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Viewpoint · Mora, Dalarna
Lago Siljan e Vidablick
The lake formed in the crater of a meteorite about 377 million years ago, with Mora, Rättvik, Tällberg and Leksand on its shores, seen from the top of the wooden Vidablick tower above Rättvik.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lago Siljan e Vidablick
Siljan is the largest lake in Dalarna, about 350 km², and occupies part of the ring of a crater formed by a meteorite impact around 377 million years ago. Around it the landscape is made up of forests, fields, villages of red houses and white churches on the water’s edge. Mora sits on the north‑west tip, Rättvik on the eastern shore, and Tällberg and Leksand to the south.
The lake is at the heart of regional life. In summer people swim on the sandy beaches, go out in boats and canoes, and on several Sundays there are kyrkbåtar races — long church boats with dozens of rowers — recalling the time when residents went to church across the lake. In Rättvik, the Långbryggan, a 628‑meter wooden pier, stretches out over the water and is a pleasant stroll at dusk.
A high viewpoint is Vidablick, a wooden tower on the hill above Rättvik, from which you can see Siljan and the forests to the horizon. There is a café beside it. On the road between Rättvik and Leksand, the village of Tällberg has old wooden houses on the slope facing the lake.
In winter, when the ice is usually solid, there is skating and walking on the lake, always on trails marked by the municipalities.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day, with stops in Rättvik, Tällberg and Leksand.
Best time
From June to August, when the lake is good for swimming and the Vidablick tower is open. Midsommar, in June, fills the villages. September has autumn colors. In winter, only go onto the ice on official trails.
How to get there
Vidablick is on the top of the hill east of Rättvik, about 5 km from the center by car. Rättvik is about 45 km from Mora via the road along Siljan’s eastern shore, and it also has a train station.
Tip
Drive around the lake: Mora, Rättvik, Vidablick, Tällberg and Leksand. In the late afternoon, walk along Rättvik’s pier.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lago Siljan e Vidablick
Is Siljan really a meteorite crater?
Yes. The lake occupies part of the ring of an impact crater formed about 377 million years ago.
Can you swim in Siljan?
Yes, in summer, at the beaches of Mora, Rättvik and Leksand. The water is usually between 17 and 20 °C in July.
Is the Vidablick tower open year‑round?
No, it usually opens in the summer season. Check before you go.