Apart from being a pretty little town, Rättvik’s main charm is its lovely lake and a very impressive pier that goes way into the lake.
Located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Siljan in Dalarna in Sweden, Rättvik is a popular choice among the locals to spend their summer vacation.
Things To Do In Rättvik
Långbryggan – The Longest pier in Scandinavia
This 628 meter long pier, the longest in Scandinavia, starts just behind the Train Station. The long wooden panels lead out onto Lake Siljan. At several spots on the pier you can take a few steps down, closer to the water. Originally meant for smaller boats to dock it also makes a very nice picnic spot as many locals do. At the end of the pier there’s a generous area with some trees, greenery and a good number of benches to relax.
Take a walk out on the jetty in the sunset and you will have a great time and views! Bring your camera to record the gorgeous views at the end of the pier.
Rättviks Kyrka – Ancient Church
This 13th century church has been enlarged many times and its current shape is from 1793. The beautiful Triumphal Crucifix supposedly made in Germany in the 14th century is still well-preserved in the church. Some other older gems include the medieval frescoes depicting St Olav and St Stephen as also the unique altar piece and pulpit – from the 17th century.
There are 87 church stables around the church – some from the end of the 15th century. These stables were used by the parishioners to house their horses while they attended the church services.
Styggforsen- Waterfall and Nature Reserve
This waterfall and nature reserve are worth visiting. There is a pleasant circular walk to the waterfall (Styggforsen) and the cave, called the troll hole.
The story behind this place is that a prehistoric impact crater was formed 377 million years ago when a meteorite struck the earth’s surface. Some effects of the impact are still visible. You can take a stroll to look at the ‘troll hole’ (cave) at the foot of the waterfall. In addition, there is good signage describing the history both in English and Swedish.
The views of the waterfall and of the exposed rock from the meteoroid strike are quite impressive. It is an easy walking trail with some uneven slopes and a lot of tall trees – a very peaceful place!
Be sure not to miss out on the compact but very charming city center of Rättvik around Storgatan. It has a delightful fountain with three dancing girls and three men playing violins – a symbol of folk music.
If you decide to stay on for a day or two, as we did, try to find a place which gives you a view of the pier, the lake and the occasional train running down the track. Perfect place to put your feet up after a full day of driving and walking, with a glass of wine to watch the lingering sunset over the lake!
Beautiful! And amazing how you tend to get photos with no (or so few) people – like the empty long pier!
amazing photo and view!
I love Dalecarlia and have been to Rättvik. Will go there next month! I hope to walk on the pier then.
What a beautiful spot! Great photography too. Is this within driving distance from an international airport?
Hi Amy! The closest airport is Sälen Airport (also called Scandinavian Mountains Airport) – recently opened – which happens to be in the Dalarna region close to the Norwegian border. This should be a very short driving distance from Rattvik.
Great blog! I love the heartland of Sweden! Most people have never heard of Rattvik or Leksand and these are some of the most amazing places to visit in Sweden.
Absolutely beautiful! Have not heard of Rattvik before but would Love to experience the longest pier!
I went to Sweden on a business trip, and was so surprised with how much I enjoyed this country, and would love to see more of it. That’s an impressive pier, so you can see why Rattvik is such a popular summer destination.
I can see why Rattvik would be a spot that local come for summer vacation. I love that view of the lake and gardens. That fanciful state in the found looks fun. A hotel with a view of the pier sounds perfect.
No wonder this is a popular holiday destination among the Swedes – it looks so serene and beautiful. Especially Sweden’s unspoiled nature is definitely a tourist magnet. To me, Summers in Sweden are always connected with Astrid Lindgren’s book on Saltkrokan – innocent and fun.
Beautiful pictures! Rättvik seems to be a place to unwind for a few days. Especially the lake and the pier look really lovely. I have never seen a church with church stables around – so I would definitely make a detour for that!
I would love the walk on that pier! How interesting that it’s the longest pier in Scandanavia. I’d also enjoy strolling through the nature reserve to see the waterfall and troll hole. Thanks for sharing Raggvik with us!
I’d never heard of Rattvik before (but I have only been to Stockholm for a weekend) but it looks lovely. Anywhere that’s good for locals to visit always feels like it would be a great place to add to your itinerary. And I much prefer the imagery that is conjured up by a ‘troll hole’ to a cave! Pier looks like a lovely walk too.
I never knew about Rattvik before reading your post but it really looks very peaceful place. I would love to walk down along the 628 meter pier which is longest in Scandinavia. Also Rattvik Kyrka looks very impressive and also with a beautiful backdrop of lake and greenery. Even the waterfall formed by meteoroid strike looks beautiful.