The geographical heart of the Swedish region of Dalarna is Lake Siljan, around which lies a bustling area of lakes and hills covered with forests, home to numerous moose, lynxes, wolves, wolverines, and even brown bears.
The ancient villages, reflected in its waters, have remained almost intact and proudly display traditional farms, the fabot, with a square layout, the central part used as a residence and the remaining rooms as stables, haylofts, and warehouses. Magical in Dalarna is also the winter, especially for those who love cross-country skiing: it is here every year that the legendary Vasaloppet is held, the most famous cross-country ski race on the planet, born from one of the most thrilling episodes of Swedish history.
In the winter of 1520, King Gustav Vasa had taken refuge in Dalarna under false pretenses, after escaping the brutality of the Danes who occupied the south of the country. Knowing that the farmers of the region were free spirits, the king sought their collaboration to drive out the enemy.
Arriving in the town of Mora, Gustav Vasa gave a heartfelt speech and presented his plans but failed to move their consciences. Disappointed by their indifference and feeling in danger, the king left, snowshoes on his feet, heading toward the Norwegian border. But fate was kind to him, because soon after, the farmers of Dalarna felt threatened by the Danes and, repentant, set out to find the king.
Their best skiers strapped on their cross-country skis and, without wasting time, after about a hundred kilometers, found him in Salen, close to the Norwegian border, and offered him full support for the liberation struggle, which began in 1523 and ended victoriously. That historic pursuit inspired the Vasaloppet, whose first edition was held in 1922 and still today, every first Sunday in March, sees about 14,000 athletes from around the world compete over the 90 km that separate Salen from Mora.
, an indestructible history, traditions, and culture reign.){kind=link}