Borlänge
Borlänge is right in the heart of Dalarna, the province north-west of Stockholm. The city is surrounded by countryside rich in forests and lakes – unspoiled nature. In the summer months, you can enjoy the tranquil countryside, and in the winter, why not take advantage of the wonderful cross-country trails and downhill ski runs! Borlänge, with about 48000 inhabitants, is the second biggest town in the region. Borlänge is originally one of several small country villages that based their living on farming. Nowdays there are mainly two big industries: the paper-mill Kvarnsveden and the steel factory SSAB. You can still see the old country villages around Dalarna. In Borlänge 'Bergslagsbyn' is worth a visit, it is protected by law as it is of cultural interest.
Borlänge is also the hometown of the world famous tenor Jussi Björling (1911-1960). A visit to the 'Jussi Björling' museum gives you an opportunity to get to know more about this great man.
There are quite a number of events throughout the year in Borlänge and its surroundings. In september there is usually an evening when the local fire-work factory invite the people to look at the latest creations to the music of several Borlänge orchestras, "Festival Salute". Oktoberfest is a two evening party in the end of September in the center of Borlänge. Here you can mingle with the local people.
In wintertime you can ski in the woods or at Romme Alpin and skate on the lakes nearby. In January/February there are public days on Runn with a lot of people on the ice-covered lake. Check out the track on the lake at:
--> www.runn-is.net
--> http://www.rommealpin.se/
February/March is also when Swedish Rally is held in the forest of Dalarna. Dress warm, prepare something hot to drink and eat, go out to the racing tracks in the forest, find yourself and your friends a place and wait for the cars! Do not miss the Swedish Ski Games at Lugnet, Falun in February!
In April/May the training for the longboat race begins. A longboat consist of 20 oarsmen and women who have to row in perfect harmony and keep up the speed. It is not as easy as it seems! The competitions is held in July on lake Siljan. The training for Team Borlänge is on lake Runn. At midsummer theses longboats is used as in the old days when the people had to cross the lake to get to church on sundays. Today this is honored at midsummer when severel longboats crosses lake Siljan dressed in branches of "björk" and the oarsmen, women dressed like in the old days.
During summer there are possibilities to see the swedish' love for old american cars (love shared by swedish and cubans...!) Cruising in Borlänge and Classic car/Classic Lady in Leksand/Rättvik are held in the month of July. There is a saying in Sweden: When the first motorbike and the first classic car are seen on the roads, well, spring has definately arrived!
If you want some more information about click on => Borlänge.
Picture Gallery - Borlänge
