Lake Siljan is one of Sweden’s most photogenic destinations. The combination of traditional red villages, historic farms, dramatic viewpoints, deep forests, beautiful shorelines and classic Dalarna culture creates endless photography opportunities throughout the year.
As a travel photographer, what I love most about Siljan is the variety. Within a short drive you can photograph sunrise over the lake, traditional Swedish villages, waterfalls, old forests, mountain viewpoints and iconic landmarks such as Rättvik’s Long Pier and Dalhalla.
This guide covers the best photography locations around Lake Siljan, including what to photograph, the best time to visit, sunrise and sunset opportunities, Google Maps links and photography tips.
Best Photo Spots Around Lake Siljan
- Tällberg
- Plintsberg
- Rättvik Long Pier
- Vidablick
- Siljansnäs Nature Reserve & Björkberget
- Gesunda Mountain
- Sollerön
- Laknäs Brygga
- Persborg Brygga
- Limsjön Nature Reserve
- Dalhalla
- Styggforsen Waterfall
- Storstupet & Helvetesfallet
- Fryksås Fäbod
- Nusnäs
- Mora Waterfront
- Orsa Hembygdsgård
- Skinnaråsen
- Söderås Viewpoint
- Ångbåtsbryggan on Sollerön
Tällberg
Tällberg is arguably the most photogenic village around Lake Siljan. Traditional wooden houses, historic hotels, winding roads and elevated views across the lake make it a dream destination for photographers. Visit Dalarna even describes the entire village as a giant photography location because almost every street offers a beautiful composition.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Tällberg+Sweden
What to Photograph
- Traditional red cottages
- Historic hotels
- Siljan viewpoints
- Flower-filled gardens
- Country roads
- Lake views
Best Time
Sunrise and sunset both work well, but sunset often creates the most dramatic light over Lake Siljan.
Plintsberg
Just outside Tällberg, Plintsberg offers one of the best elevated views of Lake Siljan. A short walk leads to a viewpoint overlooking the lake, forests and surrounding villages. It is one of the classic viewpoints highlighted by Visit Dalarna.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Plintsberg+Leksand
Best Photos
- Wide panoramas
- Drone photography
- Sunrise landscapes
- Telephoto lake views
Rättvik Long Pier
The iconic Långbryggan stretches 628 metres into Lake Siljan and is one of the most photographed locations in Dalarna. Leading lines, reflections and beautiful sunset colours make it a must-visit location.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Rättviks+Långbrygga
Best Instagram Spots
- End of the pier
- Side views of the structure
- Reflections at sunrise
- Blue hour photography
Best Time
Sunrise is often quieter while sunset creates spectacular colours across the lake.
Vidablick
Vidablick is one of the classic viewpoints above Rättvik. The panoramic views stretch across Lake Siljan and surrounding forests.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Vidablick+Rättvik
What to Photograph
- Lake Siljan
- Rolling forests
- Autumn colours
- Morning fog
Siljansnäs & Björkberget
The observation tower at Björkberget provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints around Siljan. The elevated perspective allows you to photograph the lake, forests and distant hills. Visit Dalarna highlights the location as one of the region’s most beautiful viewpoints.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Björkberget+Siljansnäs
Best Time
- Sunrise
- Morning fog
- Autumn colour season
Gesundaberget
Gesundaberget offers one of the highest viewpoints around Lake Siljan. The summit provides incredible views across the lake and surrounding forests and is regularly highlighted as one of the area’s best nature experiences.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Gesundaberget
Photography Highlights
- Drone shots
- Sunrise panoramas
- Autumn forests
- Lake Siljan from above
Sollerön
The large island in the middle of Lake Siljan provides unique viewpoints and beautiful rural scenery.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Sollerön
What to Photograph
- Lake landscapes
- Traditional farms
- Country roads
- Churches
- Boat piers
Laknäs Brygga
Laknäs Brygga is one of the best lakeside photography locations near Tällberg. The combination of wooden piers, open water and sunset light creates fantastic compositions.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Laknäs+Brygga
Best Time
Sunset is particularly beautiful, while calm mornings provide excellent reflection photography.
Persborg Brygga
This historic steamship pier is one of the most unique photography spots around Siljan. The distinctive architecture makes it stand out from the surrounding landscape.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Persborg+Brygga
What to Photograph
- Architecture
- Sunset over Siljan
- Reflections
- Long exposures
Limsjön Nature Reserve
Limsjön is one of the best bird photography locations around Siljan. The reserve attracts a large number of migratory birds and provides excellent wildlife opportunities.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Limsjön+Nature+Reserve
Best Subjects
- Bird photography
- Reflections
- Wetlands
- Sunrise mist
Dalhalla
Dalhalla is one of Sweden’s most unique photography locations. The former limestone quarry creates dramatic landscapes unlike anywhere else in the country.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Dalhalla
Best Photos
- Amphitheatre views
- Water reflections
- Drone photography
- Landscape photography
Styggforsen Waterfall
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Dalarna. The 36-metre waterfall is surrounded by lush forest and dramatic geology.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Styggforsen
Photography Tips
- Visit after rain
- Use a tripod
- Bring ND filters
- Photograph during overcast conditions
Storstupet & Helvetesfallet
These dramatic waterfalls near Orsa create some of the most spectacular nature photography opportunities in the region.
Google Maps:
- https://maps.google.com/?q=Storstupet+Orsa
- https://maps.google.com/?q=Helvetesfallet+Orsa
Fryksås Fäbod
One of Sweden’s most beautiful traditional summer pasture villages. The historic buildings and surrounding landscapes provide endless photo opportunities.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Fryksås+Orsa
Best Time
- Summer evenings
- Autumn mornings
- Winter snow scenes
Nusnäs
The home of the iconic Dala Horse is one of the most photogenic cultural attractions in Sweden.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Nusnäs
Skinnaråsen
The viewing tower at Skinnaråsen provides one of the best elevated viewpoints in southern Siljan. Visit Dalarna highlights the panoramic views from the summit.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Skinnaråsen
Söderås Viewpoint
One of the most famous sunset locations around Siljan. Visit Dalarna specifically highlights Söderås as one of the best places to watch the sun set over the lake.
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Söderås+Rättvik
Best Sunrise Photo Spots Around Siljan
- Rättvik Long Pier
- Laknäs Brygga
- Siljansnäs
- Limsjön
- Gesundaberget
- Plintsberg
Best Sunset Photo Spots Around Siljan
- Söderås
- Tällberg
- Laknäs Brygga
- Persborg Brygga
- Gesundaberget
- Rättvik Long Pier
Best Seasons for Photography Around Siljan
Spring
Bird migration at Limsjön, flowering meadows and fresh green landscapes.
Summer
Classic red cottages, boating scenes and long golden evenings.
Autumn
The best season for photographers. Forests around Siljansnäs, Gesunda and Fryksås explode with colour.
Winter
Snow-covered villages, frozen lakes and atmospheric blue-hour photography.
Related Photography Guides
- Best Nature Reserves in Dalarna
- Best Photo Spots in Sweden
- Best Hiking Trails in Sweden for Photography
- About the Author
FAQ
What is the most photographed location around Siljan?
Rättvik Long Pier is probably the most photographed location around Lake Siljan.
Where is the best sunset near Siljan?
Söderås, Tällberg, Laknäs Brygga and Gesundaberget are among the best sunset locations.
Where can I photograph wildlife around Siljan?
Limsjön Nature Reserve is the best bird photography location near the lake.
What is the best viewpoint over Lake Siljan?
Gesundaberget, Björkberget in Siljansnäs, Plintsberg and Vidablick offer the best panoramic views.
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