Things To Do
in Mora

Mora sits on the northern shore of Lake Siljan in Dalarna, Sweden, and serves as a gateway to vast forests and rolling hills. The town blends wooden houses, a relaxed lakeside vibe, and a strong tradition of skiing and nature holidays. It is famous for the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race and the cultural charm of Dalarnas rural heritage.

Visitors come to enjoy serene lake views, local markets, and easy access to outdoor adventures year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Mora's Cultural Heritage
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Zorn Museum, which showcases the works of renowned artist Anders Zorn. After taking in the stunning art, stroll through the charming streets of Mora to appreciate its historic architecture. Don’t forget to stop by a local café for a delicious Swedish pastry.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Vasaloppet Museum to learn about the history of the famous ski race and its significance to Swedish culture. Follow this with a scenic bike ride along Lake Siljan, where the tranquil waters and lush landscapes offer a perfect escape. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the shores of the lake.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Swedish dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste classic dishes like meatballs and herring. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade to soak in the peaceful ambiance. Finally, consider visiting a cozy local pub where you can sample regional craft beers and mingle with the locals.

day 2
Adventures in Nature
morning
:

Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast, then gear up for a hiking adventure in the nearby Fulufjället National Park. The stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife make it a great spot for nature lovers, and the park boasts Sweden's highest waterfall, Njupeskär. Take your time to soak in the pristine beauty and capture some memorable photographs.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park's designated picnic areas. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the park’s trails or take a guided tour to learn about the local flora and fauna. Consider visiting a nearby Sami village to experience the indigenous culture and even try your hand at traditional crafts.

evening
:

Return to Mora for a well-deserved dinner, perhaps trying some locally caught fish. Spend your evening unwinding at your accommodation or take in a cultural performance or entertainment if available. The day winds down with stargazing, as the clear skies around Mora can reveal a breathtaking view of the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee and pastry$4-6
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$15-25
🛏️Mid-range hotel per night$90-150
🚆Public transport ticket (single ride)$3-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-town atmosphere with easy access to nature
  • Stunning lake views and outdoor activities year-round
  • Safe, family-friendly destination with rich cultural heritage
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Fewer direct international flight connections
  • Travel times from major hubs can be longer
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Ursäkta" - Excuse me
  • "Kan jag få en kopp kaffe?" - Can I have a cup of coffee?
  • "Var ligger toaletten?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Jag förstår inte" - I don’t understand
  • "Snälla" - Please
  • "Ja" - Yes
  • "Nej" - No

Places to Visit in Mora

Visit one of these nice places.

Siljan Lakefront at sunset

Wide lake views with colorful sunsets over the water, perfect for golden-hour photography and tranquil reflections.

Mora Church and town square

Historic timber-framed church and surrounding square with charming architecture and street life.

Vasaloppet start area (winter events)

Vibrant winter scenes of the famous cross-country ski race start, with cheering crowds and frosty landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Mora

Mora sits in the heart of Dalarnas region, where Swedish cuisine emphasizes seasonal produce, freshwater fish from nearby Siljan, and comforting lake-side dishes. Expect generous portions, simple techniques, and comforting flavors that celebrate regional ingredients. Fika culture—coffee and a sweet treat shared with friends—is a daily rhythm here. Most eateries offer vegetarian options, though pescatarian and meat dishes remain common.

Mora Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Raggmunk with lingonberries

Crispy potato pancakes served with fried bacon or sausage and a dollop of lingonberries; a comforting classic commonly found in local eateries.

Must-Try!

Gravlax with dill potatoes

Thinly cured salmon with fresh dill and boiled new potatoes; a light, popular choice at lakeside restaurants.

Köttbullar with cream sauce

Swedish meatballs in a creamy gravy with mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes and lingonberry jam; widely available in family-friendly cafés and taverns.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mora Market Square (summer stalls)

Seasonal stalls offering grilled fish, sandwiches, fresh berries, and local coffee near the town square.

Siljan lakeside stalls

Casual lakeside pop-ups and small eateries during warm months serving light snacks and drinks with lake views.

Climate Guide

Weather

Mora experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and mild to warm summers. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with the lake moderating temperatures near Siljan.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Fika culture

Take time to enjoy coffee and pastries with friends; greeting people with a friendly “hej” is common.

Punctuality

Being on time for appointments and reservations is appreciated; public spaces value calm and quiet behavior.

Safety Guide

Safety

Sweden is generally safe for travelers. Use standard travel precautions, keep an eye on belongings in busy areas, wear appropriate footwear on trails, and call 112 for emergencies.

Tipping in Mora

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are typically included in larger establishments; leaving a small tip (5-10%) for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter

Snowy landscapes offer great opportunities for skiing and ice skating; days are short, so plan for early low light and warm gear.

Spring

Mild temperatures with budding trees and lake visibility returning; ideal for outdoor walks and early-season boating.

Summer

Long days and pleasant temps; lake activities, festivals, and outdoor dining dominate; crowds can be present near the water.

Autumn

Colorful forests and cooler evenings; perfect for hiking and cozy fika indoors as daylight wanes.

Nightlife Guide

Mora at Night

Mora has a small but cozy nightlife scene centered around local pubs and seasonal events. Expect relaxed atmospheres, friendly chat, and a focus on regional drinks and live music rather than large-nightclub scenes.

Hiking in Mora

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Siljan Ring Lakeside Trail

A scenic trail around the lake with multiple access points, viewpoints, and picnic spots.

Bergsmyran Forest Trail

Forest path with varied terrain, suitable for easy to moderate hikes and wildlife spotting.

Långa Åsen Summit Trail

A hill path offering panoramic views of Mora and the Siljan valley, ideal for sunset vantage points.

Airports

How to reach Mora by plane.

Mora-Siljan Airport

Small regional airport near Mora, serving domestic flights and charters; transfers to Mora center by bus or taxi.

Borlänge Airport

A larger regional airport about two hours by road, with connections to Stockholm and other cities.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport

Major international hub about 3-4 hours away by train or car; from there, regional connections to Mora are available.

Getting Around

Walkability

Mora’s town center is walkable with good pedestrian paths and lakeside promenades. Some attractions require short drives or local buses, but the area is bike-friendly and easy to navigate on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents (Swedes)

Mostly Swedish-speaking families and retirees; a strong sense of community and regional pride.

Students and visitors

Seasonal visitors and students from nearby towns contribute to a dynamic, friendly environment.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cross-country skiing

A regional staple with long-distance races such as Vasaloppet and extensive Nordic skiing opportunities.

Ice hockey and football

Popular team sports with local clubs and community facilities, especially in the winter months.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in Mora is modest but reliable, with regional buses and some rail connections. Roads around the lake are scenic; cycling is popular in good weather, while winter travel requires caution on icy surfaces.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Mora.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; look for veggie plates, mushroom dishes, salads, and cheese-based dishes. Inquire about meat-free preparations or request exclusion of animal-based broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Sweden provides universal healthcare; visitors can access emergency care by dialing 112. For non-urgent needs, visit local clinics; carry travel insurance and bring any needed medical documents.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide