Things to do in Borlänge - 12 sights and experiences

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What can you do in Borlänge in Dalarna? This city offers everything from shopping and cosy cafés to wonderful nature experiences. Here are all our top tips on things to see and do in Borlänge.

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Borlänge

Borlänge was more or less the last stop on our motorhome trip in Hälsingland and Dalarna this summer. We didn't have time to explore all parts of the city, but we still managed to do a lot, and therefore offer a report on Borlänge.

Borlänge is located on the Dalälven river in southern Dalarna.

What can you do in Borlänge?

So what can you do in Borlänge? There is a lot to see and experience! Here are our top tips on things to do in Borlänge and the surrounding area.

1. Shopping in the Dome

One of the first things we set out to do in Borlänge was to go shopping in Kupolen. This large shopping centre has lots of shops and restaurants, and we both made some bargains in the form of new clothes.

2. Have an ice cream at Gammelgården

Gammelgården in Borlänge is one of Sweden's largest homesteads. There are no less than 35 different buildings and thousands of artefacts. The farm hosts a number of different activities such as Midsummer celebrations, a Christmas market, dance evenings, theatre and more. In the summer there is a café and we took the opportunity to enjoy a good ice cream in the beautiful historic environment.

3. Relax at First Camp Mellsta - Borlänge

First Camp Mellsta - Borlänge is well located by the Dalälven river and close to the centre of Borlänge. This campsite belongs to the sub-brand "First Camp Easy", which means that it is a slightly simpler campsite, without so many activities and programmes. You can relax in the greenery and maybe swim in the river, go for a hike or play a game of mini golf.

4. Have fun at the Aqua Nova water park

A popular thing to do in Borlänge, especially with children, is to visit the Aqua Nova water park. Located in the Maserhallen, this is a family-friendly pool with slides, wild rapids, wave pool, whirlpool, climbing wall, outdoor pool and more.

5. Discover Ornässtugan

Ornässtugan is an unusual building and attraction. This medieval mountain manor is beautifully situated on a headland by Lake Runn and is known both for its architecture and for an exciting story about how Gustav Vasa was able to escape from here with the help of the brave Barbro Stigsdotter.

In fact, a museum was established here back in 1758 and the same exhibition is still on display today, making this the world's oldest surviving exhibition open to the public, in the original building. If you want to see the inside, you'll have to book a guided tour, which is sure to be interesting. Otherwise, you'll have to make do with reading the signs in the outdoor area, and perhaps having a coffee in the café next door.

6. See ostriches on Sahlin's ostrich

When you're in Borlänge, don't miss a visit to Sahlins Ostrich! Here you can meet these large and special animals up close, and you can even feed them if you buy ostrich feed for them in the shop on site. During the high season, it is also possible to join a family-friendly farm tour.

Sahlins Struts is a visitor centre that has a lot to offer. There is a farm shop with all kinds of exciting products, including ostrich. How about ostrich fillet, ostrich soap or dusters made from ostrich feathers?

There is also a restaurant and café, artisan ice cream made from ostrich eggs, and a brewhouse with locally produced beer. Visitors can also pay an entrance fee to experience the entire ostrich park, including the playground.

7. Coffee at Torsångs Café

Torsångs Café, which is Dalarna's oldest café, is beautifully situated overlooking the Dalälven river. Here you can stop for a coffee or various simple dishes. One speciality is "hästräka", which is a very popular sandwich with egg and shrimp salad and locally produced horse sausage from the neighbouring village of Gustafs. We didn't try this one, but maybe you have...? Please tell us in a comment!

8. Skiing at Romme Alpin

One place that must be mentioned in connection with Borlänge is Romme Alpin, located about ten kilometres outside the city. In winter, it offers skiing on 34 slopes, from two different peaks. The ski centre also has a junior park, ski school, ski equipment hire and several restaurants.

