, was able to identify her husband, who looked much as he did on the day he disappeared...

Visiting Falu mine - museums and buildings

We were perhaps most excited to go on the underground tour, but there is also a lot to see above ground. The big The Mining Museum is very nice and filled with interactive experiences for both children and adults.

There are also many buildings to check out above ground, such as Creautz lave. When you step into this building, you're actually standing on Sweden's highest bridge - it's a full 208 metres (!) down to the bottom of the shaft. You can also see several impressive wheels, and other things that belonged to the mine.

Another thing to look out for in the area are the miners' dwellings. Koppargränd 1897 shows a historical setting from the late 19th century while Krongården 1958 shows a mid-20th century dwelling.

Services at the mine: food, accommodation and pitches

There is a restaurant and café at the mine, as well as craft shops and overnight accommodation. Those who wish can book a room at Polhem Bed & Breakfast, which is located on the site and dates back to the 18th century.

There is also a caravan park at the mine. Staying overnight with a campervan costs SEK 195 (2024) and you have access to a toilet and shower. There is no electricity or other services.

More to see and do near Falu mine

After your visit to the mine, you may want to take the opportunity to check out other parts of Falun. Another interesting place to visit nearby is the amazing The Carl Larsson farm in Sundborn. It is also close to Borlänge and to Rättvik and Leksand.

Have you visited the Falu mine?

Have you visited Falu mine? How was your experience? Please tell us!

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