Nusnäs

The birthplace of the famous Dala horse, this small village near Mora is home to workshops where artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of hand-painting these iconic wooden horses. Visiting the workshop lets you see craftspeople at work and purchase authentic pieces directly from makers.

Things to do

• Dala Horse Workshops Tour — Watch skilled artisans hand-carve and hand-paint traditional Dala horses in their workshops, where you can see the entire process from wood to finished piece.
• Purchase Authentic Dala Horses — Buy directly from local makers in Nusnäs, ensuring authenticity and supporting traditional craftspeople who have practiced this art for generations.
• Hemslöjd Shop Visit — Browse the local handicraft shop featuring a curated selection of Dala horses and other Dalarna folk crafts made by village artisans.
• Mora Town Excursion — Take a short trip to nearby Mora, known for its cultural heritage, museums, and lakeside setting along Lake Siljan.
• Lake Siljan Scenic Walk — Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of Sweden's largest lake in the Dalarna region, offering views of the surrounding forest and villages.
• Photography at Workshop Sites — Capture colorful painted horses, artisans at work, and the charming rustic setting of this traditional craft village.

Food to try

• Dalarna Meatballs — Enjoy traditional Swedish meatballs seasoned with local spices and served with lingonberry jam and boiled potatoes at local eateries.
• Gravlax — Sample locally-cured salmon, a regional specialty reflecting Dalarna's proximity to pristine lakes and rivers.
• Ostkaka — Try this traditional Swedish cheese cake made with rennet curds and served with jam and whipped cream, a local Dalarna favorite.
• Fresh Perch from Lake Siljan — Taste locally-caught lake fish prepared simply at restaurants near Nusnäs, highlighting the region's freshwater culinary heritage.
• Fika Experience — Participate in the Swedish tradition of taking a break for coffee and pastries, often enjoyed at workshop cafés while watching artisans work.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Workshop Hours — Visit during posted opening times and remember that artisans may be actively working, so observe quietly without interrupting their concentration.
• Direct Artisan Interaction — Engage politely with craftspeople to learn about their techniques and the history of the Dala horse tradition spanning centuries in Dalarna.
• Authenticity Matters — Purchase only from workshops and makers in Nusnäs rather than tourist shops to ensure you're supporting genuine artisans and getting authentic hand-painted pieces.
• Small Village Etiquette — Be mindful that Nusnäs is a small working village; keep noise levels low and respect private property boundaries while exploring.