It is part of the Siljan Ring, formed when a meteorite struck about 380 million years ago.
By Hotell Leksand
How was Siljan formed?
According to the County Administrative Board of Dalarna, the meteorite was about four kilometres across. The impact shaped an area that Siljan Geopark describes as Western Europe's largest crater, holding Siljan and several other lakes. The blue hills around the lake are typical of the landscape. Geologists have long studied the area, and it has rock types that people have used in farming, lime burning and early industry.
Siljan Geopark
In 2019 the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) named Siljan Geopark Sweden's first national geopark. It is about 60 kilometres across and is run by the municipalities of Leksand, Mora, Orsa and Rättvik together with the County Administrative Board of Dalarna and Visit Dalarna. Many sites in the geopark are nature reserves with their own rules. In Leksand Municipality, Tällberg and Storheden are among the sites.
Swimming near Leksand
Orsandbaden by Lake Siljan is about 4 minutes by car. In summer it is the easiest way down to the water on a warm day – drive there after breakfast or in the evening when it is quieter.
To the lake on foot
Leksand Church by Lake Siljan is about an 11-minute walk from the hotel. Hildasholm, Axel Munthe's home on the shore of Siljan, is about 12 minutes away. The lake changes with the seasons: ice and snow in winter, light evenings in summer and misty mornings in autumn.
Lake Siljan with Hotell Leksand as your base
The hotel is in central Leksand, so you can reach the lake without a car. Start the day with breakfast in the dining room – it is included in the room and served 07:00–09:00 on weekdays and 08:00–10:00 at weekends. Then take the walk past Leksand Church down towards the water. For the beach, drive to Orsandbaden, about 4 minutes. In the evening the hotel sauna is free for 2–3 people, no booking needed. If you are heading further around the lake, for example to naturum Dalarna in Siljansnäs, plan the trip ahead and check opening hours with the organiser.
Practical tips
- The exhibition In the Meteorite's Tracks is at naturum Dalarna in Siljansnäs.
- The geopark sites are described on siljangeopark.se.
- Follow the rules in the nature reserves.
- Bring swimwear in summer.
Sources: SGU, Länsstyrelsen Dalarna, Siljan Geopark.