9. Fascinated by the Östra Silvberg mine

The Östra Silvberg mine is one of Sweden's oldest mines, with its heyday already in the 15th century, when silver was mined here in abundance. Today you can visit the site and be mesmerised by the intense turquoise waters of the Storgruvan mine, reflected in the rocks and mountains.

There are picnic tables for packed lunches, and in summer it is also popular for swimming. Please note that this is not a public bathing area, which means that the water quality is not monitored and you swim at your own risk.

Those who wish can also set out on a tour to follow the "Silver Ring", which is a cultural trail through the Silvberg and Säter mountain ranges. 

10. discover the adventure mine Adventuremine

Adventurmine is an "adventure mine" that we have not had time to visit ourselves, but still want to mention because it definitely sounds exciting. Here you can book various adventurous activities such as adventure tour in the mine, adventure tour with underground dinner, or why not the "miner's wife sauna ritual"?

11. Shop for goodies at Skedvi Bread

Skedvi bröd is located in Stora Skedvi just outside Säter. This place really surprised us! We expected a small factory shop, but were met by a large area with beautifully decorated shop containers, a large inspiring shop with lots of products and a nicely decorated restaurant.

Here you can buy the popular crispbread, but also other delicacies such as meat, spices and jams. On certain days of the week, you can also watch crispbread being baked in the traditional way in the crispbread bakery.

12. Paddling in Lake Runn

Runn is a fantastic lake, and one way to experience the lake is of course to paddle a canoe or kayak on the water. You can, for example, rent a SUP or kayak at Kayakomat at Uvbergsviken or at Torsångs Kajak & Äventyr.

More to do in Borlänge for those who like culture and history

There is of course even more to see and do in Borlänge in addition to our tips. Here are a few more suggestions for those interested in culture and history.

• Torsång church is a beautiful medieval church in Torsång, built in the 13th century.
• Torsångs hembygdsgård organises Midsummer celebrations, music events and more.

More to do in Borlänge for nature lovers

Here you will find even more tips on things to do in Borlänge, suitable for those who enjoy nature or like active activities.

• Bäsna Garden is a garden centre, where you will also find a café and a magic trail.
• Fishing can be done, for example in Lake Runn, where you can catch vendace, pike, perch, burbot and whitefish.
• Geological Museum displays stones from all over the world with an emphasis on Dalarna and Bergslagen. Outside is the "Stone Park".
• Cross-country skating can be travelled in winter, for example on Lake Runn.
• Runn Runt is a cycle path around Lake Runn, which is 50-70 kilometres long depending on the routes you choose.
• Hiking can be done, such as the Tunaåleden trail (6 km), the Bysjörundan trail (11 km) or hiking trails in the Gyllbergen mountains (5-10 km).

More to do in Borlänge with children

For those travelling with children or teenagers, there are of course even more suggestions for things to do in Borlänge. Here you will find some tips.

• 2047 Science Centre is a place to discover science and technology, filled with interactive experiments.
• Bathing places there are several, such as Masenbadet, Båtsabadet and Långsjön.
• Vana Spa is a luxury spa at Elite Hotel Brage, where the family is at the centre.
• Yoump Trampoline Park is a sports and entertainment venue focused on having fun together.

Where can you stay in Borlänge, or park your campervan?

In Borlänge there are of course several different accommodation options, both in and around the town. For example, you'll find Scandic Borlänge and Elite Hotel Brage.

We are travelling by motorhome and stayed one night at First Camp Mellsta - Borlänge, and one night with a friend. It is also possible to stay 24 hours, completely free, with a motorhome at Biltema in Borlänge. If you tell them you've stayed overnight, they'll even offer you a cup of coffee. That's nice!

More to see and do near Borlänge

From Borlänge it is not far to Falun, where you can visit Falu mine and The Carl Larsson farm. It is also relatively close to Leksand, where we can recommend, among other things, a cruise on Lake Siljan and a visit to interesting Hildasholm.

More tips on things to do in Borlänge?

Have you visited Borlänge? Do you have any other suggestions on what to see and do in Borlänge? Please tell us!

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