In English this means "warm land" and this part of Sweden is known for its warm and beautiful summers with long, long evenings and stunning landscape.

It is a wonderful place for a relaxing holiday with children or without. Everywhere you find lakes and rivers where you can swim and you can freely explore beautiful pine forests and rolling hills, on foot or by bike, stopping for coffee and a bite to eat at the little traditional coffee houses or local folk museums ("Hembygdsgard") along the way. Here you can see how people lived here from ancient times and see and buy hand-made crafts.

There are many outdoor activities, summer fairs and music festivals and places to visit. The local tourist office can keep you informed of what's on and where.

Local heritage sites include the homes of author Selma Lagerlof (world famous novelist and Nobel Prize winner) and poet Gustaf Frodin.

There is a bear park at Orsa, 200 kms away, and Father Christmas's summer residence ("Tomten i Halla") at Forshaga. See also the "Family Activities" page.

Here are some links that will tell you more about the area and why more and more people are discovering it: