Lake Siljan. Photo: Anne Skoogh
My family has a cabin on Sollerön, which is an island in the middle of lake Siljan in Dalarna. The area is one of the most beautiful places I know, and we always try to spend some time there each year. It’s about a four-hour drive from Stockholm. Every season has its charm but I prefer summer or fall. In the summer, enjoy the gorgeous lake. The water is very clear and fresh, albeit a bit cool. You can fish and swim, or why not try kayaking? There’s a good golf course, and large camping grounds.
In the fall, foraging for mushrooms and berries are a must. The winter is nice too, and you can go cross-country skiing on the nearby golf course, or even down-hill skiing at Gesunda. You can also visit a lot of local artists – I love pottery from this area. And don’t forget the traditional Dala horses – they’re made in Nusnas village where you can watch them being made from scratch (and even try to paint your own!)
Kids might also enjoy a visit to Santa at Tomteland (Santa World), or my favorite zoo of all times: Orsa Björnpark (Orsa Bear Park) where you’ll find lots of bears – both brown and polar – and other wild animals including huge tigers, wolverines and lynxes. All are treated very respectfully and have very large enclosements where they’re free to roam.
Gorgeous pastry - a budapest roll topped with cream, fruit and berries. Photo: Anne Skoogh
Regardless of the season, I always make sure we have time to get bread and pastries at Helmers Konditori, possibly my favorite coffee shop in Sweden. It’s small and old-fashioned, and their pastries are delicious. Always fresh and well-made, and cheap enough to really splurge. On a recent visit we had these Budapest Roll pastries, topped with whipped cream and berries. Delicious!
